Recounting First Day Driving

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<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/AVvXsEgtRhFHGmlWJFgdNPGxbMqGB7DiO10qIS5Cqv8iqU4erUHZd63D_kQzn4CQz8ODNVK0pyFqg3f3apRKKKbi6Hxxg4rtzw3YYrURoxhEtypSZGvi4vVEmaUA5sLQB7mIDtW3QVwYBix80r0/s1600/2375623220_31cc45c51b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRhFHGmlWJFgdNPGxbMqGB7DiO10qIS5Cqv8iqU4erUHZd63D_kQzn4CQz8ODNVK0pyFqg3f3apRKKKbi6Hxxg4rtzw3YYrURoxhEtypSZGvi4vVEmaUA5sLQB7mIDtW3QVwYBix80r0/s400/2375623220_31cc45c51b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready To Drive: Photo of Me with Posh Crash Helmet and Safety Glasses</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />When I woke up on my second day in England, I was gripped by the panic of driving. My hubby was going to work the next day, and I would need to drive for errands, grocery shopping, etc. Grab the horns of that big bull!</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We bought a used SUV for a variety of reasons - I like to drive up high so I can see better; we can shuttle more kids; better for long trips. What we didn't realize was that it would cost $150 to fill the gas tank!!</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">First of all, I don't have the mountains as a marker to indicate which direction I'm driving. On cloudy days, I don't have the sun either. My guess is villages popped up throughout the countryside and spiderweb-like bridal paths connected them. So I find it very difficult to get my bearings. Even my satellite navigation system is often confused or frustrated. But we do our best!</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/AVvXsEiqD_dkxtTXfiofAtUpM-QuTtTIEfamYyyrtjvkrLzFP6PI3-7Z_7i3-NRi40uf039ApKLuKUkM4mh4sg7ZKe4GffDdwtDoNGot4ADreLCIFlp-dnZ1iQbAjd9ohDO5Qa2qD0Rtne3X0JI/s1600/figaro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqD_dkxtTXfiofAtUpM-QuTtTIEfamYyyrtjvkrLzFP6PI3-7Z_7i3-NRi40uf039ApKLuKUkM4mh4sg7ZKe4GffDdwtDoNGot4ADreLCIFlp-dnZ1iQbAjd9ohDO5Qa2qD0Rtne3X0JI/s400/figaro.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's Just Say This Is What I Drive, Because I Wish I Did <br />Nissan Figaro</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Anyhoo, we needed to buy a TV in a town 20 minutes away. This was my first time to drive on the wrong side, or as they say, 'the right side'.  Fortunately our car is automatic, otherwise the stick shift would be in the left hand. I took a deep exhale and we were off ('Mommy, why are you always breathing like that?' referring to my Mommy Exhales).</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So I started the car, and with my right hand I went to put the gear into reverse. But that turned on my wipers. Oops, use left hand for gears. Then I started backing out and realized my turning radius was not so hot, so I jumped the curb and almost hit my neighbor's car. Went into drive and swerved trying to figure out where the heck I was supposed to be.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">'Concern' started to creep in when I had to get on a busy street. Along the way we went through many two lane roundabouts, which were VERY busy. The mere g-force of being in that darn thing made us all yell, and wouldn't you know it, we got spat out at the right place every time. Miraculous! Yet accompanied by 'Don't hit that car/ person/ curb/ motorcycle!'</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjdBRQzt5Hv07WBJsDPd3qVh3shdt68LDEi_mz3iMpUwLptVMvoTFTQ9PDKWif0qRYfn7DEAbbYOtHP6BCy4J2DiVBeU2_4MWq-wH9BHd8GVkGCV-7mapCymKtMz8XUT9pU5BvTOJOrE/s1600/522101006_136625154c.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjdBRQzt5Hv07WBJsDPd3qVh3shdt68LDEi_mz3iMpUwLptVMvoTFTQ9PDKWif0qRYfn7DEAbbYOtHP6BCy4J2DiVBeU2_4MWq-wH9BHd8GVkGCV-7mapCymKtMz8XUT9pU5BvTOJOrE/s400/522101006_136625154c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />At several points, the road turned narrow. Cars were parked along my side, which gave me only half a street to drive on. I straddled the line as cars came the other way, feeling like a game of 'Chicken'. With a long line of cars behind me, I pushed on, practically peeking through hand-covered eyes. Who could bear to watch? I literally thought I was going to throw up. My hubby said my face was flush, I was sweating, and I definitely needed a paper bag for hyperventilation. Skydiving and bungee jumping seemed safer than this.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">And the kids? They kept saying, 'Please let Daddy drive. Please?!'  Poor, sweet things. And my hubby may have sprained a muscle from failed attempts to slam on the brake on the passenger side.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Once we arrived at the parking structure, we all took a Mommy Exhale together. Just like when your roller coaster ride is over and you come to the stop and it is time to get off. You survived.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We bought the TV and my hubby drove us home, to everyone's relief, and I took a huge nap. Neurons were firing that had been dormant for decades. But I have to say driving has been a bit of a snap ever since. Now I can check that big bull off my list : ) Mission accomplished.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Wanting more? See my other posts <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.com/2011/03/happy-dance.html">here</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>XO<br />Laura

Recounting First Day Driving

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK Ready To Drive: Photo of Me with Posh Crash Helmet and Safety Glasses When I woke up on my second day in Englan...

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Garsons Farm - Pick Your Own

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Last weekend we went to Garsons Farm. Spanning over 100 acres, we were able to pick our own fruits and vegetables.</div></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/AVvXsEieO0-9QAHXn-VW0si_mQ2JE4J3XahmK2Rh-82wPMxbRjsT0tgbVIFinePpXEA-M0CPSS9DviuZklwPP81rsZkv7gjfyMIHstlcLMtJFBQQYeNwkLtBFGd6Sw8Zn3jqc7lBjs04tmkgfTQ/s1600/DSC_0429-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieO0-9QAHXn-VW0si_mQ2JE4J3XahmK2Rh-82wPMxbRjsT0tgbVIFinePpXEA-M0CPSS9DviuZklwPP81rsZkv7gjfyMIHstlcLMtJFBQQYeNwkLtBFGd6Sw8Zn3jqc7lBjs04tmkgfTQ/s400/DSC_0429-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raspberries</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />There was a lot to choose from: carrots, spinach, potatoes, cucumbers, squash, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, and much more. Some things I'd never heard of such as mange tout, marrows, courgettes.</div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7en6a_GsyNSKG7AbaNwtZexqNjVxFGIuNxO3ljJCqlYG3ndMcTA5ky0yQrQLtVv-qlFw_HRY3WfgP0tk2ErQInVYKdakiQ7Z3fkFxsVkIGJCcv11uaWVc_6w7eyOaq54ECpbtflmPl0/s1600/DSC_0430-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7en6a_GsyNSKG7AbaNwtZexqNjVxFGIuNxO3ljJCqlYG3ndMcTA5ky0yQrQLtVv-qlFw_HRY3WfgP0tk2ErQInVYKdakiQ7Z3fkFxsVkIGJCcv11uaWVc_6w7eyOaq54ECpbtflmPl0/s400/DSC_0430-1.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Cherry trees were under the netting. I've never seen such beautiful cherries.</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/AVvXsEg_l1tPItz_M9TQ9Ym8P03I_9-AbyS0GHUy-8Lxtb_NZNAY0JLEJm243BZsoY_kocVzu6uQ9Qj0OzzP95wBDDESfgvDn57W3GBq1zm5qZCWMorRcWZepmAcyYpWkRHRYISyx5EnFPJblJo/s1600/DSC_0435-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_l1tPItz_M9TQ9Ym8P03I_9-AbyS0GHUy-8Lxtb_NZNAY0JLEJm243BZsoY_kocVzu6uQ9Qj0OzzP95wBDDESfgvDn57W3GBq1zm5qZCWMorRcWZepmAcyYpWkRHRYISyx5EnFPJblJo/s400/DSC_0435-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beautiful strawberries too</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/AVvXsEgEdQwXCT4XXddQHoO_jpTxiJc-u4VHX8BreJ-jonltigaHovXDtlwx4OHsQ6kaueCO678aGMNnv3jYFDmTqtOfhpNwfgqllsAACNxZKbFGI_AZ0Ahn0x0budMB_fY158scMUy0FT5e23o/s1600/DSC_0456-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEdQwXCT4XXddQHoO_jpTxiJc-u4VHX8BreJ-jonltigaHovXDtlwx4OHsQ6kaueCO678aGMNnv3jYFDmTqtOfhpNwfgqllsAACNxZKbFGI_AZ0Ahn0x0budMB_fY158scMUy0FT5e23o/s400/DSC_0456-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">It will take at least a week to eat all we picked. The kids (and I) had a hard time not over-picking because it was so fun!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="http://www.garsons.co.uk/Esher/PickYourOwn/">here</a> for Garsons website<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">[You're Invited! If you enjoyed this post, please consider following me: www.HappyHomemakerUK.blogspot.com ]</div><br />XO<br />Laura

Garsons Farm - Pick Your Own

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK Last weekend we went to Garsons Farm. Spanning over 100 acres, we were able to pick our own fruits and vegetabl...

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Not Your Typical Move, Part II

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">First, I want to say thank you for all the comments I've gotten on my posts. It encourages me to keep writing and I love hearing from you!</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So, I am sitting in my kitchen, drinking a cup of tea while my kids sleep in. Love that! So here we go with my story worth writing...</div><br />[The Move]<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So our container arrived an hour before the movers. The container guy was not so pleased, but fortunately I took my mother-in-law's advice and had tea and biscuits out and ready for the movers. That seemed to please him.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Once the movers came, they had trouble getting the container unlocked, but were successful after a half hour. The crew of two were able to unload our boxes and furniture in two days while taking many many breaks for tea (I did all the unpacking). All of this was relatively uneventful.</div><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/AVvXsEjaMA820hVDmxsvVSRxLEr6dR4tOAlxs9Y8dr4fA1EcWqI5dR2ZPGSGTs3IF5jdcsyH4l7rK-b01kEnleLZrP1NfZfliWG9-AFQfcjBMzIRTBrvgmLUb4MVTKi1LG3Cj32xVsliK25v310/s1600/DSC_0399-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMA820hVDmxsvVSRxLEr6dR4tOAlxs9Y8dr4fA1EcWqI5dR2ZPGSGTs3IF5jdcsyH4l7rK-b01kEnleLZrP1NfZfliWG9-AFQfcjBMzIRTBrvgmLUb4MVTKi1LG3Cj32xVsliK25v310/s400/DSC_0399-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wilson Gets Cozy In Linen Pile</td></tr></tbody></table><br />[The Movers!]<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Okay, but here's the unusual part. So what would you have done? Turns out the movers lived 4 hours away and were with a traveling moving company. They move people all over the UK, so they sleep in their moving truck. My neighbor said she would offer them a spare room if she had one. So, yikes! Am I supposed to offer mine?! So now the movers are sleeping in the room next door? Awkward! I don't remember seeing the protocol in my London guide book on this one.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We did not offer our spare room - just too creepy. But they did use the 'loo' and the shower. They didn't have a smaller car to drive in, so we brought them dinner and the cigarettes they asked for. They seemed mildly grateful for my hospitality (fed them 3 meals), but I got the feeling I'd done less than most. Needless to say, we didn't tip them.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Good news is we got everything in perfect condition and a colorful story to tell throughout the years!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>XO<br />Laura

Not Your Typical Move, Part II

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK First, I want to say thank you for all the comments I've gotten on my posts. It encourages me to keep writi...

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Art attack

Firstly I wanted to thank everyone for your get-well wishes - you guys are so sweet. I'm feeling much better today, and I'm sure those couple of lazy days doing absolutely nothing have helped no end. So while I've quite enjoyed kicking back, watching dvds and catching up on reading, I do find it quite frustrating not to be working on my cabinet makeover - especially when it's sitting right in front of me! That's been set aside for when I can muster the energy, so in the meantime my thoughts have turned to painting.<br /><br />When it comes to my art, I probably have enough ideas to last a lifetime. This week has been great for giving me time to plan, refocus and potter around my studio - I've cleaned and tidied my desk (which was no mean feat!), finished a couple of orders, and started to pull together some bits and pieces for my next piece. I've also organised to frame this work my youngest daughter did at school recently:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfY2Ad9cJAlBNnUxxyUps-S0vx63DBCTzn8pprcPuUNblgg6D2V1znwSme9LfVY4-f8Ktzm2RMFskMIDZydH1wF4-QB4x4A6RpYTH3CH_xmkQLF4M9GmgNGYl7vDkwQKew9_9tPJAGAWQ/s1600/DSC03497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfY2Ad9cJAlBNnUxxyUps-S0vx63DBCTzn8pprcPuUNblgg6D2V1znwSme9LfVY4-f8Ktzm2RMFskMIDZydH1wF4-QB4x4A6RpYTH3CH_xmkQLF4M9GmgNGYl7vDkwQKew9_9tPJAGAWQ/s400/DSC03497.JPG" width="393" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />I love it, and the fact that she designed the whole thing herself is pretty impressive I think. Once it's framed, I'll hang it in my studio, alongside some other masterpieces by my older two.<br /><br />Right, now that I've spent most of this post bragging, I'll show you a few of the things I'll be using in some of my own works. I'm always on the lookout for really diverse bits and pieces, and my plan is to incorporate them into some mixed-media works that will soon be for sale. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7Pofy9_SguQsCxt3VSqUqP7M-rLH4tSq_LPKgyKU2i3ULTZrbFXlrAZV6b24lA0CTQ_CcaXBUl2V7iVjd8TBROBwekcvdsdJNBsxKAYd5Z72WqX3bA28tD1WaLU80IF1fVMdfZk1dqk/s1600/DSC03516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7Pofy9_SguQsCxt3VSqUqP7M-rLH4tSq_LPKgyKU2i3ULTZrbFXlrAZV6b24lA0CTQ_CcaXBUl2V7iVjd8TBROBwekcvdsdJNBsxKAYd5Z72WqX3bA28tD1WaLU80IF1fVMdfZk1dqk/s400/DSC03516.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Japanese paper, wood blocks, hand-made parchment, jute twine...mmm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6iQpQi5-LKP93364EEkNXeoFdzcG9UKAf4icppMmrtLPTTcnuYc6k2AkpO5lOU4K02PMJIDHsUesjeUrou0yWywVG14xiCnAGiTy1-SrO9nGj88Sdkr22lfDsTFAI3OdoEfcgd7465U/s1600/DSC03498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6iQpQi5-LKP93364EEkNXeoFdzcG9UKAf4icppMmrtLPTTcnuYc6k2AkpO5lOU4K02PMJIDHsUesjeUrou0yWywVG14xiCnAGiTy1-SrO9nGj88Sdkr22lfDsTFAI3OdoEfcgd7465U/s400/DSC03498.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm really keen to get started, so I'll catch you all soon!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>

Art attack

Firstly I wanted to thank everyone for your get-well wishes - you guys are so sweet. I'm feeling much better today, and I'm sure tho...

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Not Your Typical Move, Part I

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br />[PRELUDE TO A MOVE]<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We had prepared for almost a year for our move abroad, yet it still didn't seem like enough time. Many details needed to be taken care of at the last minute, such as utilities in the US and in the UK.  As my also-moving-to-UK-friend stated, 'It is a tsunami of details'.Well said, girlfriend! Thank goodness for the internet and faxes, for those international phone calls would have cost a fortune.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Our last day in the US involved me with my home phone on one ear (I was on hold), talking on the cell phone on the other ear, and working the computer at the same time. Meanwhile, my husband was doing the same thing next to me. It was madness. I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown, and it was the perfect 'I Love Lucy' episode. And with teary eyes, we said goodbye to the US and our beloved friends.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">And so the local movers packed us up in 2 1/2 days and put everything in a big container like you see on the back of a semi truck. The container was then put on a train to go to port in Houston, Texas to be shipped to our new house in the UK. And magically it appeared on our doorstep last week, almost exactly a month later : )</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAI5qbQI5ovM4VRJtWeakfygUMGFpA28EjWay8XajiXFctcHdHaPbFLW7vxFUr8buR9BcgbzQAnFPrehyphenhyphen87edpX4norSFo0tngXu3v9shZwx_SmiecpPr8XSQvf4EEJtlALl-bmC0PbzU/s1600/DSC_0388-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAI5qbQI5ovM4VRJtWeakfygUMGFpA28EjWay8XajiXFctcHdHaPbFLW7vxFUr8buR9BcgbzQAnFPrehyphenhyphen87edpX4norSFo0tngXu3v9shZwx_SmiecpPr8XSQvf4EEJtlALl-bmC0PbzU/s400/DSC_0388-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">First sneak peek of our block! Londoners call our area 'leafy'. I like that. It was the first day of rain the whole week, but I didn't mind. I was so excited to get 'situated'. Will write more tomorrow...</div><br />XO<br />Laura

Not Your Typical Move, Part I

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK [PRELUDE TO A MOVE] We had prepared for almost a year for our move abroad, yet it still didn't seem like en...

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I'd rather be here today...

...because I'm under the weather with a lingering flu bug. Of course, the chances of me spending the day in bed are next to none, but hey, I can dream can't I?<br /><br />So my lovelies, I'm thinking a lazy day is just what the doctor ordered, and I might use the time to catch up on some reading as well.  <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9srVJEQh82726kJ8lM1XdwQe_yDO2Gro5keZIQ3d4MC1ssePfJMiWY22DIsw_3_zxV6u-T733UFeND47Bdd51JO1t1KlIz7GS6fJbqmRzUnEF80BuTTB5pcXW5He6Ek5ZKNlfK-GTds/s1600/lazybones.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9srVJEQh82726kJ8lM1XdwQe_yDO2Gro5keZIQ3d4MC1ssePfJMiWY22DIsw_3_zxV6u-T733UFeND47Bdd51JO1t1KlIz7GS6fJbqmRzUnEF80BuTTB5pcXW5He6Ek5ZKNlfK-GTds/s640/lazybones.png" width="468" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo courtesy <a href="http://lazybones.com.au/">lazybones.com.au</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now that I think about it, my day is sounding pretty good right about now! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Catch you all soon,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>

I'd rather be here today...

...because I'm under the weather with a lingering flu bug. Of course, the chances of me spending the day in bed are next to none, but he...

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Four Cool Things About Living In England, So Far

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">[LETTER CARRIER BY BIKE] His name is Mark, and he seems to be a nice introvert who was surprised when I chased him down to introduce myself. You may not know this, but my dream job is to be a letter carrier, by bike even better. Seriously : )</div><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/AVvXsEjScjrpqzCUxN9Fc5Pg0AKiyhYYYi5qXVmbx57Ch1LQF365xVHdvRxTn7alQONm1lEVlZvWEAfvedQSWdV2PDshjYYa0GP6inb-idK-jP46W2Wo7IC2mJbz-l7mkAuC1c-7sV_FCn7e1zM/s1600/post+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScjrpqzCUxN9Fc5Pg0AKiyhYYYi5qXVmbx57Ch1LQF365xVHdvRxTn7alQONm1lEVlZvWEAfvedQSWdV2PDshjYYa0GP6inb-idK-jP46W2Wo7IC2mJbz-l7mkAuC1c-7sV_FCn7e1zM/s400/post+bike.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">[HOUSE KEYS] We have a different church key for each exterior door, of which there are many. I hope we don't lose any of them!</div><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/AVvXsEjhFOS1gZcX0ixwpaantCsnnJSI-sXwjmcC_kVnNzn1tqQKvj9guBgXonwEh7MJhU1tLwLixpgTxclzOUdintCE6aht0Tkgy-Q9KrAPPypkkM4oErsDJ4e7ImwoT7hLmqP4SQ1MtuBZIOI/s1600/DSC_0381-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFOS1gZcX0ixwpaantCsnnJSI-sXwjmcC_kVnNzn1tqQKvj9guBgXonwEh7MJhU1tLwLixpgTxclzOUdintCE6aht0Tkgy-Q9KrAPPypkkM4oErsDJ4e7ImwoT7hLmqP4SQ1MtuBZIOI/s400/DSC_0381-2.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">[HYDRANGEAS] These hydrangeas are outside my back door. We can't grow this variety in Colorado, which makes them more special here. They are many in the neighborhood.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdRNhPHB90zx7EPtkhzBc4Ixu37qS4l6reVsNlFbcIaVA6v1QQdvbCyH6AiRVYpWAhdgvVFLsvdo0V4L15nOws4J-Fomg1Zq1w6_7VCpkSEcYkxJb4qKwy9g0llKWv4Cm1FKsLqfQR5c/s1600/DSC_0382-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdRNhPHB90zx7EPtkhzBc4Ixu37qS4l6reVsNlFbcIaVA6v1QQdvbCyH6AiRVYpWAhdgvVFLsvdo0V4L15nOws4J-Fomg1Zq1w6_7VCpkSEcYkxJb4qKwy9g0llKWv4Cm1FKsLqfQR5c/s400/DSC_0382-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">[LIBRARY CARDS] Each of us chose our own design. I wanted the pig and elephant one, but it was reserved for kids. I'm glad Little G chose it.</div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6LKm1RSCIzBr3TuBcqWJ_QPoppd6iQ_FgQ5Y1pJH2Uw3MPLMjQshYx0THNqchYgZ4V9ig7r2pWFCf_Ya79_gZVYrwpu54ieyWZcteN_rAjZlJxGT21EKUQxxjv6Z_NuspHMSgRZeE0k/s1600/DSC_0384-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6LKm1RSCIzBr3TuBcqWJ_QPoppd6iQ_FgQ5Y1pJH2Uw3MPLMjQshYx0THNqchYgZ4V9ig7r2pWFCf_Ya79_gZVYrwpu54ieyWZcteN_rAjZlJxGT21EKUQxxjv6Z_NuspHMSgRZeE0k/s400/DSC_0384-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Our container of furnishings arrives tomorrow! Happy day!<br /><br />XO<br />Laura

Four Cool Things About Living In England, So Far

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK [LETTER CARRIER BY BIKE] His name is Mark, and he seems to be a nice introvert who was surprised when I chased ...

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How excitement!

Just a quick visit to blogland this morning - I have a big day ahead! This morning, I'm catching up with an old friend I haven't seen for ages (Hi Susan!) and she's popping in to have a look at my <a href="http://driftwood-interiors.blogspot.com/2010/05/my-big-planthe-kitchen-makeover-at-last.html">newly painted kitchen</a>. I'm really looking forward to it, and thought you might like to see what I whipped up this morning:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SDJqSbHQcP2TIshu9tm8SfZrZ-kmUPZUX5eVWLa-Zpouyu_T7H3TsFq2Tz1C8LB9l3eZVZPHCMZbYhzg_1nl1366jOgLmhYdZDvtCa-hhYXAXxrU3D6Kg-qHKzTIn-YlXnNBtYieB1w/s1600/tea+via+whats+cooking+america+com+HighTeaLemonCookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SDJqSbHQcP2TIshu9tm8SfZrZ-kmUPZUX5eVWLa-Zpouyu_T7H3TsFq2Tz1C8LB9l3eZVZPHCMZbYhzg_1nl1366jOgLmhYdZDvtCa-hhYXAXxrU3D6Kg-qHKzTIn-YlXnNBtYieB1w/s640/tea+via+whats+cooking+america+com+HighTeaLemonCookies.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://whatscookingamerica.com/">source </a></span></div><br /><div style="color: black; text-align: center;">Domestic goddess - you betcha!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then, later today, I'm going to head off to meet someone many of you will already know: the creator of this</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPFKZUipy00N6R__3ntBIkBfWbg85Y_AzIHz5AFFpe5Nv7xHvY4DemwxWDtlLCr4UWuYnIuNUz5HZPxV2duMlVSoWtUnAG8XR54ef1zcOMZDSmNp_pg_eY7jczmJczbHetgloliX6_90/s1600/tranquil+townhouse+juju+on+wall3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPFKZUipy00N6R__3ntBIkBfWbg85Y_AzIHz5AFFpe5Nv7xHvY4DemwxWDtlLCr4UWuYnIuNUz5HZPxV2duMlVSoWtUnAG8XR54ef1zcOMZDSmNp_pg_eY7jczmJczbHetgloliX6_90/s400/tranquil+townhouse+juju+on+wall3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> and this..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuexmaXGNcl7wIUVR9gbUPeL9eSFIE-NZDUb7iOCMPXzUSf8g0QFidD7qumuZLghUBkiCiQH3Z8M2kZfrIO4PZ3IIsDiH1q2sPs2D8G0s0YbKmyEBhYJ1Amob-5xpLn0YF95qal0PcsNw/s1600/tranquil+townhouse+crochet+squares+sample.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuexmaXGNcl7wIUVR9gbUPeL9eSFIE-NZDUb7iOCMPXzUSf8g0QFidD7qumuZLghUBkiCiQH3Z8M2kZfrIO4PZ3IIsDiH1q2sPs2D8G0s0YbKmyEBhYJ1Amob-5xpLn0YF95qal0PcsNw/s640/tranquil+townhouse+crochet+squares+sample.jpg" width="481" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yep, that's right - I'm catching up with my namesake <span style="color: magenta;">Kerry</span>...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXP7ArtH6g1Pds0MTWjRAc72B2bATp0fAHQd4TJ_sGCW4HtYxPcKLwJ1E6p6sXrLGTKucvhGHQ8R9CV4vzZGEfXrJ44pvK5-TsT_LoddMCOEo8YgytPSYsPptRa6n2B0eTcuP8iasGisQ/s1600/tranquilbanner1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXP7ArtH6g1Pds0MTWjRAc72B2bATp0fAHQd4TJ_sGCW4HtYxPcKLwJ1E6p6sXrLGTKucvhGHQ8R9CV4vzZGEfXrJ44pvK5-TsT_LoddMCOEo8YgytPSYsPptRa6n2B0eTcuP8iasGisQ/s640/tranquilbanner1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">...from <a href="http://tranquiltownhouse.blogspot.com/">A Tranquil Townhouse</a>! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">How excitement! So, if you're in Brissie today, and you happen to see two crazy women talking ten to the dozen in your local coffee shop, it will probably be us! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope you have a great day too, and I really wish you could all join us. Maybe there needs to be some discussion of a future bloggers' convention......? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

How excitement!

Just a quick visit to blogland this morning - I have a big day ahead! This morning, I'm catching up with an old friend I haven't see...

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The Chaos Theory

Those who know me well also know that I can be <strike>hugely</strike> a little on the messy side, especially when I'm working on a new painting. And to make matters worse, after a while, I find it impossible to ignore the chaos. That's exactly what's happened this week. I've had quite a few ideas for new artwork, but I just can't manage to get going on it when my studio looks like it's been ransacked. So yesterday, I spent a few hours tidying up, and while I still have a few things to take care of (like organising my tax return paperwork - argh!) it's looking much better, and already I'm feeling clearer and more focused. While I'm honest enough to realise I'll never be capable of keeping a fastidiously tidy studio, it doesn't stop me from being smitten when I spy lovely examples of serene (and tidy!) work spaces. And if said workspace happens to overlook a stunning garden (and maybe a pool?) then who am I to argue?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></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/AVvXsEh4YIYwSPSixqPomCB1Fb_NwkJLV9dyBdjsKoe-g-Fnte9-mn9uWmg3xLf9FkGPyeGlqgtbPIc3XLCcn8d95-RlSoEvaien2TnljNw_r1trfSUU3MtJqEuepTv7gU-59ZJ9HZmcNdxhnVo/s1600/poolhouse+studio+maggie+tabberer+barn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="617" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YIYwSPSixqPomCB1Fb_NwkJLV9dyBdjsKoe-g-Fnte9-mn9uWmg3xLf9FkGPyeGlqgtbPIc3XLCcn8d95-RlSoEvaien2TnljNw_r1trfSUU3MtJqEuepTv7gU-59ZJ9HZmcNdxhnVo/s640/poolhouse+studio+maggie+tabberer+barn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Maggie Tabberer's barn in the Southern Highlands</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51LBJM31QPxq3IrkCf7AAs2jD3PYZnWwwHg-U800IAJqDlcfYMpclrGb0coQ_ueFgHbDVlGCz7q4OQFjkweTl9GQ6HG4XkUnnGf2sxFjiIp3guuGJRVOmX5pLTMYKndVGHUQSybmcFH4/s1600/poolhouse+studio+bellevue+st+avalon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51LBJM31QPxq3IrkCf7AAs2jD3PYZnWwwHg-U800IAJqDlcfYMpclrGb0coQ_ueFgHbDVlGCz7q4OQFjkweTl9GQ6HG4XkUnnGf2sxFjiIp3guuGJRVOmX5pLTMYKndVGHUQSybmcFH4/s640/poolhouse+studio+bellevue+st+avalon1.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Avalon stunner via <a href="http://realestate.com.au/">realestate.com.au</a></span></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/AVvXsEhnO3DAfzE90VGWgLF5ko9I9BrpP81W08-bW4T7cuIS1Q9Dj8w_yngPFmxl4yGDbr1EWnpUNWoXvjIM57HPZxyRf1qHGKGRiTwbypjCwvWV9ceXj1xZ1efrcdfOQrlUwGpBrKFtYA9lRbw/s1600/poolhouse+studio+carithers_exterior_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnO3DAfzE90VGWgLF5ko9I9BrpP81W08-bW4T7cuIS1Q9Dj8w_yngPFmxl4yGDbr1EWnpUNWoXvjIM57HPZxyRf1qHGKGRiTwbypjCwvWV9ceXj1xZ1efrcdfOQrlUwGpBrKFtYA9lRbw/s640/poolhouse+studio+carithers_exterior_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">source</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">unknown</span></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/AVvXsEi-lT16tiEP_iDWnlCeNvl1XXuMNTjCvgJuWqRohceHWQcs0qQLEueGcrgOhDHQGR0Jvj1AzvMAMWfByQ05tzeFvt6YWzcWbYm98ZQ2fn4djoYQZt_oVGE53RU85aoJR07ts69EW3Hjysw/s1600/poolhouse+studio+carithers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lT16tiEP_iDWnlCeNvl1XXuMNTjCvgJuWqRohceHWQcs0qQLEueGcrgOhDHQGR0Jvj1AzvMAMWfByQ05tzeFvt6YWzcWbYm98ZQ2fn4djoYQZt_oVGE53RU85aoJR07ts69EW3Hjysw/s640/poolhouse+studio+carithers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">source</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">unknown</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Would it be too greedy to want this next one just a little bigger? Probably, but hey, this is my fantasy studio, so I'm going to upsize my order.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxNCxZI_TO1YTPmysysOQp3HwaefcXlghPVxgyq9scfmhyBTGP6_qdSAMuvZVyQweTw6WLriJZPL1NqaqFqAo4OlP7NY7jlfrhwRcm6bNyR3U5Tli9fmKPz8toOSqm8bV9hBe56BHeTQ/s1600/poolhouse+studio+via+traditional+home+dormitorio+de+invitados+junto+a+la+piscina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxNCxZI_TO1YTPmysysOQp3HwaefcXlghPVxgyq9scfmhyBTGP6_qdSAMuvZVyQweTw6WLriJZPL1NqaqFqAo4OlP7NY7jlfrhwRcm6bNyR3U5Tli9fmKPz8toOSqm8bV9hBe56BHeTQ/s640/poolhouse+studio+via+traditional+home+dormitorio+de+invitados+junto+a+la+piscina.jpg" width="483" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://traditionalhome.com/">traditionalhome.com</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsJ_epZ5OBbTglGR-AxGkNUGcMwHy7X-Lqd159tTmVJya4cXWYk5mjErHFOV9omvCpPfURKJdnELT5tf1XrA5soTQDEExErRZNre3XxK4OhZ4QDKX4B-f6tyBkYblRYErryJUo03BYE0/s1600/poolhouse+studio+chester_6673via+canadian+house+and+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsJ_epZ5OBbTglGR-AxGkNUGcMwHy7X-Lqd159tTmVJya4cXWYk5mjErHFOV9omvCpPfURKJdnELT5tf1XrA5soTQDEExErRZNre3XxK4OhZ4QDKX4B-f6tyBkYblRYErryJUo03BYE0/s640/poolhouse+studio+chester_6673via+canadian+house+and+home.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://canadianhouseandhome.com/">canadianhouseandhome.com</a></span></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/AVvXsEj7ZufGkJ5S2eNSFv81I6q6M0264oV7x_LAJQsEQntURccHUBRvM5pBmr8XJqUOfxhulstw2a0qpM6JvqZsSxgTAYU_GMToDNZjb2VuVJaZm2LEbB39kNaUIdUrc49o_xr-vcqjXQEY7Es/s1600/poolhouse+studio+via+verandah+house+blogspot+com+Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZufGkJ5S2eNSFv81I6q6M0264oV7x_LAJQsEQntURccHUBRvM5pBmr8XJqUOfxhulstw2a0qpM6JvqZsSxgTAYU_GMToDNZjb2VuVJaZm2LEbB39kNaUIdUrc49o_xr-vcqjXQEY7Es/s640/poolhouse+studio+via+verandah+house+blogspot+com+Picture+1.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://verandahhouse.blogspot.com/">via verandah house </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Inspired yet? I am!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ok, back to work for me. Have a great day everyone,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

The Chaos Theory

Those who know me well also know that I can be hugely a little on the messy side, especially when I'm working on a new painting. And to...

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UK Tidbit: Water Butts

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">While reading a brochure from our water company, I was intrigued by how I could save water by using my 'water butt'. At first I was wondering if I should be offended, but then decided to delve a little further. It is a barrel to store water at the end of a gutter. Here are some photos to clarify:</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This is a 'slim' water butt</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPnIb2SBb-JPcJNWP23dp7rzaZFbIiR9HFhClqMcri7H_K1OUUjzAodB6JP2BscmTuTuMZc1ly7YLNzZrV14dHrdvMPyEY6O1V634vronAOcVLFwOhGBlHKQYi1Mig9WcZUPC-0g1THI/s1600/SLPO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPnIb2SBb-JPcJNWP23dp7rzaZFbIiR9HFhClqMcri7H_K1OUUjzAodB6JP2BscmTuTuMZc1ly7YLNzZrV14dHrdvMPyEY6O1V634vronAOcVLFwOhGBlHKQYi1Mig9WcZUPC-0g1THI/s400/SLPO.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My favorite, the 'ROBUST' water butt</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/AVvXsEhyE1cIup87GRsQ1Oqcn22dAMlEqTPWRJSpyWphl7vnhlmnVJnm3Nzpzf-Ej7Mk2vcfg9eHZqWJddQtqAsKyxwYoZco4ROYuMOht3y3PRHV-MOFxi7_zKHnOI2Wo6kUvmghM54qUie_f30/s1600/bigking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyE1cIup87GRsQ1Oqcn22dAMlEqTPWRJSpyWphl7vnhlmnVJnm3Nzpzf-Ej7Mk2vcfg9eHZqWJddQtqAsKyxwYoZco4ROYuMOht3y3PRHV-MOFxi7_zKHnOI2Wo6kUvmghM54qUie_f30/s400/bigking.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />And the prettiest water butt</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/AVvXsEhvVxkVD5xiySqv1rPxxcVbzLMgEt_WUhBFFl_y4NSePVSnGUREXscFQHLgocVlVRO066pJDGzB4lTrirF1jaNF45jrhWWLzDAp7R4o-pK5QrfyImpGxYVp2aLzdwU0menMtL5HUHTC7G0/s1600/cascata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVxkVD5xiySqv1rPxxcVbzLMgEt_WUhBFFl_y4NSePVSnGUREXscFQHLgocVlVRO066pJDGzB4lTrirF1jaNF45jrhWWLzDAp7R4o-pK5QrfyImpGxYVp2aLzdwU0menMtL5HUHTC7G0/s400/cascata.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">[You're Invited! If you enjoyed this post, please consider following me: www.HappyHomemakerUK.blogspot.com ]</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>XO<br />Laura

UK Tidbit: Water Butts

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK While reading a brochure from our water company, I was intrigued by how I could save water by using my 'wat...

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Virginia Macdonald Photography

Over the weekend, I managed to stumble upon the work of Virginia Macdonald. This Toronto-based photographer is seriously talented, and her portfolio is full to the brim with beautiful images. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrgWtGbQYd1LH42KRxROcIVwckqkXd-A9hBzO6q3IHTCo4VbfGkgxH0f9yuT5Z5SF4zMh2s_EczuVMSpgm_cpd8vOnQ1PnuY4Bt8U4sIklMsJAX-9vn4dOGYQYsU6a7lWXxiVcVnVRoc/s1600/virginia+macdonald2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrgWtGbQYd1LH42KRxROcIVwckqkXd-A9hBzO6q3IHTCo4VbfGkgxH0f9yuT5Z5SF4zMh2s_EczuVMSpgm_cpd8vOnQ1PnuY4Bt8U4sIklMsJAX-9vn4dOGYQYsU6a7lWXxiVcVnVRoc/s640/virginia+macdonald2.png" width="468" /></a></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/AVvXsEhiIJ1ZHP3cV8qsW_f52eX2FHNqO_sL48efoHWXcnl-QOvFj9_3s4ehH1aaCJHU2HLjVFKJlAns1CozPy2OiahZt3VaND7cOpGQUKSumqgGeLBGfdSOBWV8Pw7_kXn4ALMAZqEpuUiUaVA/s1600/virginia+macdonald1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIJ1ZHP3cV8qsW_f52eX2FHNqO_sL48efoHWXcnl-QOvFj9_3s4ehH1aaCJHU2HLjVFKJlAns1CozPy2OiahZt3VaND7cOpGQUKSumqgGeLBGfdSOBWV8Pw7_kXn4ALMAZqEpuUiUaVA/s640/virginia+macdonald1.png" width="444" /></a></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/AVvXsEhhqShdAeuiDM6hGOrjiXgHHZkVPtOyoaZPdmxpzOIGywFClZXOlWSqCGWVUvZeniH3XGQDXg5cMgmqfRxozTN0thLsTHNXxorBwmRtt0L18gX6O7TGT25YQ476NfT5h9UJ6awCBtukJdA/s1600/virginia+macdonald4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqShdAeuiDM6hGOrjiXgHHZkVPtOyoaZPdmxpzOIGywFClZXOlWSqCGWVUvZeniH3XGQDXg5cMgmqfRxozTN0thLsTHNXxorBwmRtt0L18gX6O7TGT25YQ476NfT5h9UJ6awCBtukJdA/s640/virginia+macdonald4.png" width="492" /></a></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/AVvXsEhvhbFQi8Hq3Ab-UjsEYzIWVtHSkgxRl383SGfjl9EHkQ7Oz0LCV-E7NSpc5HQb_yF9OAuExjjH6uddRUWSxX7dwni-aaElDUdlbnyEX1s45-mhLpx4es8Od9DCYncgvVtysoh5H1zsrq4/s1600/virginia+macdonald3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhbFQi8Hq3Ab-UjsEYzIWVtHSkgxRl383SGfjl9EHkQ7Oz0LCV-E7NSpc5HQb_yF9OAuExjjH6uddRUWSxX7dwni-aaElDUdlbnyEX1s45-mhLpx4es8Od9DCYncgvVtysoh5H1zsrq4/s640/virginia+macdonald3.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Gorgeous, no? And you have to check out her <a href="http://virginiamacdonald.com/">website</a>. It's totally worth it for all the stunning pics, but the topper is her bio - priceless! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Btw, not much progress was made on my <a href="http://driftwood-interiors.blogspot.com/2010/07/ive-made-my-decision.html">cabinet</a> - sport on Saturday and a netball carnival all day Sunday. It's definitely on the list for today though, so I'll keep you posted.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy Tuesday,</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>

Virginia Macdonald Photography

Over the weekend, I managed to stumble upon the work of Virginia Macdonald. This Toronto-based photographer is seriously talented, and her p...

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We're Off!

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Our bags are packed</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Zkx9Bfe3-MWb3Y-HPdR3NtNTibrNSAVuMtdbHSjuDDHUd613HaD-0CVhnMK_Al3tW6_ipp2Ug1eroxTqtcheA2kwJ6oiYARfEVcr362U3Geigv_o15FBjG80kwHE6L-2Y7OJ24Gup3c/s1600/vintage-fan1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Zkx9Bfe3-MWb3Y-HPdR3NtNTibrNSAVuMtdbHSjuDDHUd613HaD-0CVhnMK_Al3tW6_ipp2Ug1eroxTqtcheA2kwJ6oiYARfEVcr362U3Geigv_o15FBjG80kwHE6L-2Y7OJ24Gup3c/s400/vintage-fan1.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and I can finally say we are moving to England today!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am hoping this is the car my husband will pick us up in ; )</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5B53EJ3Oh7WyxQChCS6oqZqwwYsWdwpMSmRyE-QAXvSW2NxaKmj0tZ8B97USd2eJYO_C-bTArNteHqlKm-aTgz5GfDyWUjO6CGDRgiRIZPPWWSBJVbsTF3DVRwqxxkDTqr7n_nZjToQ/s1600/marimekko-car-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5B53EJ3Oh7WyxQChCS6oqZqwwYsWdwpMSmRyE-QAXvSW2NxaKmj0tZ8B97USd2eJYO_C-bTArNteHqlKm-aTgz5GfDyWUjO6CGDRgiRIZPPWWSBJVbsTF3DVRwqxxkDTqr7n_nZjToQ/s400/marimekko-car-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />XO<br />Laura

We're Off!

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK Our bags are packed and I can finally say we are moving to England today! I am hoping this is the car my husban...

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I've made my decision.........

Thanks to the gorgeous Maria over at <a href="http://dreamywhites.blogspot.com/">Dreamy Whites</a>, I've made my decision on what to do with this old <a href="http://driftwood-interiors.blogspot.com/2010/06/cabinet-of-curiosities.html">cabinet</a>: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguYrG_79rMdfHcqeBgw9gTesixTJiXyG9vAl0cpcCp8txyeZoWn_pDD46qpSmf1uSKuTgysQbTtW5OK0Jeav_M9ZVzgEEIdZaip9YB6SjEeN4Hz72SF7SXZGe02WzmW2ZWVh3C1Rwqss/s1600/DSC02334+-+Copy+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguYrG_79rMdfHcqeBgw9gTesixTJiXyG9vAl0cpcCp8txyeZoWn_pDD46qpSmf1uSKuTgysQbTtW5OK0Jeav_M9ZVzgEEIdZaip9YB6SjEeN4Hz72SF7SXZGe02WzmW2ZWVh3C1Rwqss/s640/DSC02334+-+Copy+%282%29.JPG" width="409" /></a></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/AVvXsEjClwyNoCQFrZNS3BdSf18oNN9eecGDzRIVB8hyphenhyphenZC6nXLcsPQ3KGEgOMrXzr7L1bKfsar4QPuNxlLbSriaK3GjBzH0IPMG9tfFknL-Oo-UpEC6U2Zs1kxZEQGdj4fG9Vf66BK4Xngw_q_4/s1600/DSC02337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClwyNoCQFrZNS3BdSf18oNN9eecGDzRIVB8hyphenhyphenZC6nXLcsPQ3KGEgOMrXzr7L1bKfsar4QPuNxlLbSriaK3GjBzH0IPMG9tfFknL-Oo-UpEC6U2Zs1kxZEQGdj4fG9Vf66BK4Xngw_q_4/s400/DSC02337.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maria recently posted these stunning pics of her own cabinet (note to self - must try to take better pics, Maria always does such a great job with hers) and it was just perfect for what I had in mind. She painted the interior a combination of white and pale grey, which gives just the right, not-too-perfect finish to complement the cabinet's original patina.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidE5klNaWIEe7y_TJt0ApxvVlVjkfsmjLrvoMVamr0TgubcajV1RU_d8BXts1s-ThUH9XxHyfQIlgoux1u2E8qmT1i5oHfP1DrubctCEZ4vbHFjM8N9EiuGSKexosuiPFEVoubMfS5SM8/s1600/dreamywhites1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidE5klNaWIEe7y_TJt0ApxvVlVjkfsmjLrvoMVamr0TgubcajV1RU_d8BXts1s-ThUH9XxHyfQIlgoux1u2E8qmT1i5oHfP1DrubctCEZ4vbHFjM8N9EiuGSKexosuiPFEVoubMfS5SM8/s640/dreamywhites1.jpg" width="427" /></a></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/AVvXsEiHxEH93V0enTz6kfu-Ky5NJ1iZgSh4yxWxNtnc2P5A_OrBXrkqehoAfJaBX9CPj4hDqpOil77ZN31dLQWiM6NKWM-nwB_WZ5loL3U1cTusEX2FKFmEiGKqU3TjJhfTC0NxOOjfFYKzBzE/s1600/dreamywhites4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxEH93V0enTz6kfu-Ky5NJ1iZgSh4yxWxNtnc2P5A_OrBXrkqehoAfJaBX9CPj4hDqpOil77ZN31dLQWiM6NKWM-nwB_WZ5loL3U1cTusEX2FKFmEiGKqU3TjJhfTC0NxOOjfFYKzBzE/s640/dreamywhites4.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">must also track down a collection of grain sacks so my cabinet can look this good!</span></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/AVvXsEgFC-2wu_bwr1EJDyEJBbVWb885uFxJGEbmc9skwZn4TOM9RaG08qR4sNoV0VizJ8s9NzDrtKkAUfK4djelTAMmbu0HXQZYBGIqfY5HHV9H-GCo-rt0G7_-AEIJ51y4RdTO8VXwavGZzds/s1600/dreamywhites3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFC-2wu_bwr1EJDyEJBbVWb885uFxJGEbmc9skwZn4TOM9RaG08qR4sNoV0VizJ8s9NzDrtKkAUfK4djelTAMmbu0HXQZYBGIqfY5HHV9H-GCo-rt0G7_-AEIJ51y4RdTO8VXwavGZzds/s640/dreamywhites3.jpg" width="428" /></a></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/AVvXsEjWmNfP5VeCfHBlfTZL3PnZ8n6g4z5E-F_3-XOPA0WgVFEzPrpwtyRqrnDmnmSUFqTXSCinCXQqR-SwipXVm59N-kxxYVYcaER8GWkdzk_sKdAl4FQ0x5et4fOjBxSg59N6gPXc8-x_b98/s1600/dreamywhites2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmNfP5VeCfHBlfTZL3PnZ8n6g4z5E-F_3-XOPA0WgVFEzPrpwtyRqrnDmnmSUFqTXSCinCXQqR-SwipXVm59N-kxxYVYcaER8GWkdzk_sKdAl4FQ0x5et4fOjBxSg59N6gPXc8-x_b98/s400/dreamywhites2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">just right - perfectly imperfect </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks must go to <a href="http://dreamywhites.blogspot.com/">Maria</a> for letting me use her lovely photos. If you haven't already (and I find that hard to believe - her blog is hugely popular, and I'm sure you can see why!) go and check out her <a href="http://dreamywhites.blogspot.com/">blog</a>. She's also guest posting over at <a href="http://www.alices-adventuresinwonderland.com/2010/07/guest-post-maria.html">Alice's Adventures in Wonderland</a>, which is a now on my list of must-reads too. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, I know what I'll be doing this weekend! I'll do my best to get it finished so I can show you the result next week. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a great weekend everyone,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>

I've made my decision.........

Thanks to the gorgeous Maria over at Dreamy Whites , I've made my decision on what to do with this old cabinet : Maria recently posted t...

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Spanner in the works!

When I posted yesterday about what to do with my <a href="http://driftwood-interiors.blogspot.com/2010/07/dining-table-which-look-to-go-for.html">dining table</a>, I knew you guys would come up with some great ideas. But just when I thought I'd narrowed down my decision, I find myself with a conundrum of sorts - a new player has entered the game! Thanks to all the great ideas you've come up with, I'm now thinking zinc might be just what I'm looking for. <a href="http://cabinonthewater.blogspot.com/">Tricia Rose</a> and <a href="http://thediversionproject.blogspot.com/">Jules</a> (gorgeous girls - you really have to check out their fab blogs if you haven't already) suggested zinc, so in the interests of research, I found these lovelies:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1I0IXLF2hreJCzCyCSBX3xXJRmHhyCkG4gz6CLYaIzoBUb3M9dvb8Yv_dfjcih5vK5vKPHrR0mTIZLVgE8uRJQ6ZwBnjH_AQ6A_aVypqpJNzOtHs-RCUGcnNXEjpiyz09_sndwhfHolU/s1600/table+labastide+org+uk+via+villa+anna+blogspot+com+%7B0AA6888E-FE56-4C0D-BCF9-D7DCF2100B71%7D_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1I0IXLF2hreJCzCyCSBX3xXJRmHhyCkG4gz6CLYaIzoBUb3M9dvb8Yv_dfjcih5vK5vKPHrR0mTIZLVgE8uRJQ6ZwBnjH_AQ6A_aVypqpJNzOtHs-RCUGcnNXEjpiyz09_sndwhfHolU/s640/table+labastide+org+uk+via+villa+anna+blogspot+com+%7B0AA6888E-FE56-4C0D-BCF9-D7DCF2100B71%7D_3.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://labastide.org.uk/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">source</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> this combination with the tolix chairs - oh my!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></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/AVvXsEgEgyIUln0uKSV_7-VKEwtwbUaXi3B9bz7dgKYg1Ebiarp2_v4hua8r5WvRB8OH6qwkKdI7bMQcRH7NBHe7R5nFBk0WmGg8W0U_xnnxU3GrKhqoKSk9-JCCLsIIZC9wUJ2-8Ex7wlq_nmI/s1600/table+annefowlertetbury+co+uk+48+Long+Street+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgyIUln0uKSV_7-VKEwtwbUaXi3B9bz7dgKYg1Ebiarp2_v4hua8r5WvRB8OH6qwkKdI7bMQcRH7NBHe7R5nFBk0WmGg8W0U_xnnxU3GrKhqoKSk9-JCCLsIIZC9wUJ2-8Ex7wlq_nmI/s400/table+annefowlertetbury+co+uk+48+Long+Street+006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://annefowlertetbury.co.uk/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">source</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> this base is very similar to mine</span></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/AVvXsEgJEYjduf4rijs8y8LXtuYtIai_fevxIq47dImtq5A0N4LXtxhE9k7Bj9jd34Jt-Hldhy8uwaw8x8dDq8NIom83QCVmMm8zbTnk_1BPKD69GUGlro7RoywMEb6xTXcBfJxXyc-sWeAMc5Q/s1600/table+patinagreen+typepad+com+6a010535dfaa1c970c011570db3e1a970c-320wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEYjduf4rijs8y8LXtuYtIai_fevxIq47dImtq5A0N4LXtxhE9k7Bj9jd34Jt-Hldhy8uwaw8x8dDq8NIom83QCVmMm8zbTnk_1BPKD69GUGlro7RoywMEb6xTXcBfJxXyc-sWeAMc5Q/s400/table+patinagreen+typepad+com+6a010535dfaa1c970c011570db3e1a970c-320wi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://patinagreen.typepad.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">source </span></a></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/AVvXsEhhQ6z4jJi8024MDPgkDzxbcYayyKIr7oU7rU39OjtBczU-LTyS6fwcDo0hC02eye7FF3NYnDv03d_L3fhqSPb_PWI35GRqva7anghhgELdxD-NZXbOMqvTP70h10RDm5EEnbUlMeshIiM/s1600/table+petershamnurseries+co+uk+%7BABB8AB74-0BAF-406E-9ACA-C47CBBB67836%7D_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQ6z4jJi8024MDPgkDzxbcYayyKIr7oU7rU39OjtBczU-LTyS6fwcDo0hC02eye7FF3NYnDv03d_L3fhqSPb_PWI35GRqva7anghhgELdxD-NZXbOMqvTP70h10RDm5EEnbUlMeshIiM/s640/table+petershamnurseries+co+uk+%7BABB8AB74-0BAF-406E-9ACA-C47CBBB67836%7D_1.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a href="http://petershamnurseries.com/">source</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6u6z3jMovAqCI3zPer21jXa7oXznMUF72l6jNkKoOpqhoPdP3Qi1f1mfuKn5oWRkfFUAvLmuftx5diKWPOTsCFFkcc8drEjHnNXflJomJ5sVDrhRMxG-s7ccY0TuAIG9B-MjWTCyOiU/s1600/table+cottageantiques+com+French+zinc+top+bistro+tbl+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6u6z3jMovAqCI3zPer21jXa7oXznMUF72l6jNkKoOpqhoPdP3Qi1f1mfuKn5oWRkfFUAvLmuftx5diKWPOTsCFFkcc8drEjHnNXflJomJ5sVDrhRMxG-s7ccY0TuAIG9B-MjWTCyOiU/s400/table+cottageantiques+com+French+zinc+top+bistro+tbl+pic.jpg" width="395" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://cottageantiques.biz/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">source</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So now, before I make my final decision, I'm going to check out the availability of zinc sheeting, and also the price. I love that it gets better with age, is durable and hard-wearing, and looks amazing to boot. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for the feedback everyone - I love that decorating has now become a collaborative process! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>

Spanner in the works!

When I posted yesterday about what to do with my dining table , I knew you guys would come up with some great ideas. But just when I thought...

Read more »