Post Of The Month Club: March

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK

Come and follow me to the first Post Of The Month Club

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So exciting to have you here!

I saved a spot for you

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With a napping house and lemonade

Bloggers can link up their best post of the month
And see, you've already done the work

Share the love by visiting a few other blogs

Would you mind adding my button to your lovely sidebar so more can join the fun next month?

Yep, we'll do this the last day of each month

If you need help linking your post, just let me know
The linking will be open through the weekend

Happy April Blogging :)

I adore the new issue of Adore magazine!

One of the best things by far about this whole blogging caper is meeting lovely fellow bloggers. Judy from Verandah House and I met last year, and she's an absolute sweetheart. I was thrilled to see her, along with fellow blogger (and fellow sweetheart!) Sharnel from My Life-My Loves, featured in the April/May issue of Adore magazine. And what's more, Judy was sweet enough to mention my 'Abstract Ikat' painting in her feature.

you can check out the latest Adore magazine here - it's fabulous as always

'Abstract Ikat'

watercolour on paper

210mm x 297mm

for sale on Etsy

And did you notice the stunning chinoiserie chair as well? It's one of Judy's gorgeous designs for Verandah House, and available exclusively at her daughter Jess's online store - Jessie Lauren. Definitely on my wish-list (along with every other piece in the range!).

Thanks so much Judy.....lunch is definitely on me next time!

Fab Confab: Birthday Suits

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK

Welcome to another week of Fab Confab - where we have a little chat about a topic on Wednesdays

Here is my burning topic for the day

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It is a well-known fact that Europe has topless beaches, nude public steam rooms, artwork without a stitch of clothing, and magazines at my kids eye level with 'everything' on display

My young children have never seen so much skin

I think in the US, there are two extremes - prim & proper and 'not'

In Europe, we have seen everyday bodies in their birthday suits yet more of the 'inappropriate' as well

What do you think about raising kids in either environment? I'd love to know your thoughts

{Rated G comments only, of course}

Mary Had A Little Lamb

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK

The next few weeks in England are informally known as the 'lambing season'

Little lambs dot many of the hillsides

Aren't they adorable?!

Smile!

And who could resist a pig race?! 'Grease Lightning' won :)

Ooh, how cute am I?

My kids wish their names were Mary (for she had a little lamb, ya know)

- all photos taken by me -

 Come Back :) Thursday is 'Post Of The Month Club' Linky Party (details here)

Chinoiserie in Ming....and more

It's been so nice to finally get back into the studio over the weekend, and I definitely made the most of it. I've got some new blue and white paintings on the go, and yesterday I finished the first of them. I was commissioned to paint an antique chinoiserie plate to add my my client's collection, and here it is:

 'Chinoiserie in Ming'

watercolour and pencil on paper

210mm x 297mm (8.3" x 11.7")

original sold, prints for sale now on Etsy

I've often been asked whether my Chinoiserie series would ever be available in other colourways. Another client of mine collects vintage china in red, as does my lovely mum (I'll share some pics soon of her huge collection) so it was logical that these followed:

  'Chinoiserie in Pink'

watercolour and pencil on paper

210mm x 297mm (8.3" x 11.7")

 prints for sale now on Etsy

 'Chinoiserie in Ruby'

watercolour and pencil on paper

210mm x 297mm (8.3" x 11.7")

prints for sale now on Etsy

And that's not all.....check out my Etsy shop over the coming days for lots more new goodies, in all sorts of glorious colours. If you 'like' my Facebook page, or follow me on Twitter, you'll be the first to know whenever a new painting is added. So pop on over, I'd love to see you there!

And before I forget. I will make sure I reply personally to each and every one of you that commented and messaged me recently. I've read and appreciated every one, so thank you and I'll make sure I reply over the coming week. Another twenty or so hours in each day would be rather handy right now!

'Post Of The Month Club' Linky Party

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK

Join me at the end of each and every month for 'Post of the Month Club'

Bloggers will be able to link up their favorite post of the month

It is a great way to meet other bloggers and showcase your best work :) 

Sound like fun?

I can't wait! 

You can add my button to your column too - just cut and paste the HTML code into your sidebar

This will help get the word out - because it is more fun when there are more at the party :)

Readers without blogs - I think you're in for a treat :)

Wishing you a wonderful week wherever you are!

Tangerine dream

Hi there everyone, long time no see. That's because I've been working my little fingers to the bone on some brand-spankin' new prints to add to my Etsy shop. The new kids on the block are these tangerine 'Sea Plant' prints, in a bright, bold and beautiful orange.

'Seaweed in Tangerine' for sale on Etsy

'Sea Fan II in Tangerine' for sale on Etsy

 'Sea Coral in Tangerine' for sale on Etsy

'Sea Fan in Tangerine' for sale on Etsy

I'll be back in the saddle again this week, and tomorrow I'll show you what else I've been working on. Hope you're having a great weekend, and catch you all soon.

Happy Dance

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK

Thank you for all the well-wishes and for following for what feels like a never ending tale of getting my UK Driver's License. What great troupers you are! 

For a quick recap, it is a three step process which takes at least 6 months to complete. International drivers have one year from arrival date to complete the steps successfully to be 'legal'. Only 44% of applicants pass each year (I've also heard 33%). Let's just call them the lottery winners. 

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Without a UK Driver's License after the year is up, they will impound your car in the rain at night leaving you and your kids in their pjs on the side of the road - possibly miles (or kilometers) away from home - if pulled over by the police. That visualization was all I needed to get the ball rolling. Big, heavy, spiky ball.

Yesterday I took the last step of driving with Mr Tester Man. Waiting to meet him, I did a big sigh of relief when I saw he looked like a kind, grandfatherly-type (who surely doesn't fail those who try really, really hard). Scratched record sound in the background, I was then horrified when he opened his mouth in the thickest Scottish accent ever. Ever. 

Even my accompanying driving instructor thought 'Uh oh' - he told me later. 

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Ironically during my driving lessons, I had mentioned every single potential catastrophe to my instructor that I could imagine. He had assured me I would be able to understand my Mr Tester Man (and a flock of pelicans were very unlikely to fly into my car during my test). His mantra was, 'Don't worry, Laura. Don't panic. You'll do fine'. But you know what he was really thinking.... (psycho)...

Flowers growing in the road
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Back to the test - with Mr (Scottish) Tester Man repeating everything twice and a quick game of charades for clarification, I did all my turns and maneuvers 'good enough' to pass. After successfully completing my 3 Point Turn, a little 'Yippee!' escaped my lips. He chuckled a Scottish chuckle. 

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Definitely not a walk in the park, I received multiple check marks for insufficient mirror use. But I haven't met a person yet who hasn't been checked for that one repeatedly. Like Nadia Comaneci, is it possible to get a 'Perfect 10' on the practical driving test? 

With marbles in his mouth, I had to ask Mr Tester Man to repeat what he said, because it sorta sounded like he said I passed. Or at least that's what I'm going with :) 

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So Nervous Nellie can now drive legally throughout Europe and The Commonwealth. (Except for India - they don't have reciprocity since their driving is of a 'different standard'.) 

The Commonwealth
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You know you have good friends when they greet you with wine and cake to either drown your sorrows or celebrate. They admitted that 'really, the day could have gone either way'.

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So happy to put my book, notes, and CD-ROMs in the closet for my husband to use. Now I need to take care of duties that have taken the back burner. 

Like calling the chimney sweep to clean our old Victorian chimney. I so love that. So English. 

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands...

{clap, clap}

The Backstories: 

First Day Driving In The UK

Applying For Provisional License

Day Before Theory Test

Failing Theory Test

Day Before Practical Driving Test

Linking to For The Love Of Blogs

Adventures In A RoundAbout

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK

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Hello Mr. Driving Test Man,

I am very scared of you and your scary test. I know too many expats who have struggled to complete this rite of passage gracefully.

I took my second driving lesson last week, and it looks like I still have a lot to work on - although I have a clean record and have been driving for over 20 years. It doesn't help that the instructor recommends 4 lessons for me, when he suggested another expat only to take 2 (!).

I try so hard not to get confused in which lane and which indicator to use in a roundabout with more than 4 arms. Perhaps peeking through hand-covered eyes is blurring my vision. And frowned upon?

An honest attempt is made to obey the speed limit, although I see it posted no where. One must be English and/or Harry Potter to see those invisible signs. That lucky broom-flying chap. And that darn handbrake alludes me (on my left side, not right). And could you tell me again why I need to apply it every time I'm stopped at a stoplight?

I sure hope I don't draw a blank when I 'tell you/show you' the brake fluid, legal tyre tread depth (1.6mm), and how to check the power steering. Couldn't I just give you the name of a local garage instead?

But chances are, I am
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So I've come to grips that I have 'stressed induced asthma' just thinking about this test. Perhaps I could use an inhaler filled with wine during the exam - a little spritz would calm the nerves and clear the mind :) Our little secret?

And please forgive me if I pull over to throw-up during the exam. That's just my butterflies finding the nearest emergency exit.

I did pass the written exam on the second try, after all. They don't call me smarty-pants for nothing :) Or maybe they do. Call me that for nothing.

Ooh, let's go hunting for this sign. Like a scavenger hunt. Don't you know it is 'Fun Friday' on my blog? Wouldn't that be more fun? Testing with a twist. Maybe a friend will be holding it along my route. (Anyone, anyone?) Or maybe it will magically light up on my dashboard :) Magical, like those invisible ESP speed limit signs.

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See you Friday, Mr. Driving Test Man. I'll be the one wearing a florescent safety vest and a decorative airsick bag around my neck. I'll bring a set for you too. I'm thoughtful like that.

Here's to hoping the day will be unmemorable, Mr Mister. In a good way.

Kindest regards, Nervous Nellie

If you can bear to go back in time, read about my written driving test saga here. Buried deep in another post, I did pass it two weeks later.

Daffodils :: Yellow Drops Of Sunshine

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK

Shhh, don't tell anyone the winters are bleak here, but last only a few months

Winter, what winter?

Gorgeous plum tree blossoms

How I love the bumblebee's leg pouches filled with pollen. What clever design

Quintessential England {Sigh}

It is believed daffodils were introduced to England by the Romans

Now you might say, That's really not fair that you live there. And I'd say, Well, you're right :)

But know that I appreciate each and every day

- all photos taken by me -

Source: 100 Flowers and How They Got Their Names, by Diana Wells

Linking to A Place For Tea, Stuff and Nonsense, French Country Cottage, WhipperBerry, Savvy Southern Style, A Southern Daydreamer, Fishtail Cottage, At The Picket Fence, No Minimalist Here, Common Ground, How Sweet The Sound, For The Love Of Blogs, Pink Saturday

Let The Games Begin: An Olympic Tour

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK

Last week was such a treat - I viewed the 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Village 

in East London (Stratford)

The Games of the XXX Olympiad are scheduled in and around London from July 27th - August 12, 2012. London is the first city to host the modern Olympic Games three times, including 1908 and 1948.

You know how I like a good story, so here are a few:

Past Olympic Athletes Interviewed

Various French publications blamed French President Jacque Chirac for losing the bid for the 2012 Games (Paris had been favored). He did not know his microphone was still on when he said, 'We can't trust people [the British] who have such bad food. After Finland, it's the country with the worst food'. Oops. Two members of the International Olympic Committee were from Finland. Afterward, Paris lost by four votes - 50 to 54 - with London the surprised winner of the 2012 Summer Olympics.

If you look closely, you'll see the Olympic logo reads 2012. It was designed to appeal to young people. Not exactly a wild success - a small number of people with photosensitive epilepsy reported seizures from animated footage of the logo (since removed). And in February 2011, Iran filed a complaint that the logo appeared to spell 'Zion' and threatened to boycott the Olympics (which they retracted).

The 2012 Summer Olympics will host 26 sports; the Paralympics will feature 20 sports. Baseball and softball have been dropped, with female boxing as the only new addition. Golf and rugby sevens will be the newcomers in the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro.

Lots of construction on a cloudy day

The site of the Olympic Village has been raised 7 meters to prevent flooding. To raise the ground, cleverly they used the soil from the drilling of the Chunnel. Flooding is a concern, as the Olympic Village is surrounded by old canals re-drudged for transportation of building supplies and eventually people.

Major flooding occurred in London during the North Sea Flood of 1953. Due to a high spring tide, a severe storm, and the breaking of dykes in the Netherlands, flooding and loss of life occurred in 5 countries. It was one of Britain's most devastating natural disasters in history. 

'The Orbit' - art piece and observation deck (red tower)
The Aquatics Centre has 'wings' to resemble a gliding ray (rt of The Orbit)

Originally intended to revitalize a depressed area in East London (high unemployment due to the closing of docks), the site was already a blank canvas to become a new city. So when London won the bid in 2005, this area became the Olympic Village. 

'Revitalization' and 'sustainability' were constant themes running through the tour. Oversized new greenbelts will be real assets to the community, and many structures will be used or repurposed after the Olympics. Public transportation will be the only allowable means of travel to the games. Ten train lines, including the EuroStar, will lead to the area.

Stadium and 'The Orbit'
White building in distance is the Basketball Arena
Unlike most structures, it will be removed after the Summer Games

And if your eyes glaze over while watching sports (like mine), you may be interested to know Stella McCartney, famous English fashion designer and daughter to Sir Paul McCartney, will design the uniform for Team Great Britain. 

The appointed designer for the ceremonies is Es Devlin, who helped create Lady Gaga's Monster Ball Tour. Joining Devlin as artistic director of the closing ceremonies is Kim Gavin, a ballet dancer and Take That Circus stager. David Arnold will be the music director for the events. It is sure to be a great show.

If you have a chance to visit London before the 2012 Olympic Games, you don't have to miss out. Blue Badge Guides offer daily tours of the area, and Formans Restaurant and Bar has an excellent view of the Olympic Stadium.  

What sport do you most look forward to watching in the Summer Olympics?

- all photos by me -

Sources: Wikipedia, The Independent (newspaper), local guide

More Summer Olympics posts:
Olympic Beach Volleyball
A Day At The Olympic Park
London Dressed For The Olympics 
Behind The Scenes: An Olympic Opening Ceremony Performer 
Summer Olympics: I Just Can't Get Enough 
The Summer Olympic Games Begin 
The Olympic Torch 
'Signs' The Olympics Are Coming