Decor Apartment Interior Design

All about Pinterest

When I first came across <a href="http://pinterest.com/driftwoodi/">Pinterest</a>, to say I was underwhelmed was a bit of an understatement. It seemed like yet another thing to add to the must-have-if-you're-serious-about-your-online-presence....and all too much like hard work. But then, I spent a bit of time navigating through and found that, regardless of what it was originally designed for, it's an absolutely brilliant way of collating and storing all of those inspiration pics - and even better, it links to where they were found. In other words, it's amazing. So now I'm hooked, and there's so much fabulousness on there, I can't begin to tell you. So I'll just show you. Much better that way.<br /><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/AVvXsEiL9qBWlHfSIBAobba1djF4CXepOBOyTny_ud47Toz8JJyDTaam0cfnbchRnvVYI3GJv_f7KhFSC_8R5ehO4XskUI4Z9Aq-nueVXhYJv_pWbwFzwYr_4fROl3fzmJu35cb3WbrdfIBwBTBn/s1600/Round+Hill-08-Oceanfront+room+downstairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9qBWlHfSIBAobba1djF4CXepOBOyTny_ud47Toz8JJyDTaam0cfnbchRnvVYI3GJv_f7KhFSC_8R5ehO4XskUI4Z9Aq-nueVXhYJv_pWbwFzwYr_4fROl3fzmJu35cb3WbrdfIBwBTBn/s640/Round+Hill-08-Oceanfront+room+downstairs.jpg" width="626" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></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/AVvXsEg7sleJ2XUbHc4aU8s7O9JUtVymM4bwm3xxmS_n2jgmf4lBrrwKR8x2GTyGfYWRVg_eYGsAwtZcBWLc9XTLI3Qne80e3sWN9Cj57as8McLnw8NN6SuJcarzg57_h-smbqL21q1Tnh_Gtu1x/s1600/Image11stuartmembery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sleJ2XUbHc4aU8s7O9JUtVymM4bwm3xxmS_n2jgmf4lBrrwKR8x2GTyGfYWRVg_eYGsAwtZcBWLc9XTLI3Qne80e3sWN9Cj57as8McLnw8NN6SuJcarzg57_h-smbqL21q1Tnh_Gtu1x/s640/Image11stuartmembery.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEjy39pH7SgMWVWqI8lR73syDIDw16OWNl_wkP-Gm1m8kIbe7E8ZXKlxLWkjTH4WLSznwsEeYMbI8LOPqToGMtvROfu6Xbo8cFNr0IMWg15wZi8hIAeKm8aGe2PFS0AhvFU_HWq5lv-IVzre/s1600/carolyne+roehm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy39pH7SgMWVWqI8lR73syDIDw16OWNl_wkP-Gm1m8kIbe7E8ZXKlxLWkjTH4WLSznwsEeYMbI8LOPqToGMtvROfu6Xbo8cFNr0IMWg15wZi8hIAeKm8aGe2PFS0AhvFU_HWq5lv-IVzre/s1600/carolyne+roehm.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/213569207298819101_lmWAdvBb_c.jpg">via</a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/147352219027640007_9wJ8yOGd_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/147352219027640007_9wJ8yOGd_c.jpg" width="470" /></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;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/237424211574950232_8ccVy5L7_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/237424211574950232_8ccVy5L7_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/86764730290624209_185ydYKu_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/86764730290624209_185ydYKu_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Just a few from my boards</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But don't take my word for it. Check it out for yourself. Head on over and check out my<a href="http://pinterest.com/driftwoodi/"> pins</a>, and from there, who know's what you'll find. But be warned....it's a little addictive. Ok, a lot addictive. But do it anyway....you know you want to.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></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>

All about Pinterest

When I first came across Pinterest, to say I was underwhelmed was a bit of an understatement. It seemed like yet another thing to add to the must-have-if-you're-serious-about-your-online-presence....and all too much like hard work. But then, I spent a bit of time navigating through and found that, r…

30Nov2011

US vs UK Cultural Differences + Post Of The Month Club

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I just got wind of a discussion on November 4th at the London School of Economics</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> American Sarah Lyall (New York Times London correspondent) sat down with </div><div style="text-align: center;">Englishman Justin Webb (author and former BBC correspondent in the US) to scratch the surface </div><div style="text-align: center;">of cultural differences between America and Britain</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A few topics covered were politics, the media, raising children,<br />drinking, stoicism, recent protests, and religion</div><br /><br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Dp1UmCLS658?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Touched on in the video, <b>happiness</b> is listed in</div><div style="text-align: center;">the American Declaration of Independence as an 'unalienable right' in<br />the well-known phrase, <i>Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">To rephrase, the US government declares this <i>state of mind </i>not only a right and a valid pursuit<br />but also as important as life and liberty</div><div style="text-align: center;">Isn't that fascinating?<br /><br />As a result, are Americans obsessed with happiness?<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The title of my blog includes the word 'Happy'</div><div style="text-align: center;">Other blogs with the title 'Happy' tend to be written by Americans too<br /><br />Americans say 'Happy Halloween' and 'Happy Thanksgiving'<br />{ <i>Merry Christmas</i> is a British <a href="http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/merry-christmas.html">phrase</a> which dates back to at least 1565 }<br /><br />Common American phrases include<br />'Whatever makes you happy' and 'I just want my kids to grow up and be happy'<br /><br />Americans often make big decisions based on a happiness litmus test</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Perhaps a US slogan could be 'Be Happy - Be, Pretend, Or Search'<br /><br /><br />I lived in Costa Rica for a few years, where their motto is 'Pura Vida'<br />which translates to 'Pure Life' meaning 'it's all good'<br /><br /><br />I can't put my finger on what the mantra for the UK would be<br />I'm sure my readers can help :)<br /><br />For the readers in America, notice how often you hear the word 'happy' as you go through your day</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyhoo, lots of food for thought in the interview</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'd be interested to hear your thoughts</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The video is quite long, so view what you want...<br />Whatever makes you happy :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">* What is the red flower Justin Webb is wearing? Read about it </span><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.com/2011/11/posted-by-happy-homemaker-uk-poppies.html" style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">here</a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">* I believe in the video they are referencing Justin Webb's newest book, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Notes-Them-Mayflower-relationship-Separation/dp/1907595430/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1">Notes on Them and Us: From the Mayflower to Obama - the British, the Americans and the Essential Relationship</a></i> </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MScF5Gyp2n3b5T61gRVwLzOQuxIkKycB0L-_4rMx5bJZqEEeA3kAs2CRXrbOg92cxTyvhVuAKVFt_ztttY-3jAuB-w0Sa8ba_F6jJ8mK59jW0qg1Pja9hP642jYKE0ke-znYAAiRLfs/s1600/HappyHomemaker20111-39a-1+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MScF5Gyp2n3b5T61gRVwLzOQuxIkKycB0L-_4rMx5bJZqEEeA3kAs2CRXrbOg92cxTyvhVuAKVFt_ztttY-3jAuB-w0Sa8ba_F6jJ8mK59jW0qg1Pja9hP642jYKE0ke-znYAAiRLfs/s1600/HappyHomemaker20111-39a-1+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br />It's Post Of The Month Club time again, little muffins</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've extended it through the weekend, due to reader requests</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I read every single entry, every single month :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just link up your best post from November - easy peasy</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And if you'd like, add the button to your post or blog so more can join in</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you have a chance, drop by a few others to say 'hi'  {that's what makes it feel like a club}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A warm welcome to those new to linking in, those who occasionally do, and those who are here monthly</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Your contribution makes the club what is it :) Thank you!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wishing you a wonderful December!</div></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.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><br /><br /><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=118765" type="text/javascript"></script>

US vs UK Cultural Differences + Post Of The Month Club

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKI just got wind of a discussion on November 4th at the London School of Economics American Sarah Lyall (New York Times London correspondent) sat down with Englishman Justin Webb (author and former BBC correspondent in the US) to scratch the surface of cultural differences…

29Nov2011

Pretty pink posy

Heads up people - I've just added a new painting to my <a href="http://www.driftwoodinteriors.etsy.com/">Etsy store</a>! And if you're speedy, you can still snap up a <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">20% discount</span></b>, just by entering the code <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">NOVEMBER2011</span> at checkout. Here's the new kid on the block:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSpBYTfu-niYdPWiWgNqfs4wrlIWteHrbfu_jpit4rtzdgq6VOW-ko4TVrWJsvQYuKFQ324bRLQcoH1bgQhRcxzCvIk07amAgPIZD5IjDxHweNEWM8liBDHS_Akn9Mj5gTjM0cC4XCatx/s1600/pink+hydrangea+watermarked+more+pink+background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSpBYTfu-niYdPWiWgNqfs4wrlIWteHrbfu_jpit4rtzdgq6VOW-ko4TVrWJsvQYuKFQ324bRLQcoH1bgQhRcxzCvIk07amAgPIZD5IjDxHweNEWM8liBDHS_Akn9Mj5gTjM0cC4XCatx/s640/pink+hydrangea+watermarked+more+pink+background.jpg" width="459" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">'Hydrangeas in Blue Vase'</div><div style="text-align: center;">fine art print</div><div style="text-align: center;">prints available in two sizes - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87280942/pink-floral-watercolor-hydrangeas-in">8x10 here</a>, and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87280656/pink-floral-watercolor-hydrangeas-in">11x14 here</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm off to see my besties at the post office now - for the second time today. But after that I have a date with my pool - can't stand watching the crew taunt me for a second longer. Hope you're all whoopin' it up too, wherever you are :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Catch you soon,</div><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>

Pretty pink posy

Heads up people - I've just added a new painting to my Etsy store! And if you're speedy, you can still snap up a 20% discount, just by entering the code NOVEMBER2011 at checkout. Here's the new kid on the block:'Hydrangeas in Blue Vase'fine art printprints available in two sizes - 8x10 here, and 11x…

27Nov2011

PostScript: Happy Thanksgiving From The UK

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I thought you may enjoy some details of my English Thanksgiving yesterday</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After dropping the kids off at school,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I skipped into London with some girlfriends to St Paul's Cathedral</div><div style="text-align: center;">for an American church service</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/AVvXsEiu06zzq18S5xrv-dctFtHb8oCwkyMPzulY0Iju3KgXhjirJowGi6HmVNzyCXygacWdW3hfetLhcN-HATYW9j7w6G3cuEogs9Mn-qccZIjxchTfjXRbgPLiYgeoobHY9ZumtZEDDmYnuyA/s1600/DSCN6030-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu06zzq18S5xrv-dctFtHb8oCwkyMPzulY0Iju3KgXhjirJowGi6HmVNzyCXygacWdW3hfetLhcN-HATYW9j7w6G3cuEogs9Mn-qccZIjxchTfjXRbgPLiYgeoobHY9ZumtZEDDmYnuyA/s640/DSCN6030-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Although there were quite a few tents with protester signs,</div><div style="text-align: center;">most appeared to be 'unoccupied'</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/AVvXsEhmZqmVgnGxzeFYJPk3Tdyil85UeQYTXkPwd36MK7AljVHIj9Okb8coZzgVJbGURhq_ocCA3hNPSdBzW7M_7yVkSUPCgnglXf6XAClGYUeuCl45HI_1GJyfPEv8x-kfymudMquTC9-e4ZE/s1600/DSCN6037-1.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZqmVgnGxzeFYJPk3Tdyil85UeQYTXkPwd36MK7AljVHIj9Okb8coZzgVJbGURhq_ocCA3hNPSdBzW7M_7yVkSUPCgnglXf6XAClGYUeuCl45HI_1GJyfPEv8x-kfymudMquTC9-e4ZE/s640/DSCN6037-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Due to photography prohibited during the service,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you'll just have to picture the choir singing beautiful hymns</div><div style="text-align: center;">US servicemen bringing the American flag forward</div><div style="text-align: center;">the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom giving a speech</div><div style="text-align: center;">followed by an American pastor delivering a sermon in a typical humorous, casual American way </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As far as my eye could see, the cathedral was packed with Americans and other nationalities</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We saw the secret service for the Ambassador</div><div style="text-align: center;">and maybe even some spies among us!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Being Thanksgiving, we had sushi for lunch of course :)</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/AVvXsEi4p2Z_YJrRD-10ucFZJPBUIfpqR7dNxdZjym4t6j82lrumyXZ8DtHfgBYBvsp36KRyeqkYfhuZI5Y32akYGU9bJref4qdfsOPNcGleAXVnTcxAoOhzYdxMmHbISlP6BpOwQbozQZ7CLuc/s1600/DSCN6052-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4p2Z_YJrRD-10ucFZJPBUIfpqR7dNxdZjym4t6j82lrumyXZ8DtHfgBYBvsp36KRyeqkYfhuZI5Y32akYGU9bJref4qdfsOPNcGleAXVnTcxAoOhzYdxMmHbISlP6BpOwQbozQZ7CLuc/s640/DSCN6052-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yo! Sushi</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'd seen, but never tried, these conveyor belt sushi restaurants</div><div style="text-align: center;">where you pick up what you want as it passes by</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The color of the container indicates price</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was fun and yummy :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We headed home to collect our kiddos from school,</div><div style="text-align: center;">followed by cuddles for our newest family member</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/AVvXsEiXOqn7DJm9HSVzmyQiFh_xBD61b-arnOKTkOsIphg8QIhrQ6QxIWdfrfBOZYGMBXX2dGAjp9GU2CW1cWi8boaC0DVKiInb_FBR9F_9Cr5IHx_bUKC8egvXKzZEeUrTLkEhtSxZI-1Fsgw/s1600/DSC_0040-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOqn7DJm9HSVzmyQiFh_xBD61b-arnOKTkOsIphg8QIhrQ6QxIWdfrfBOZYGMBXX2dGAjp9GU2CW1cWi8boaC0DVKiInb_FBR9F_9Cr5IHx_bUKC8egvXKzZEeUrTLkEhtSxZI-1Fsgw/s640/DSC_0040-21.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bamboo, 8 weeks old</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is one cool kitty purr machine</div><div style="text-align: center;">We figured there is never a good time to get a kitten, so why not now?</div><div style="text-align: center;">He has brought squeals and giggles to our family,</div><div style="text-align: center;">ten fold</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This little 'moggy' (non-pedigree) cat has a 75% chance of being hard of hearing due to its white genetics</div><div style="text-align: center;">which can create a chill'n cat who won't startle easily</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, we headed over to the pub for an American Thanksgiving Dinner, </div><div style="text-align: center;">which was loads of fun in a restaurant filled with our extended expat 'family'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had to smile when the Yorkshire Pudding was passed around during our traditional meal</div><div style="text-align: center;">Maybe it's a little know fact the Pilgrims liked their Yorkshire Pudding?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I fell asleep on the couch, stuffed of course,</div><div style="text-align: center;">while my husband watched the Cowboy/Dolphin football game </div><div style="text-align: center;">into the wee hours due to the time difference</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a wonderful day to count our blessings</div><div style="text-align: center;">and certainly a memorable Thanksgiving abroad</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wishing you a weekend of thanksgiving, wherever you are!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Coming up Wednesday</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.com/p/post-of-month-club.html" style="color: #0c8bd4; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Post Of The Month Club</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">with extended days</span></span></span><br /><br /></div><br /><center style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0c8bd4; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae214/HappyHomemakerUK/HappyHomemaker20111-39a-1.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 110, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(255, 110, 0); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 110, 0); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(255, 110, 0); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" /></a></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope to see you there :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>- all photos by me -</i></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Linking to: <a href="http://my3boybarians.com/">Sweet Shot Tuesdays</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.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>

PostScript: Happy Thanksgiving From The UK

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKI thought you may enjoy some details of my English Thanksgiving yesterdayAfter dropping the kids off at school,I skipped into London with some girlfriends to St Paul's Cathedralfor an American church serviceAlthough there were quite a few tents with protester signs,most a…

24Nov2011

Happy Thanksgiving From The UK

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlO6hR-Ty38MQpvED8HkglinHPnI8tOCxBqp0nP-OtgieFjBjT6rDlElfZ8IGu2aM2NHs_Y9vahPFMA4k0e-VupnFPqikr1QYBGY-R8VHOFYnGyhpABEk9aXPiOsm_4iFnx8mNTaH7fY/s1600/DSCN5978-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlO6hR-Ty38MQpvED8HkglinHPnI8tOCxBqp0nP-OtgieFjBjT6rDlElfZ8IGu2aM2NHs_Y9vahPFMA4k0e-VupnFPqikr1QYBGY-R8VHOFYnGyhpABEk9aXPiOsm_4iFnx8mNTaH7fY/s640/DSCN5978-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving may be the favorite holiday of most American adults,</div><div style="text-align: center;">a day of simply sharing a meal with family and friends</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Because Thanksgiving is not celebrated in the UK,<br />tomorrow will be a regular work and school day around here</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our family will trot off to a local restaurant serving up Thanksgiving Dinner for local Americans<br />eager to fill bellies with the traditional fix'ns: cranberries, turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie<br />{ I hope an American football game will be playing in the background too}<br />:)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wishing my dear American friends & family a Happy Thanksgiving Day!<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>- photo by me -</i></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>

Happy Thanksgiving From The UK

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKThanksgiving may be the favorite holiday of most American adults,a day of simply sharing a meal with family and friendsBecause Thanksgiving is not celebrated in the UK,tomorrow will be a regular work and school day around hereOur family will trot off to a local restaurant…

23Nov2011

A snippet of my day....

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></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/AVvXsEg0igjsV42Detj12RBT-7GEwK6Rm9ZDR2Imbw6mdMBTBmmWGU38h-YiDbnRD9k0l8p6nkkgwXTjOk9F7ycnr07WfAxKYX7uTdcjG103o2tLtflskFy8CXbiwF8yMUlZvU51d_pXYKgAxAas/s1600/in+progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0igjsV42Detj12RBT-7GEwK6Rm9ZDR2Imbw6mdMBTBmmWGU38h-YiDbnRD9k0l8p6nkkgwXTjOk9F7ycnr07WfAxKYX7uTdcjG103o2tLtflskFy8CXbiwF8yMUlZvU51d_pXYKgAxAas/s640/in+progress.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Just a little something I've been working on....<br /><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>

A snippet of my day....

Just a little something I've been working on....…

22Nov2011

Can't sleep? Paint!

It's funny how a break in routine can spark a frenzy of activity. You see, one of my babies is off at schoolies this week. For those who aren't familiar with schoolies, it marks the celebration of the end of high school for thousands of Aussie teenagers - I'm guessing it's probably similar to Spring Break in the US? Anyway, it means hoards of kids head off, often to the Gold Coast in Queensland, for a week of non-stop partying. What that also means is a week of no sleep and endless worry for the parents.  And if I can't sleep anyway, I need to stay busy and painting for me is the ultimate stress-buster. Hence the flurry of new work - at least there's one upside to this whole situation. I'm still counting the days until my chicks are all back in the nest (four to go. And my chicks will cringe when they read this!), but until then, here's the latest - a long-overdue addition to my <a href="http://driftwood-interiors.blogspot.com/2011/03/my-good-friend-martha-stewart.html">Martha Stewart series</a>...oops, I mean blue and white series:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kktqWABu7HJW19xYN5edR6wmlGzFWmdSYe6Kr45dtRT7ZOn7DhdWQNSW4fl3RyA62lMCslyr09dMmytxjfkZop1FgHRSStJJQrceYGQl5yL0KVbsWOmcAHZNdMTt5Ts9c2RemDPmWGbk/s1600/+new+blue+and+white+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kktqWABu7HJW19xYN5edR6wmlGzFWmdSYe6Kr45dtRT7ZOn7DhdWQNSW4fl3RyA62lMCslyr09dMmytxjfkZop1FgHRSStJJQrceYGQl5yL0KVbsWOmcAHZNdMTt5Ts9c2RemDPmWGbk/s640/+new+blue+and+white+watermarked.jpg" width="440" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86694075/ming-vase-in-indigo-blue-new-print"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">'Ming Vase in Indigo Blue'</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">watercolour on paper</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">210mm x 297mm</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">original on hold, prints available <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86694075/ming-vase-in-indigo-blue-new-print">here in my Etsy shop</a></span></div><br /><br />So you can probably expect a few more pieces to emerge over the next few days, as well as quite a few commissions I have on the go. Nothing like keeping busy to take your mind off other things....well, almost :) Oh, and don't forget - you can get 20% off any print in my <a href="http://www.driftwoodinteriors.etsy.com/">Etsy store</a> - even these new ones!<br /><br /><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>

Can't sleep? Paint!

21Nov2011

It's SALE time - 20% off storewide in my Etsy shop!!!!

<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.driftwoodinteriors.etsy.com/"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdawncQ2rYnYX0Re1gSgy9V5a1Sg-7VfTntn8chyphenhyphenfPZQkjdIIULh9T4frLnnPYl4hRa50Hyk1MrTb605yuSWMNYoNP9xoJs4Wot3DbyZ5czDHJn77ghZfktaye1Lm5i7LB-RrMk_J1Qfnm/s640/xmas+sale+banner+2011+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br /></span></div><br />Yes, it's that time of year again!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> </span>Time to thank you all for the absolutely amazing support you've shown over the past twelve months. It's been a fabulous year, more so than I could ever have imagined, and now it's my turn to give a little something back. For the next week only, my whole<a href="http://www.driftwoodinteriors.etsy.com/"> Etsy store</a> is on sale! 20% off every print, every design and every colour. All you need to do is enter the code NOVEMBER2011 at checkout and your discount will be automatically applied - it's that easy. What's more, all prints will soon be available in two standard sizes - the usual 8x10, as well as 11x14 or approx A4 and A3). So if you've been thinking of buying some new artwork, now's the time!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Oh, and did I mention there are a few brand-spankin' new prints to choose from? I've just finished a new watercolour - say hello to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86670064/abstract-watercolor-equinox-rising-11x14">'Equinox Rising'</a>:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIiIrUnH-NT2D5VNiY4wHfck4kciOowd4FWj5mRUbqy8VR8H4Zu_xWNBxCguXh1VSJNHbpdWEMrg_rKpl2uZnJG3U2wNokKSP70xo_RiQdnhBLmty7WHlBGej8ui8pJSlvDk6pOPvTJn2/s1600/equinox+II+MASTER+background+removed+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIiIrUnH-NT2D5VNiY4wHfck4kciOowd4FWj5mRUbqy8VR8H4Zu_xWNBxCguXh1VSJNHbpdWEMrg_rKpl2uZnJG3U2wNokKSP70xo_RiQdnhBLmty7WHlBGej8ui8pJSlvDk6pOPvTJn2/s640/equinox+II+MASTER+background+removed+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">'Equinox Rising'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">watercolor on paper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">11" x 14"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86670064/abstract-watercolor-equinox-rising-11x14">now for sale here on Etsy</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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKzOUe4xf5hZy8VCJADf88kTZlGAqJ5VgqMuEw0G2Bna8QEhpZaOh-BBm1nxwqLX56TvC6AP8pVSjjOod6QNBFIalQFL7mOLyLI6gT8e1kw-Q2NtKs1n-1yhSxs9fMvpA620A8VVcJCAz/s1600/equinox+II+framed+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKzOUe4xf5hZy8VCJADf88kTZlGAqJ5VgqMuEw0G2Bna8QEhpZaOh-BBm1nxwqLX56TvC6AP8pVSjjOod6QNBFIalQFL7mOLyLI6gT8e1kw-Q2NtKs1n-1yhSxs9fMvpA620A8VVcJCAz/s640/equinox+II+framed+watermarked.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /> You can choose from my Sea Plant Series:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qBLKynJpISnJ3F-3eHwjm8gFV0mPe5drJSEnY89VS11innKv4GPtJLcBtLDkCNNQB91Wu1l71f-pRaXumIOZF39Nw1LuHkd1tvwmPRCk9UlumO0cmVBwKgDr4Kb78PDgQhy3YBSiXweT/s1600/seaweed+II+french+blue+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qBLKynJpISnJ3F-3eHwjm8gFV0mPe5drJSEnY89VS11innKv4GPtJLcBtLDkCNNQB91Wu1l71f-pRaXumIOZF39Nw1LuHkd1tvwmPRCk9UlumO0cmVBwKgDr4Kb78PDgQhy3YBSiXweT/s640/seaweed+II+french+blue+watermarked.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> This is the new <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85459830/seaweed-ii-in-french-blue-new-colour">Seaweed II in French Blue</a> - just one of many sea plant paintings</div><div style="text-align: center;">click <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85459830/seaweed-ii-in-french-blue-new-colour">here for prints</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/AVvXsEjCWnUStt59xfY-GrSsl4ZKoStvU_PPeeIVymRSsE9ghFVBxo86f1QVINYpTq48TQYmpOj36uWhYQGU00YkzdWOGjA-Ys-gtRCOe5bdfIkMuWxzoK9z7dbqkkY81zHppm6HQs0EnqxmC5sc/s1600/Untitled+picture.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWnUStt59xfY-GrSsl4ZKoStvU_PPeeIVymRSsE9ghFVBxo86f1QVINYpTq48TQYmpOj36uWhYQGU00YkzdWOGjA-Ys-gtRCOe5bdfIkMuWxzoK9z7dbqkkY81zHppm6HQs0EnqxmC5sc/s640/Untitled+picture.png" width="446" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">here's how my Turquoise series looks en masse. I love how Lauren used the orange mats to make them pop - gorgeous! Image courtesy <a href="http://porterdesigncompany.com/">Porter Design Company</a> of her room in the Stately Homes by the Sea Show House. Photo courtesy Peter Rymwid </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;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Maybe you'd like a butterfly or two?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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/AVvXsEjBT3g5SCq0bzZCId5lfLQUVBk_rpfAkQxY2MlxWXzUhnJX9CTgGjxj-n11tuXPT2ed7xUd2ghGlGNmXFts1mjaw0bCrnZMZL0DhgS29x3q-OLO2YKHd9jM74nWd87zg17-pFn36-SBWlKX/s1600/papillon+two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBT3g5SCq0bzZCId5lfLQUVBk_rpfAkQxY2MlxWXzUhnJX9CTgGjxj-n11tuXPT2ed7xUd2ghGlGNmXFts1mjaw0bCrnZMZL0DhgS29x3q-OLO2YKHd9jM74nWd87zg17-pFn36-SBWlKX/s640/papillon+two.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/78643319/butterfly-in-aqua-petit-papillon">'Petit Papillon'</a> or <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/84104316/butterfly-in-green-papillon-verte">'Papillon Verte'</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">available <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/78643319/butterfly-in-aqua-petit-papillon">here </a>and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/84104316/butterfly-in-green-papillon-verte">here</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">and of course, my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/74635482/china-blue-vase-print">blue and white series</a> featured in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62216058/ming-in-indigo-print-as-seen-in-martha">Martha Stewart Living</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76572777/pink-floral-watercolor-sweet-peas-in">bouquets in vintage china</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68018345/study-in-honeysuckle-print">interior portraits</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69143259/abstract-watercolor-sway-11-x-16">abstracts</a>.....the list goes on. I also have some new and exciting paintings still to come. For the latest in what's happening, you can<a href="https://www.facebook.com/originalartbykerrishipp"> 'like' my Facebook page</a>, or follow me on <a href="http://twitter.com/driftinteriors">Twitter</a> - that way, you'll be the first to know!</div><br />Thanks again everyone, you're the best. Seriously. See you soon with some more holiday goodies...!<br /><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>

It's SALE time - 20% off storewide in my Etsy shop!!!!

Yes, it's that time of year again! Time to thank you all for the absolutely amazing support you've shown over the past twelve months. It's been a fabulous year, more so than I could ever have imagined, and now it's my turn to give a little something back. For the next week only, my whole Etsy store …

20Nov2011

Tips for Hiking with Kids

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Close friends know we have been dragging our kids<br />on weekend adventures since forever<br /><br />For years our children have referred to it as 'The Prison Bus',<br />as they felt forced to go<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-oF2NM8guuQfQDz4i1M_40pLv7P9tU3vKaDLeSGBu1WcFSc5c7pMld75_2WGWKVG1cQTHyfmUKstvZV8_C6oUAIJq7fWFABVdLKF9_qLDB-xrAmEVXAzAnVbfG3hGk3pkkwsOnVZtEA/s1600/DSCN5938-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-oF2NM8guuQfQDz4i1M_40pLv7P9tU3vKaDLeSGBu1WcFSc5c7pMld75_2WGWKVG1cQTHyfmUKstvZV8_C6oUAIJq7fWFABVdLKF9_qLDB-xrAmEVXAzAnVbfG3hGk3pkkwsOnVZtEA/s640/DSCN5938-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Now that we live in England, the Prison Bus still takes day trips<br />but with little struggle<br /><br />One recent weekend the Prison Bus never left<br />and we found we each twirled in our own little worlds in the same house,<br />without really connecting the whole weekend<br /><br />Ever since, our family does something together for a few hours<br />usually in the form of a walk to bask in fresh air & bucolic views<br />to rejuvenate for the upcoming week<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV375qK33OpzIgXlU1t9K4cpcRjwCyNfMEw0NttGAQq0Vjau_r2tO3Z_cXpuq-JyFfOYBhh0OD93fiAsyst7CahyXaRz-fYtKJQG6G1zg4lVrtalOv8w3Wnm02Kybt4E2boASMFlTV1rw/s1600/DSC_0070-41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV375qK33OpzIgXlU1t9K4cpcRjwCyNfMEw0NttGAQq0Vjau_r2tO3Z_cXpuq-JyFfOYBhh0OD93fiAsyst7CahyXaRz-fYtKJQG6G1zg4lVrtalOv8w3Wnm02Kybt4E2boASMFlTV1rw/s640/DSC_0070-41.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />And with so many public trails nearby,<br />we never need to walk the same one twice<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2TFgTi65H7BTE8U1_cBANZyoDEgn_ZabTQFqz4lhZanE0OGjpLJpapvfRNMl4BfDzRXN45i5P-g_2er-rSUtXw6W6o56bhBAHvHDXt0FZKn0LU7R6xP8pWBTLSjjdG5IYqMrNfblNwU/s1600/DSCN5993-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2TFgTi65H7BTE8U1_cBANZyoDEgn_ZabTQFqz4lhZanE0OGjpLJpapvfRNMl4BfDzRXN45i5P-g_2er-rSUtXw6W6o56bhBAHvHDXt0FZKn0LU7R6xP8pWBTLSjjdG5IYqMrNfblNwU/s640/DSCN5993-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />:: IN OUR BAG OF TRICKS ::<br /><br /><b>Digital Camera</b><br />Each kiddo has one and enjoys snapping away to their little hearts content<br />It can significantly slow down the walk but that's okay<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/AVvXsEiLb2V_Aw9DiGP08yRCTfGvWYa6fSYa70a4rsH-o1-zE_jQI0Wj1m3rMsDbEjyNQDJF4ApqnRVj_8zy4mOwsfHlznpwxhyphenhyphenX3Glo8T375MSownpSFnPdNohKJIfYY1fp47N5Tx_S5szjkUk/s1600/DSCN5900-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLb2V_Aw9DiGP08yRCTfGvWYa6fSYa70a4rsH-o1-zE_jQI0Wj1m3rMsDbEjyNQDJF4ApqnRVj_8zy4mOwsfHlznpwxhyphenhyphenX3Glo8T375MSownpSFnPdNohKJIfYY1fp47N5Tx_S5szjkUk/s640/DSCN5900-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello, interesting mushroom<br />{ little hairs highlighted by camera's flash }</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>Metal Detector</b><br />I first got this idea when we went on a path that specifically said 'No Metal Detectors'<br />Of course that made me want to run out and buy one!<br />Were Roman coins or pirate treasures buried there?!<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/AVvXsEiqyjX35lcP9PikUCFgiUcQ1YwRJfjeQ33zcLfCVcCn_u0KLgMnDRabDuz-Lg7QC5NtkfsjBRg0-aowMHnJLUdJsL3ty6Sujkh-SRZRip1rfufP8YT_xS2qzHRA-ES6fYIbkCksQkqLmAI/s1600/DSC_0090-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyjX35lcP9PikUCFgiUcQ1YwRJfjeQ33zcLfCVcCn_u0KLgMnDRabDuz-Lg7QC5NtkfsjBRg0-aowMHnJLUdJsL3ty6Sujkh-SRZRip1rfufP8YT_xS2qzHRA-ES6fYIbkCksQkqLmAI/s640/DSC_0090-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Pocketknife</b><br />Obviously for older children,<br />my son enjoys finding sticks and turning them into spears as we walk<br /><br /><b>Walkie Talkies</b><br />The kids feel like little spies,<br />running ahead of us with a 'Roger That' and 'Over and Out'<br /><br /><b>Walk The Dog</b><br />The kids love racing our little Wilson through the woods and heath<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScKj4LWc_jdpy2LwkNIh5o2gDlA6o5okOwP4Xr-djC1r9J2ne4v4wIJXu4sfgsNdx6b-1i31rLwII8a67FeN_WHne2vzMT9oLOKu2ni5NogXJyoC_xeW06qO1xToJcv580BVUu-s54QY/s1600/DSC_0027-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScKj4LWc_jdpy2LwkNIh5o2gDlA6o5okOwP4Xr-djC1r9J2ne4v4wIJXu4sfgsNdx6b-1i31rLwII8a67FeN_WHne2vzMT9oLOKu2ni5NogXJyoC_xeW06qO1xToJcv580BVUu-s54QY/s400/DSC_0027-4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Food</b><br />The idea of a post-hike ice cream or lunch at a country pub gets them running out the door<br /><br /><b>Geocaching</b><br />Best with a smartphone,<br />follow the compass and clues for this outdoor treasure hunting game<br /><br />A Geocache is a hidden container that is registered with the Geocaching website<br />Varied in size, there are over a million located worldwide<br />Random items may be inside; if you take something, leave something<br /><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9a13a; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; text-transform: uppercase;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>I bet there is one near you, no matter where you live in the world<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">{ see <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/">Geocaching.com</a> or download app }</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hnDyCSp_zW12dQ-2ZgSAF6JXc7qfUDf4D9WhV4xiYrrj8BhGJpee-cAKr73YFtat7UKLAVRXnPQ5zHdcCTIPFhJhSUXKig1FH4r16c9wfHnNA0BKbxZbWC4OmJKMfnTzPx96eC5bRl0/s1600/DSC_0359-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hnDyCSp_zW12dQ-2ZgSAF6JXc7qfUDf4D9WhV4xiYrrj8BhGJpee-cAKr73YFtat7UKLAVRXnPQ5zHdcCTIPFhJhSUXKig1FH4r16c9wfHnNA0BKbxZbWC4OmJKMfnTzPx96eC5bRl0/s640/DSC_0359-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Remote Control 4x4</b><br />I definitely wouldn't recommend this if you are looking for a quiet walk,<br />but my son insisted I share this one :)<br /><br /><b>Cycling</b><br />My daughter recently took to riding her bike<br />and enjoys doing it any chance she gets<br />In England, you can cycle on bridleways but not walking paths<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></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/AVvXsEjmHKF1q_zMynUY0qOp4VnSCyzvdAIeKsWKcV2flECaRUHpOlb2jRsrAv-MrNKNZfOCaCFEq7hZ8Z6dlV65nZQ4E-M3cdkyO9mosbQV4kmTBihtA5_wSgetu3hQO7Lk6ljGy1eM0xpergE/s1600/DSC_0114-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHKF1q_zMynUY0qOp4VnSCyzvdAIeKsWKcV2flECaRUHpOlb2jRsrAv-MrNKNZfOCaCFEq7hZ8Z6dlV65nZQ4E-M3cdkyO9mosbQV4kmTBihtA5_wSgetu3hQO7Lk6ljGy1eM0xpergE/s640/DSC_0114-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />What tips do you have to share?<br /><br /><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">- all photos by me -</span></i><br /><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Postscript: I also want to mention Geocaches are in rural AND urban environments. Really, there probably are a few near you wherever you live in the world.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Linking to <a href="http://my3boybarians.com/">Sweet Shot Tuesdays</a></span></div></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>

Tips for Hiking with Kids

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKClose friends know we have been dragging our kidson weekend adventures since foreverFor years our children have referred to it as 'The Prison Bus',as they felt forced to goNow that we live in England, the Prison Bus still takes day tripsbut with little struggleOne recent …

19Nov2011

Hever Castle

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn,<br />{ Henry VIII's second wife and mother to Elizabeth I }</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hever Castle makes for the perfect date with a camera</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/AVvXsEhpbZmwcL7UNvRtBmNy7O73OYz2PK5tTyGJlx5iU8wytwljzczKwqDCWfgsT31zS7YIfFOqBhpyupDVP5nAy_LMKu6o0VcMo-yQF319TMB1LKLutao9pukoDVngEWURkOjSr6jAhcRJ5tc/s1600/DSC_0007-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbZmwcL7UNvRtBmNy7O73OYz2PK5tTyGJlx5iU8wytwljzczKwqDCWfgsT31zS7YIfFOqBhpyupDVP5nAy_LMKu6o0VcMo-yQF319TMB1LKLutao9pukoDVngEWURkOjSr6jAhcRJ5tc/s640/DSC_0007-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This moated thirteenth century castle in Kent is complete with drawbridge and swans</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What would a castle be without a yew maze?<br />{ Planted in 1906 }</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/AVvXsEjXNmsKtujt6gJLV4QnYOBMpq7f-JQCQtCMfXA0KK6h2vApBsmwL5k_qssSjFOiuTOPYJH0AVT6orlnjhfPS1OdhyN5PzmTG40S2Pqzf0Tx1YAkblZ2_n66uCaj5SJCLhRyQNfbKTjKGzM/s1600/DSC_0136-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNmsKtujt6gJLV4QnYOBMpq7f-JQCQtCMfXA0KK6h2vApBsmwL5k_qssSjFOiuTOPYJH0AVT6orlnjhfPS1OdhyN5PzmTG40S2Pqzf0Tx1YAkblZ2_n66uCaj5SJCLhRyQNfbKTjKGzM/s640/DSC_0136-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />A variety of programs are offered on weekends<br />The Falconry Demonstration was our favorite<br /><br />I hadn't realized birds of prey were relied upon<br />to capture dinner for its owner during the Middle Ages<br /><br />It was impressive to watch them fly beyond our vision<br />and dutifully return<br /><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb00dekq9JaUPBg6hyun-IEi_Mn1stvFMe5kzGFNgA5erOS-0WD_8n4N8QwWQYVb6FK8DdOeDuPLi1BL-_JhviUwR7LhGYmgpdX6bJuTxUFvEeKkdh-eXOpGqkZdwKYiCVY5KaBEtxS_k/s1600/DSC_0023-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb00dekq9JaUPBg6hyun-IEi_Mn1stvFMe5kzGFNgA5erOS-0WD_8n4N8QwWQYVb6FK8DdOeDuPLi1BL-_JhviUwR7LhGYmgpdX6bJuTxUFvEeKkdh-eXOpGqkZdwKYiCVY5KaBEtxS_k/s640/DSC_0023-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Other activities included long-bow archery for the willing in a picturesque setting</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/AVvXsEgCRaoNwWmchchVXyUd-1RzGYi0hVPLzdRTp0IGGGDk-XBbga2ma6v7xfm_0wqF_2XtqHuSPWgszJngOGqeA5uUC7_JbvBz9SqU8Iv_KY7OEflaMmZuazBUk5xPjB9aGxikkuCheqG-ARM/s1600/DSC_0122-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRaoNwWmchchVXyUd-1RzGYi0hVPLzdRTp0IGGGDk-XBbga2ma6v7xfm_0wqF_2XtqHuSPWgszJngOGqeA5uUC7_JbvBz9SqU8Iv_KY7OEflaMmZuazBUk5xPjB9aGxikkuCheqG-ARM/s640/DSC_0122-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Over a two year span, a thousand men dug out this 38 acre lake</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The result is picture-perfect</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">{ Excuse the romantic wash on the photo - I couldn't help myself }</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, 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/AVvXsEgaYOWRcWAQOQzUcS2Aj3qxeV3_SIcU-CeIrlrM_8yxy0qTTx8WAtG15-_nJTuZWy72USDZamNA2PSXA2_n95GvFGFpRXrvCrPgBaNpCp1kURLKHdTbkGcp1f1qDeQOd-ivIaIVFzanzg8/s1600/DSC_0068-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYOWRcWAQOQzUcS2Aj3qxeV3_SIcU-CeIrlrM_8yxy0qTTx8WAtG15-_nJTuZWy72USDZamNA2PSXA2_n95GvFGFpRXrvCrPgBaNpCp1kURLKHdTbkGcp1f1qDeQOd-ivIaIVFzanzg8/s640/DSC_0068-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Boats for hire</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/AVvXsEj43I43BoMGF5BPUr5IlABG3gPeqEoqVVP3fbUkxaGX8-vzJ3qX3ArV2Hfcc25j-iZkiKDOfEGiwNJIuq575wL25-GHHCpPdHjU6snuY8_Zs-ZI5fmhYsApdr5dRW3e8qVGqlengJPO6k4/s1600/DSC_0064-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43I43BoMGF5BPUr5IlABG3gPeqEoqVVP3fbUkxaGX8-vzJ3qX3ArV2Hfcc25j-iZkiKDOfEGiwNJIuq575wL25-GHHCpPdHjU6snuY8_Zs-ZI5fmhYsApdr5dRW3e8qVGqlengJPO6k4/s320/DSC_0064-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yikes!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">128 acres of award-winning gardens wind throughout the grounds,<br />including Rose and Italian gardens, nature walks, grottoes, fountains, and water maze for kids<br /><br />Just over 100 years old, the spectacular gardens were planted on marshland </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsGQcLmSkFkku-Sf_BJg6z1RfoFwT4dqTmOcoMRF2BCDwTTgTZ_ZF__qupWHkri7vH97AhQff75XD4acBm7bcLIT-r0FkIHFocOYq9JVVh8Elh24AfKHRXtDVdCMc7NrHefHHzLpeE20/s1600/DSC_0042-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsGQcLmSkFkku-Sf_BJg6z1RfoFwT4dqTmOcoMRF2BCDwTTgTZ_ZF__qupWHkri7vH97AhQff75XD4acBm7bcLIT-r0FkIHFocOYq9JVVh8Elh24AfKHRXtDVdCMc7NrHefHHzLpeE20/s640/DSC_0042-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnNUMFUWAibN4nPRF6WQ1GumCY6Y7Em_d4GMF9MqK9vt2iZcVlFD1hL-qpRCyK6PlWdA92lElZFafHmF3TmTAuNSWXuSrWSKkcfodrusqwEoKv4Pl-q6iBE86k6_LMPLaYQQdeoW8ZPE/s1600/DSC_0031-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnNUMFUWAibN4nPRF6WQ1GumCY6Y7Em_d4GMF9MqK9vt2iZcVlFD1hL-qpRCyK6PlWdA92lElZFafHmF3TmTAuNSWXuSrWSKkcfodrusqwEoKv4Pl-q6iBE86k6_LMPLaYQQdeoW8ZPE/s640/DSC_0031-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We took the self-guided tour inside the castle</div><div style="text-align: center;">filled with beautiful artwork and furniture and interesting placards to read along the way</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">{ my quest for hidden panels and trap doors continues }</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Entertaining, beautiful, and educational, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hever Castle has the recipe for a favorite day trip for all ages</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">- all photos taken by me in August -</span></i></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Source & Calendar: <a href="http://www.hevercastle.co.uk/">Hever Castle</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>

Hever Castle

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKOnce the childhood home of Anne Boleyn,{ Henry VIII's second wife and mother to Elizabeth I }Hever Castle makes for the perfect date with a cameraThis moated thirteenth century castle in Kent is complete with drawbridge and swansWhat would a castle be without a yew maze?{…

15Nov2011

Artist Marcella Kaspar's Sydney home...an update

Regular readers of my blog may remember my previous posts (<a href="http://driftwood-interiors.blogspot.com/2010/08/one-gorgeous-hometwo-ways.html">here</a> and <a href="http://driftwood-interiors.blogspot.com/2011/07/one-gorgeous-home-three-wayswell-almost.html">here</a>) on the beautiful homes of Australian artist Marcella Kaspar and her builder husband, Mark Cooper. The first home has since been sold to design maven Maggie Tabberer, with the couple then going on to build an almost identical replica, albeit with a darker and moodier vibe. It's just been featured in Marie Claire Australia magazine, and I couldn't miss the chance to revisit it - it's one of my all-time faves.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZ7-YiP5JW8-1MRG_Kf83nJjmTtvqjzyHk_kw33xJuUzoZRAEqSWvWV2bLOrpCcvEB7tDE-gu31ipk7EF8n5X4mODSRZ3XDCvNNf-rFplnoAfc68r-bisk6S0qkYgAIE1NNxM9V_PJQI3/s1600/kaspar+doubleresize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZ7-YiP5JW8-1MRG_Kf83nJjmTtvqjzyHk_kw33xJuUzoZRAEqSWvWV2bLOrpCcvEB7tDE-gu31ipk7EF8n5X4mODSRZ3XDCvNNf-rFplnoAfc68r-bisk6S0qkYgAIE1NNxM9V_PJQI3/s640/kaspar+doubleresize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSsKwzjaxWzWWoOXoEgxBZ3KU46Y9FWIrwmld3_z_YGZexactsjc4mWp2KhjqsLbenZMevLbz2QAlbnBv4kMXq4ES_gUUUSIkOFC7c0HlwBJlGTUugKVCTtUotfcsmmCth7K0QVPnRQGJ/s1600/kaspar1resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSsKwzjaxWzWWoOXoEgxBZ3KU46Y9FWIrwmld3_z_YGZexactsjc4mWp2KhjqsLbenZMevLbz2QAlbnBv4kMXq4ES_gUUUSIkOFC7c0HlwBJlGTUugKVCTtUotfcsmmCth7K0QVPnRQGJ/s640/kaspar1resize.jpg" width="466" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-small;">Marcella's stunning peony painting has inspired me to paint my own version to hang above my bed - of course, pics will be shared soon.</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/AVvXsEhMZCdiZ6YQumamxfUWEXueYtM3AApZnzoDIgICucdyvxjiVoMCK3bbgwTLCdd-YvKHpTPsDU0P90Eimp2IV7TVsQi4duJg9Igc90xqv2mh-hRqXe74ygQJN4EaZ6MT9uEP5ZKa01gI0oSP/s1600/kaspar2resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZCdiZ6YQumamxfUWEXueYtM3AApZnzoDIgICucdyvxjiVoMCK3bbgwTLCdd-YvKHpTPsDU0P90Eimp2IV7TVsQi4duJg9Igc90xqv2mh-hRqXe74ygQJN4EaZ6MT9uEP5ZKa01gI0oSP/s640/kaspar2resize.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireOaZuD3pC5qVaRAjBDW2ahFSSCHYMb_KYNC2RCLihcC-AirPnmmJoWpXX5vDQxYoKJ28q6OxLFRxTAdRxRuGpQrpeig1JcNoF0vpI_v9V_oFKF1jxn0cytNAszB3l2QnkwEV8oENcGu7/s1600/kaspar4resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireOaZuD3pC5qVaRAjBDW2ahFSSCHYMb_KYNC2RCLihcC-AirPnmmJoWpXX5vDQxYoKJ28q6OxLFRxTAdRxRuGpQrpeig1JcNoF0vpI_v9V_oFKF1jxn0cytNAszB3l2QnkwEV8oENcGu7/s640/kaspar4resize.jpg" 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/AVvXsEitLsIExo63Ekyr9pIiJpY-DdUHQwp7n0HQjhJY3wXob4-vqzPDBgts0kig1vI5AqGn5XdrpJHESVEwPtRJdUdWAOv2vfKB-z2eFGaCEYVH8cJKDn-nGoXDwEDprDHBgP53fnmI4QygV6Fl/s1600/kaspar+bedroom+resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLsIExo63Ekyr9pIiJpY-DdUHQwp7n0HQjhJY3wXob4-vqzPDBgts0kig1vI5AqGn5XdrpJHESVEwPtRJdUdWAOv2vfKB-z2eFGaCEYVH8cJKDn-nGoXDwEDprDHBgP53fnmI4QygV6Fl/s640/kaspar+bedroom+resize.jpg" width="491" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-small;">One of my favourite elements of both homes is the frangipani outside the main bedroom. Another idea I've stolen for my place :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now, just in case you're like me and too much of a good thing is never enough, here's a little bit more...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></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/AVvXsEibw6SgBLPUUEaWgth36PBCGr4IcGKeTosUyLxAnWZfKk9K2OOfqyITiW3h-b160pIRwgItD-FVj0oT4l7GLxW342x3dDhpBshpPcHn9IHOKCquz0AsvuV42CKUN8E6vz_UhFQuB_ryefeF/s1600/thumbnail-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibw6SgBLPUUEaWgth36PBCGr4IcGKeTosUyLxAnWZfKk9K2OOfqyITiW3h-b160pIRwgItD-FVj0oT4l7GLxW342x3dDhpBshpPcHn9IHOKCquz0AsvuV42CKUN8E6vz_UhFQuB_ryefeF/s640/thumbnail-1.jpeg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuvAO67Z2EXtgaQh4FYIRhGQ8m4ryJ25cYp3aTXWL7ONJ4yt-5ZutqORNPeTUSLgwwWG6h7GtjCHhLbbRe4nxGkZV44BO25l9aLHPW4JExA-X49NQ71KtUs1yB9X8J3TqAIxpGIJPQh9U/s1600/thumbnail-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuvAO67Z2EXtgaQh4FYIRhGQ8m4ryJ25cYp3aTXWL7ONJ4yt-5ZutqORNPeTUSLgwwWG6h7GtjCHhLbbRe4nxGkZV44BO25l9aLHPW4JExA-X49NQ71KtUs1yB9X8J3TqAIxpGIJPQh9U/s640/thumbnail-2.jpeg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbe8yU50e-N3exGIvQ8P5C6g6QZOHs5LghXgoh3_9nOSP8XVZ7UHcfhqHF-N4I8JUz55N9uZ4sO3eEj7l123T9gGbgp-OdNjNVigDH4xL8iz8Krvu8ahSGvILzvlVBHU1eO0awNsT7KslU/s1600/thumbnail-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbe8yU50e-N3exGIvQ8P5C6g6QZOHs5LghXgoh3_9nOSP8XVZ7UHcfhqHF-N4I8JUz55N9uZ4sO3eEj7l123T9gGbgp-OdNjNVigDH4xL8iz8Krvu8ahSGvILzvlVBHU1eO0awNsT7KslU/s640/thumbnail-3.jpeg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjTteCpMOtDtsOxs3szMK8fS8BTcl757UKgd5BjKY7TpCFLkeDze9TuNvwJqKKOWkpjMvAXVQvGnhyfCPayyK-bgcLuVEveHsLSyqP5Jsy7qg0ym64wsmxzNREMzXx8B08cOoC7cGWWPt/s1600/thumbnail.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjTteCpMOtDtsOxs3szMK8fS8BTcl757UKgd5BjKY7TpCFLkeDze9TuNvwJqKKOWkpjMvAXVQvGnhyfCPayyK-bgcLuVEveHsLSyqP5Jsy7qg0ym64wsmxzNREMzXx8B08cOoC7cGWWPt/s640/thumbnail.jpeg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: x-small;">inlay vanity and mirrors...straight to the 'dream house' file</span></div><br />Talented <i>+</i> stylish = a killer combination. Couldn't love this place any harder if I tried.<br /><br /><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="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">all images courtesy <a href="http://content-agency.com/">Simon Kenny, Content Agency</a> via <a href="http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/marie-claire/">Marie Claire Australia magazine</a></span>

Artist Marcella Kaspar's Sydney home...an update

Regular readers of my blog may remember my previous posts (here and here) on the beautiful homes of Australian artist Marcella Kaspar and her builder husband, Mark Cooper. The first home has since been sold to design maven Maggie Tabberer, with the couple then going on to build an almost identical r…