Find Your Jubilee Beacon

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">On Monday, June 4th</div><div style="text-align: center;">a chain of over 4000 beacons will be lit </div><div style="text-align: center;">by churches, municipalities, and associations</div><div style="text-align: center;">worldwide to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div>Beginning in Tonga and finishing in Canada,</div><div>the world will light beacons around 10p, local time</div><div>(including Australia, China, Pakistan, Kenya, the US and many more)<br /><br />Sixty beacons will be along the length of Hadrian’s Wall<br />with each beacon representing a year in the life of The Queen’s reign<br />Won't that look magical?<br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Queen will light the National Beacon at 10:30p in London</div><div style="text-align: center;">with the 'Jubilee Crystal Diamond' laser beam</div><div style="text-align: center;">following the <a href="http://www.jubileeconcert2012.co.uk/">BBC Concert</a> that night</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnY3ydLwQZJokPYIVPcDXXGneAdGlFx0ylWf1jmbhpBD_jHiL3z3TJrkJgQK2zGQMzkiDBmYGsvdLfMcpJIFolbbEnXDQLytuEUET5o3G5RABaa_ccQITaxJZ1EJAw-bX8cpG-Lsev60/s1600/jubilee+121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnY3ydLwQZJokPYIVPcDXXGneAdGlFx0ylWf1jmbhpBD_jHiL3z3TJrkJgQK2zGQMzkiDBmYGsvdLfMcpJIFolbbEnXDQLytuEUET5o3G5RABaa_ccQITaxJZ1EJAw-bX8cpG-Lsev60/s640/jubilee+121.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beacon chains have evolved from a tool of communication</div><div style="text-align: center;">to a symbol of unity across towns, boundaries, and countries</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">For hundreds of years, Britain has been lighting beacons</div><div style="text-align: center;">in celebration of royal weddings, jubilees, and coronations</div><div style="text-align: center;">in village greens, church towers, beaches, car parks, and mountain tops</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Why will the beacons be lit so late?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Situated so far north, England's sunsets are really late in June</div><div style="text-align: center;">I haven't seen pure darkness for a few days now</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Sunrise 4:47a, Sunset 9:12p on Jun 4th)</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><table class="spad" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); color: #323232; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; min-width: 650px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><tbody style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1Tirjs2-029BvF-SLh6AEcpVxEk3rH4ww3K3RPD3apyojIGPH_ebc-3-J-c21gVl3q4egO5W5hexyucvj6Ykrrhsk_8jtkZG0ztjCmIkcs_Yb1mzKcn10-9Qq27ZjwE__bxSXiT_uAI/s1600/jubilee111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1Tirjs2-029BvF-SLh6AEcpVxEk3rH4ww3K3RPD3apyojIGPH_ebc-3-J-c21gVl3q4egO5W5hexyucvj6Ykrrhsk_8jtkZG0ztjCmIkcs_Yb1mzKcn10-9Qq27ZjwE__bxSXiT_uAI/s640/jubilee111.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Literally around the globe</span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">the world will come together to light beacons on Monday night</span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">to honor Queen Elizabeth II's 60 year reign</div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I can't think of anything like it before</span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- such a goosebump moment -</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">To find your nearest beacon, click <a href="http://www.diamondjubileebeacons.co.uk/pages/interactive_map_171898.cfm">here</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">In this series:<br /><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/beacons-for-queen.html">Beacons For The Queen</a><br /><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/diamond-jubilee-flotilla.html">Diamond Jubilee Flotilla</a><br /><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/london-getting-ready-for-jubilee.html">London Getting Ready For The Jubilee</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/diamond-jubilee-window-shopping.html">The Diamond Jubilee & Window Shopping</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/celebrating-queen-elizabeth-ii.html">Celebrating Queen Elizabeth II</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Info + photos: <a href="http://www.diamondjubileebeacons.co.uk/">Diamond Jubilee Beacons</a>, <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/the_queens_diamond_jubilee/9238765/How-the-Queens-Diamond-Jubilee-will-set-the-globe-alight.html">The Telegraph</a>, <a href="http://www.timeanddate.com/">Time and Date</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Find Your Jubilee Beacon

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKOn Monday, June 4tha chain of over 4000 beacons will be lit by churches, municipalities, and associationsworldwide to celebrate the Queen's Diamond JubileeBeginning in Tonga and finishing in Canada,the world will light beacons around 10p, local time(including Australia, C…

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The Diamond Jubilee & Window Shopping

<div style="text-align: left;">Posted by Happy Homemaker UK</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">With the upcoming Diamond Jubilee and the Summer Olympics,</div><div style="text-align: center;">this will be a historical summer in Great Britain!</div><div style="text-align: center;">* squeal *<br /><br /><br />Submitted by<br />10 year old Katherine Dewar of Chester,<br />this official emblem was selected in a competition<br /><br />Along with festive bunting and 'Best of British' slogans,<br />I see it frequently<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4LrC50IcwGcv-RHwxI63z8GxMEVnZALwmnBMwL_zdfWxhep6C_NEiPpiKCxTKyHsThWnzR0NH94zWloQl1YrRVYN46jARX-2YzjhXyl7Q5IZX-XohGrUTukvSFR_Jct8HE4gwhPpCj7Q/s1600/Jubilee+Logo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4LrC50IcwGcv-RHwxI63z8GxMEVnZALwmnBMwL_zdfWxhep6C_NEiPpiKCxTKyHsThWnzR0NH94zWloQl1YrRVYN46jARX-2YzjhXyl7Q5IZX-XohGrUTukvSFR_Jct8HE4gwhPpCj7Q/s320/Jubilee+Logo+1.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is the line up for the public celebration </div><div style="text-align: center;">of Queen Elizabeth's 60 year reign</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Sat 2 June</b><br />The Queen attends Epsom Derby</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Sun 3 June</b><br />The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh travel in a flotilla on River Thames<br />{ can't wait! }</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Mon 4 June</b><br />Concert at Buckingham Palace</div><div style="text-align: center;">A network of 2012 beacons to be lit throughout the UK</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Tues 5 June</b><br />Queen attends service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral </div><div style="text-align: center;">followed by Carriage Procession</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Street parties, '<a href="http://www.thebiglunch.com/">The Big Lunch</a>', and afternoon teas will take place throughout the UK on those days<br /><br />I've sprinkled some fun 'Best Of Britain' in the post to get you in the mood...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEhLmE1kCPmPaDWTNnqSIIMNs4zzauLU74s0aEdVz0mnydZ8QP9oxvPq7ymlm2tQgnZp8jeUupvuoNu_TKytvJmfDUG4ELH3s3oW6HiUCfUyl_Bv9EH7C9NgPr5EskvvRI-HIWcf4aJEqzQ/s1600/Jubilee+Mug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmE1kCPmPaDWTNnqSIIMNs4zzauLU74s0aEdVz0mnydZ8QP9oxvPq7ymlm2tQgnZp8jeUupvuoNu_TKytvJmfDUG4ELH3s3oW6HiUCfUyl_Bv9EH7C9NgPr5EskvvRI-HIWcf4aJEqzQ/s320/Jubilee+Mug.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mug by <a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/hunkydoryhome/product/continuing-period-of-reign-mug">Hunkydory Home</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Unlike the Royal Wedding just a year ago, </div><div style="text-align: center;">this event feels more intimate</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The English seem to deeply appreciate her loyalty and dedication to her position </div><div style="text-align: center;">and think it is a wonderful celebration of her 60 year reign<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/AVvXsEgigKZoUi8EcDfkqMev7eCIgwatWkHtYXfZPf0juU7e8_UR3ENMAkNnI9aX4iqGBpEiL3smA0xby1H2teiChJ7wAMGVJj0KtlSvFTKsAg68qbeCEPT7-6AR8eYn5zWMidO5w-o9RMZeNJk/s1600/Jubilee+card+vase.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigKZoUi8EcDfkqMev7eCIgwatWkHtYXfZPf0juU7e8_UR3ENMAkNnI9aX4iqGBpEiL3smA0xby1H2teiChJ7wAMGVJj0KtlSvFTKsAg68qbeCEPT7-6AR8eYn5zWMidO5w-o9RMZeNJk/s1600/Jubilee+card+vase.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clever cardboard vase by <a href="http://www.talkingtables.co.uk/ranges/british-street-party/958/royal-carriage-teapot-vase/">Talking Tables</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Quite a few remember her coronation in 1953</div><div style="text-align: center;">when she was just 27 years old</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">She has been Queen during the lifetime of most Britons<br />and has provided stability and continuity to this country<br /><br />Because the only other Diamond Jubilee has been for Queen Victoria<br />and many Britons may not experience another Jubilee in their lifetime,<br />this event is a really big deal<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/AVvXsEg3llw-fHdfTZkoF_2pr9Jh_uaKadzVWk0Qxqg4LejftIIaoUQc7qKeq27Q9rLc7EZfL_okPRJ4BnAn3vSe2sY3jizhQ1eREuro1k-1zZ4tyX3Ctn3spgOsdG4OFhWUkwmbZ40omgQkcng/s1600/Jubilee+Hunter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3llw-fHdfTZkoF_2pr9Jh_uaKadzVWk0Qxqg4LejftIIaoUQc7qKeq27Q9rLc7EZfL_okPRJ4BnAn3vSe2sY3jizhQ1eREuro1k-1zZ4tyX3Ctn3spgOsdG4OFhWUkwmbZ40omgQkcng/s320/Jubilee+Hunter.JPG" width="286" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hunter-boot.com/original-brit">Hunter</a> is the iconic British wellies brand</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This Jubilee reaches across ALL ages<br />and has brought out loyalty, pride, and even patriotism<br />in Britain<br /><br />The curious thing about the British is they have allegiance to <b>two</b> flags<br />- the Union Jack and their constituent country<br />(England, Scotland, Wales, or N Ireland) -<br /><br />which creates a multilayered identity at the heart of every Brit<br />with perhaps muddled patriotism<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/AVvXsEjY92ppaEz54MWVYoyBYGxv-5fGfFrCDJbvb-RcA7XbBdRsbYFtsvINVt9tSFk6ymOjcvk5oRNlqctqR4rDPDjoZfz1ZX8DrqtC3SPtKsagMCv680vm5tmQjwgYG_afjFjeQESNzn2nPE8/s1600/jubilee+bag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY92ppaEz54MWVYoyBYGxv-5fGfFrCDJbvb-RcA7XbBdRsbYFtsvINVt9tSFk6ymOjcvk5oRNlqctqR4rDPDjoZfz1ZX8DrqtC3SPtKsagMCv680vm5tmQjwgYG_afjFjeQESNzn2nPE8/s1600/jubilee+bag.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always something bright & cheery at <a href="http://www.accessorize.com/en/restofworld/union-jack-laminate-vanity-case/invt/18925199/">Accessorize</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Ooh, it is going to be an exciting few days,<br />and I'm going to bring you along :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">In this series:<br /><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/beacons-for-queen.html">Beacons For The Queen</a><br /><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/diamond-jubilee-flotilla.html">Diamond Jubilee Flotilla</a><br /><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/london-getting-ready-for-jubilee.html">London Getting Ready For The Jubilee</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/celebrating-queen-elizabeth-ii.html">Celebrating Queen Elizabeth II</a><br /><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/find-your-jubilee-beacon.html">Find Your Jubilee Beacon</a></div><br /></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-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>

The Diamond Jubilee & Window Shopping

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKWith the upcoming Diamond Jubilee and the Summer Olympics,this will be a historical summer in Great Britain!* squeal *Submitted by10 year old Katherine Dewar of Chester,this official emblem was selected in a competitionAlong with festive bunting and 'Best of British' slog…

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Celebrating Queen Elizabeth II

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Are you ready?!</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/AVvXsEiMLwrhkZAu6PxcPfc820hftt3K26YFVLQyNQcpzAyErBMkK9edQFZondRAv2GRvx3zONag8hmoo7zH9XQjgMBJhBSN-gcMtPuP6XycONkjlpNigUC_lz-vW-6uzj569kT3VrBpnr1oCIU/s1600/IMG_2154-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLwrhkZAu6PxcPfc820hftt3K26YFVLQyNQcpzAyErBMkK9edQFZondRAv2GRvx3zONag8hmoo7zH9XQjgMBJhBSN-gcMtPuP6XycONkjlpNigUC_lz-vW-6uzj569kT3VrBpnr1oCIU/s400/IMG_2154-2.jpg" width="387" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">As THE week begins,</div><div style="text-align: center;">follow my posts as The Diamond Jubilee unfolds</div><div style="text-align: center;">to celebrate 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>'I declare before you all that my whole life,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>whether it be long or short, </i><br /><i>shall be devoted to your service</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong'</i><br /><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">- Princess Elizabeth, age 21, five years before coronation</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEgWJEEFF9q0RrOcfg2qKOFXTvIobbTn-ADNDDGbQQjimvb4IwCw3FZJjVeok7vd4IBDs0f69jJNdWFOFKEVpsbf4JciAM2X5q1lpd6dalATJYel_Cgm2jyBfBXyEYi-LwkXWouVFVq0n34/s1600/DSCN4895-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJEEFF9q0RrOcfg2qKOFXTvIobbTn-ADNDDGbQQjimvb4IwCw3FZJjVeok7vd4IBDs0f69jJNdWFOFKEVpsbf4JciAM2X5q1lpd6dalATJYel_Cgm2jyBfBXyEYi-LwkXWouVFVq0n34/s640/DSCN4895-012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Biographer William Shawcross describes the Queen as</div><div>'very steady and unassuming, but allowing herself to move with the times'<br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">At age 86,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Queen Elizabeth II is the longest lived </div><div style="text-align: center;">and second longest reigning monarch of the United Kingdom<br />(Queen Victoria reigned 63 yrs)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and is the second longest serving current head of state in the world</div><div style="text-align: center;">(King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand is longest) <span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She has no intention of abdicating, although she may reduce her commitments over time</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Graced with good genes, the Queen Mother passed away at age 101 in 2002</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>- photos by me -</i></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In this series:</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/beacons-for-queen.html" style="line-height: normal;">Beacons For The Queen</a></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/diamond-jubilee-flotilla.html" style="line-height: normal;">Diamond Jubilee Flotilla</a></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/london-getting-ready-for-jubilee.html" style="line-height: normal;">London Getting Ready For The Jubilee</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/diamond-jubilee-window-shopping.html">The Diamond Jubilee & Window Shopping</a></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/find-your-jubilee-beacon.html">Find Your Jubilee Beacon</a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Source: The Sunday Times Magazine, May 27 2012; <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_ii">Wikipedia</a></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Celebrating Queen Elizabeth II

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKAre you ready?!As THE week begins,follow my posts as The Diamond Jubilee unfoldsto celebrate 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign'I declare before you all that my whole life,whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your serviceand the service of our great imperi…

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Post Of The Month Club: May

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/AVvXsEgc4j25CD-rUm8ivkicCAlD3GoKZNZbFF10mZwHrDH3ahCbIJc9Ms3OloZjtCYCXnqMKF0ylZYLnagAtNZPZwJE9vTKXdT5x_pQKUNYcyfnF3fmfC0kK56CxHEF1qARdOW02q5wtcPYRy4/s1600/Post+Of+The+Month+Club+Button.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4j25CD-rUm8ivkicCAlD3GoKZNZbFF10mZwHrDH3ahCbIJc9Ms3OloZjtCYCXnqMKF0ylZYLnagAtNZPZwJE9vTKXdT5x_pQKUNYcyfnF3fmfC0kK56CxHEF1qARdOW02q5wtcPYRy4/s320/Post+Of+The+Month+Club+Button.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This month's Post Of The Month Club</div><div style="text-align: center;">will be hosted by the wonderful</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jane from <a href="http://www.lifeonplanetbaby.com/">Life On Planet Baby</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Compassionate, crafty, and 'real',</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jane lets you peek into her life as a busy mum of three</div><div style="text-align: center;">living in Tasmania</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pop over to Jane's blog at the end of the month</div><div style="text-align: center;">and submit your best post in May</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is a great way to give exposure to your blog</div><div style="text-align: center;">and a wonderful way to connect with other bloggers around the world</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">See you <a href="http://www.lifeonplanetbaby.com/">there</a>!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thank you to Felicity of <a href="http://www.giftsofserendipity.com/">Gifts of Serendipity</a> for hosting March & April!</span></i></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>

Post Of The Month Club: May

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKThis month's Post Of The Month Clubwill be hosted by the wonderfulJane from Life On Planet BabyCompassionate, crafty, and 'real',Jane lets you peek into her life as a busy mum of threeliving in TasmaniaPop over to Jane's blog at the end of the monthand submit your best po…

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All that glitters...

...is often gold, but sometimes silver too. I've just had some of my pieces framed, and thought I'd share a few pics of the finished works. My fabulous framer has done an amazing job, so here's a look at what's new:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOiM6wxavYIaG0RO5uczEDrn3cC1ug9tqKWBsZ8Zq5Tt9Hk3fsxnyAq4Y0q_3VIB5UC6kWidJu60qGmSk8keOk6xCFcnamf54AejJpr4YwlJ1Ny-drqhqMcnscG2Y4-pHyfhq4YLsexyy/s1600/pink+orchids+in+blue+watermarked+resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOiM6wxavYIaG0RO5uczEDrn3cC1ug9tqKWBsZ8Zq5Tt9Hk3fsxnyAq4Y0q_3VIB5UC6kWidJu60qGmSk8keOk6xCFcnamf54AejJpr4YwlJ1Ny-drqhqMcnscG2Y4-pHyfhq4YLsexyy/s640/pink+orchids+in+blue+watermarked+resize.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394;">'Pink Orchids in Vintage Blue'</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394;">original watercolour on paper</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394;">30cmx42cm </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">...and here's a print in silver:</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/AVvXsEjRQprM7IXImSZUaOtKlvR7SJ3K4UiTbtcu-b_SetA67On-d7IcqdfO0a1ODVndQB_qgcoCR20Z_eQiM6nVnYfauzXNYlj8nVNsXtJQ4wohgvSEdHblPtlRjNgiJxUsssOyuaQOuQTCGqzN/s1600/pink+orchids+in+silver+bamboo+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQprM7IXImSZUaOtKlvR7SJ3K4UiTbtcu-b_SetA67On-d7IcqdfO0a1ODVndQB_qgcoCR20Z_eQiM6nVnYfauzXNYlj8nVNsXtJQ4wohgvSEdHblPtlRjNgiJxUsssOyuaQOuQTCGqzN/s640/pink+orchids+in+silver+bamboo+watermarked.jpg" width="540" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">This is now hanging in Mum and Dad's newly-renovated bathroom - I'll share all the pics soon</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">These pieces are commissions for a lovely client in Rockhampton. Teacups and Louis chairs.....</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/AVvXsEgSOiIL2TYXZYmIKXyky8BH8wKgbWN9UaarbNE2aYryGwNXWbHalMfvPNQpk6x6xiHz2bXmouoVqRzDRuFBj3Y7OM-4yy4C6FbST2gOZcSRc113YvVi7FNKMHX6guqf4n5ubrGgP8gcBRsa/s1600/louis+chair+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOiIL2TYXZYmIKXyky8BH8wKgbWN9UaarbNE2aYryGwNXWbHalMfvPNQpk6x6xiHz2bXmouoVqRzDRuFBj3Y7OM-4yy4C6FbST2gOZcSRc113YvVi7FNKMHX6guqf4n5ubrGgP8gcBRsa/s640/louis+chair+watermarked.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>'Maddalena'<br />original watercolour on paper<br />40cmx50cm<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHN9HcXwla67tcS2xHyPkf2xTpCzyfX3jkHlTiYERZGluEaEDGea9q3ROnbPnWZN56GvVC_Jey_GUW9nSNbSjW_BgMq8zQmH6aghAM65I0y-ae0-XI2AVv2-oH-BYzSo3-TFxtZCm8DLk/s1600/teacups+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHN9HcXwla67tcS2xHyPkf2xTpCzyfX3jkHlTiYERZGluEaEDGea9q3ROnbPnWZN56GvVC_Jey_GUW9nSNbSjW_BgMq8zQmH6aghAM65I0y-ae0-XI2AVv2-oH-BYzSo3-TFxtZCm8DLk/s640/teacups+watermarked.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>'Divertimenti'<br />original watercolour on paper<br />40cmx50cm<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And look at this gorgeous orchid! My eldest daughter works part-time in a florist, so we're never short of beautiful blooms. This orchid is a stunner, and I think it would make a great subject for my next painting....</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/AVvXsEj2PVogpKxFbaT_mZbYufB7fL7YsFUpzLoGEK4Beo7DpQEony2rCG_8-L-0jhCyqX5m7Ey5ujBeRnqlWDi1Qj9sTz-_7-Enn8juyYoVjykEhdjRerviCBpOgbrRf3PfRIooxAiOGmXJ0J-1/s1600/cattleya+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PVogpKxFbaT_mZbYufB7fL7YsFUpzLoGEK4Beo7DpQEony2rCG_8-L-0jhCyqX5m7Ey5ujBeRnqlWDi1Qj9sTz-_7-Enn8juyYoVjykEhdjRerviCBpOgbrRf3PfRIooxAiOGmXJ0J-1/s640/cattleya+watermarked.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br />Pretty, no?<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>

All that glitters...

...is often gold, but sometimes silver too. I've just had some of my pieces framed, and thought I'd share a few pics of the finished works. My fabulous framer has done an amazing job, so here's a look at what's new:'Pink Orchids in Vintage Blue'original watercolour on paper30cmx42cm ...and here's a …

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RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2012 Highlights

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Lucky me</div><div style="text-align: center;">I attended the <a href="http://www.rhs.org.uk/">RHS Chelsea Flower Show</a> this week</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is always a mind-blowing event</div><div style="text-align: center;">that pushes the limits</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am always amazed by the creativity seen at this sold-out, five day show</div><div style="text-align: center;">that hosts 157,000 visitors over its 11 acres in London annually</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/AVvXsEjyqI9bLJEcwKa7lIvT2R9bwg77ZzW3w6rQF5WoLLomMJcwGXiFLfzPSPfUMeYqLQSenYPZkk_-weQ70u_CzWcUuR0YDb1qF9VnbUFRMaGt-h0dslt-wQwk8oDUwO3gmsr3JjPkbg_JTMI/s1600/IMG_2119-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqI9bLJEcwKa7lIvT2R9bwg77ZzW3w6rQF5WoLLomMJcwGXiFLfzPSPfUMeYqLQSenYPZkk_-weQ70u_CzWcUuR0YDb1qF9VnbUFRMaGt-h0dslt-wQwk8oDUwO3gmsr3JjPkbg_JTMI/s640/IMG_2119-003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by Birmingham City Council </td></tr></tbody></table><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 style="text-align: center;">It is a competitive event</div><div style="text-align: center;">with designers and growers vying for awards such as</div><div style="text-align: center;">Best Show Garden, Plant Of The Year,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and other 'best in show' categories</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can see why it is the world's most famous flower show,</div><div style="text-align: center;">like a fashion catwalk in the garden world</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Check this out...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ever wonder what an orchid tree might look like?</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/AVvXsEjitgRkPvSj1QTY0Mr0Cn99MbYqC3t3jBxD7O3F0zfhRiQsv_vgM416vWNqJ9W1bklJFQVH-1p099MrWisQOWmkGNb-g4RmgOSSZaBMXiYphEAGbWHCY7xqq51WBCtfoohLDuMx3q9ZbF0/s1600/IMG_2092-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitgRkPvSj1QTY0Mr0Cn99MbYqC3t3jBxD7O3F0zfhRiQsv_vgM416vWNqJ9W1bklJFQVH-1p099MrWisQOWmkGNb-g4RmgOSSZaBMXiYphEAGbWHCY7xqq51WBCtfoohLDuMx3q9ZbF0/s640/IMG_2092-012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If I remember correctly, water-filled test tubes were hand-tied onto branches</div><div style="text-align: center;">to hold each orchid stem</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Magnificent! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Orchids were definitely popular this year</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/AVvXsEhkvCF1Oce6CXs1h1KmXTLTPC74-4MShREYMjLYhkyQu4OKnSVWv5l9j129odcXTr83CQGoiYOz_cC4Dul-ZJkFObwPGiriMcd3QqQliPogospAkH9SFQckh8b5UweyHdxdspGLHQEV-Vs/s1600/IMG_2099-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvCF1Oce6CXs1h1KmXTLTPC74-4MShREYMjLYhkyQu4OKnSVWv5l9j129odcXTr83CQGoiYOz_cC4Dul-ZJkFObwPGiriMcd3QqQliPogospAkH9SFQckh8b5UweyHdxdspGLHQEV-Vs/s640/IMG_2099-003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big use of orchids by Pattaya City & Nong Nooch Pattaya Tropical Garden </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Loving this clever interpretation of Monet's </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Bridge Over A Pond Of Water Lilies</i></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/AVvXsEghHrgCzBxGmFZQRLpcj_OeUJjf3_4SWvqTeHb9_tRJANwM5OWw_3xBzI4cr0bisUONQGCZchEMBE4_KFi771tJYy-dfMXBlP3pPdAFYLSdE-HHYTa2qXzkKZzCC6K3pqcSzGWCdqYKVZo/s1600/May+2012-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHrgCzBxGmFZQRLpcj_OeUJjf3_4SWvqTeHb9_tRJANwM5OWw_3xBzI4cr0bisUONQGCZchEMBE4_KFi771tJYy-dfMXBlP3pPdAFYLSdE-HHYTa2qXzkKZzCC6K3pqcSzGWCdqYKVZo/s640/May+2012-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made of plant material <br />by Inspired Impressions</td></tr></tbody></table><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 style="text-align: center;">Larger installations were housed outside The Great Pavilion</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Depending on category, exhibitors had</div><div style="text-align: center;">two to three weeks to set up to make it look perfect</div><div style="text-align: center;">(which must have been difficult in the heavy rain of late)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Isn't this 'Plant Explorers Garden' just delightful?</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/AVvXsEh8cdhLIQN6hWmTDMi5gWSTh1ZgTX3FFM3if0UTc3ZJcP8YnrUWAQFGFJH1Ah__DKpiSiB11K5hnWioTJUDvKmMkj4DkHJ0mAuHK_sYfm77OwKW8tNqUulaMdQ3KYJKFly1rZhR4FWilxE/s1600/IMG_2163-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cdhLIQN6hWmTDMi5gWSTh1ZgTX3FFM3if0UTc3ZJcP8YnrUWAQFGFJH1Ah__DKpiSiB11K5hnWioTJUDvKmMkj4DkHJ0mAuHK_sYfm77OwKW8tNqUulaMdQ3KYJKFly1rZhR4FWilxE/s640/IMG_2163-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by Scottish Agriculture College</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I must admit I was smitten by the Artisan Retreat section</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wouldn't you love to blog from here?</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/AVvXsEg4VKKF1EWHY26KRpkm3az6I5fPv0OepZFC-vBx7L_LqXe8dwfl9BmNA2O2Mbmv2lyLsCOClwQhLC1K3cud1pGut0aGDj29fbUCssCbK99YXVyVtEOf_VWU63mupnVcsMbELiEuFxDBFpk/s1600/IMG_2189-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VKKF1EWHY26KRpkm3az6I5fPv0OepZFC-vBx7L_LqXe8dwfl9BmNA2O2Mbmv2lyLsCOClwQhLC1K3cud1pGut0aGDj29fbUCssCbK99YXVyVtEOf_VWU63mupnVcsMbELiEuFxDBFpk/s640/IMG_2189-003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by Orla Kiely</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A huge fan of all things Orla, I asked if she happened to be there</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sadly I missed her by a day</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Look at this a scrumptious space</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/AVvXsEhGLI7ydqEUyo-GkGn4Tv4XoJhdLF1-fx6p0WiTJUxbLhpEPWtAIfXr6MmmxZUt1MlquILllYm5zlf4h1iPQjxwJpAL8BD5gNiHsiXG6K4f46YsKW3OqtPpOpB438TNnxJAjo5Tl9NdfMU/s1600/IMG_2195-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLI7ydqEUyo-GkGn4Tv4XoJhdLF1-fx6p0WiTJUxbLhpEPWtAIfXr6MmmxZUt1MlquILllYm5zlf4h1iPQjxwJpAL8BD5gNiHsiXG6K4f46YsKW3OqtPpOpB438TNnxJAjo5Tl9NdfMU/s640/IMG_2195-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by VV Rouleaux</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">And this one is so cheery and welcoming</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/AVvXsEgwp-RMK6k0HFt9CHEpq450a0uS3fI3oWs0G2bVgHWYOEHL78O4fq0rYCEFfNX25yJQYJYU6YKm2sHEDuYGoatPkEInbvPcHEpno6WxjEvRjwDo3w91tDcIpU9xN_AbiN3c8mPDoAxIWG4/s1600/IMG_2202-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwp-RMK6k0HFt9CHEpq450a0uS3fI3oWs0G2bVgHWYOEHL78O4fq0rYCEFfNX25yJQYJYU6YKm2sHEDuYGoatPkEInbvPcHEpno6WxjEvRjwDo3w91tDcIpU9xN_AbiN3c8mPDoAxIWG4/s640/IMG_2202-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by Kaffe Fassett</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The day was a feast for the eyes and creative soul</div><div style="text-align: center;">:)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;"><i>- all photos by me -</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Read last year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show post <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/rhs-chelsea-flower-show-2011.html">here</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2012 Highlights

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKLucky meI attended the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this weekIt is always a mind-blowing eventthat pushes the limitsI am always amazed by the creativity seen at this sold-out, five day showthat hosts 157,000 visitors over its 11 acres in London annuallyby Birmingham City Counc…

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The English Rhododendron Season

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">There is a magical window of time in England </div><div style="text-align: center;">when the bluebells and rhododendrons</div><div style="text-align: center;">bloom simultaneously</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/AVvXsEj7iEOBfMAKKsYrPLKIdKGDDbKx5sBN8Ju2NRs0JI8hRN5AedCdxHhzr6qPgfezFiNd8Io0jA-Zuy5_K7AM2xQ7NymXqem1HgZW4tO29_c5K_YKuMSBLEjhdHeblH8sk-X69WETFWIpWeE/s1600/DSC_0217-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iEOBfMAKKsYrPLKIdKGDDbKx5sBN8Ju2NRs0JI8hRN5AedCdxHhzr6qPgfezFiNd8Io0jA-Zuy5_K7AM2xQ7NymXqem1HgZW4tO29_c5K_YKuMSBLEjhdHeblH8sk-X69WETFWIpWeE/s640/DSC_0217-003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This stunning world-famous Rothschild Collection of </div><div style="text-align: center;">rhododendrons and azaleas is at Exbury Gardens,</div><div style="text-align: center;">a spectacular 200 acre garden in The New Forest, Hampshire</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/AVvXsEgzUuU_wk_CQm8cErB567djuImpkDJCpLFIUKiGltDdyroHr-k1X29eZiy0CVsy_q44msxRgIXuhAWPmSeM7-Sy44V51d0ccr0H6iWkHobPdKuu_ywkD3oBDTPzUcPM1Fiyb7wT03U9E5U/s1600/DSC_0181-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUuU_wk_CQm8cErB567djuImpkDJCpLFIUKiGltDdyroHr-k1X29eZiy0CVsy_q44msxRgIXuhAWPmSeM7-Sy44V51d0ccr0H6iWkHobPdKuu_ywkD3oBDTPzUcPM1Fiyb7wT03U9E5U/s640/DSC_0181-004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lovers of mild, wet climates and acidic soil,</div><div style="text-align: center;">rhoddies are very happy in England</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The wisteria is in bloom now too</div><div style="text-align: center;">Interestingly, Japanese wisteria (<i>Wisteria floribunda</i>) climbs clockwise </div><div style="text-align: center;">while Chinese wisteria (<i>Wisteria sinensis</i>) climbs anti-clockwise</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/AVvXsEjGna52YvdB2Fl6arPJoInzhOfdhtXrLNv5Nh3MHSo75-GXuY824UD4ZrBRCxPGT7awUeT9VS93tNhxy-NltvdKMAt3ZS3WfGspnMg4JYu7zgnDSbJOM2tJfENk8NKFTobdlZ9bCPZt_GU/s1600/DSC_0205-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGna52YvdB2Fl6arPJoInzhOfdhtXrLNv5Nh3MHSo75-GXuY824UD4ZrBRCxPGT7awUeT9VS93tNhxy-NltvdKMAt3ZS3WfGspnMg4JYu7zgnDSbJOM2tJfENk8NKFTobdlZ9bCPZt_GU/s640/DSC_0205-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Plant explorers were crazy for rhododendrons in the early part of the twentieth century</div><div style="text-align: center;">which coincided with Lionel de Rothschild's creation of his woodland garden in 1919</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal</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/AVvXsEhjCxb2IxF4hUQ_Xy6lZ55H2U31WCm2qC_OkmG_lRDV7pCLMFsXrWHk_GGBZ_re40uITs7gpOEwcvjyTyn3PCOJ8vVp9NSRoE89QfZXhtlo7tvQosFtNIAejW2jbZ_fKka6OVuUQi9BiKU/s1600/DSC_0135-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCxb2IxF4hUQ_Xy6lZ55H2U31WCm2qC_OkmG_lRDV7pCLMFsXrWHk_GGBZ_re40uITs7gpOEwcvjyTyn3PCOJ8vVp9NSRoE89QfZXhtlo7tvQosFtNIAejW2jbZ_fKka6OVuUQi9BiKU/s640/DSC_0135-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Many of the plants found by plant hunters still can be seen in Exbury Gardens today</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/AVvXsEgNGteha1NGKgsi-9kGig7kFCF4iuJ_QMc8_0Cu41lYbGnWFgYP-GQ-4FRjxrDF6hjtdNvonJ_wwKxz2hwiBEI3lAeaiulJxlw0N9WMu0lqkLKITuH2sx4X_3zHCbwSlvSG2Z1LRA0p_Ow/s1600/DSC_0085-013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGteha1NGKgsi-9kGig7kFCF4iuJ_QMc8_0Cu41lYbGnWFgYP-GQ-4FRjxrDF6hjtdNvonJ_wwKxz2hwiBEI3lAeaiulJxlw0N9WMu0lqkLKITuH2sx4X_3zHCbwSlvSG2Z1LRA0p_Ow/s640/DSC_0085-013.jpg" width="640" /></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;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is me wearing my happy face</div><div style="text-align: center;">:)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;"><i>- all photos by me -</i></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">More info: <a href="http://www.exbury.co.uk/">Exbury Gardens</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>

The English Rhododendron Season

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKThere is a magical window of time in England when the bluebells and rhododendronsbloom simultaneouslyThis stunning world-famous Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons and azaleas is at Exbury Gardens,a spectacular 200 acre garden in The New Forest, HampshireLovers of mild…

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What Americans Really Think Of The Monarchy

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Americans are misunderstood when it comes to the Royal Family</div><div style="text-align: center;">and I'm feeling the need to write about it :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEjD84HexWtLGV4-7UIgXajmhD0-agXdbOIyfQ5RoeYWAlXU51xG3hAMA9T_Yosf-yE28q1KLfQc7zfKM9MpQ_7vjjgkB1hgpArYAPpAy1t08b83IawS2kgxFTJmU_15OhN-QFCJiqViono/s1600/Jubilee+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD84HexWtLGV4-7UIgXajmhD0-agXdbOIyfQ5RoeYWAlXU51xG3hAMA9T_Yosf-yE28q1KLfQc7zfKM9MpQ_7vjjgkB1hgpArYAPpAy1t08b83IawS2kgxFTJmU_15OhN-QFCJiqViono/s400/Jubilee+8.JPG" width="247" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely Duchess of Cambridge<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(<a href="http://uk.eonline.com/photos/gallery.jsp?galleryUUID=2674#187278">Getty Images</a>)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Strangely, I often get the sense from the English</div><div style="text-align: center;">they think Americans on some repressed level </div><div style="text-align: center;">regret gaining independence from Great Britain</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In a recent <a href="http://www.sheengate.co.uk/guildford-farnham-and-woking/2012/04/30/the-queens-reach-interview-with-lord-watson-of-richmond/">interview</a>, Lord Alan Watson,<br />author of <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Queen-USA-Sandra-Day-OConnor/dp/098383489X/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1337084634&sr=8-4">'The Queen and the USA'</a>, stated</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>'Americans retain a wistful fascination for the monarchy their forefathers ditched' </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>'On the face of it, it's a paradox that the Great Republic [USA] </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>should want to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>But the sense of continuity afforded by the Queen </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>makes Americans feel more comfortable in their skins.' </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Huh?! Huh?! and Huh?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Most Americans aren't celebrating the Diamond Jubilee,</div><div style="text-align: center;">or watching it, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and haven't heard of it</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Queen doesn't make us feel more comfortable in our skins,</div><div style="text-align: center;">as she definitely doesn't belong to our country any more than the Queen of Sweden</div><div style="text-align: center;">And it is the Britons who feel her continuity, not the Americans</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's my take of the 'royal fascination' by Americans...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Like Audrey Hepburn, Liz Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, and Grace Kelly,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the Queen is a classic icon </div><div style="text-align: center;">and symbol of an older generation that lives on<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEhk2BT5-M5_CCZK5fWaGuYdis6Joytv_4OhRxvry7oYnNF_S9vAQ3cLRlYcC_l9wJ6qLsnPegYIOM9dfXwp2e2fFwSZGDqy0KQ8cpS0kr1mrMZk_A_TdTuPbWR6FfS4O9F27yNA0fSBVXo/s1600/Jubilee+photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2BT5-M5_CCZK5fWaGuYdis6Joytv_4OhRxvry7oYnNF_S9vAQ3cLRlYcC_l9wJ6qLsnPegYIOM9dfXwp2e2fFwSZGDqy0KQ8cpS0kr1mrMZk_A_TdTuPbWR6FfS4O9F27yNA0fSBVXo/s400/Jubilee+photo+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">image via <a href="http://www.thediamondjubilee.org/">The Diamond Jubilee</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Last year's Royal Wedding was immensely popular among Americans</div><div style="text-align: center;">because it exemplified a real fairy tale and nodded to 'living the dream'</div><div style="text-align: center;">which we Americans are <b>very</b> into<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEgYcOmWGRMgI7YIFKVWlS6KacGWjkeqBb6Wl1LrFL7XX3vKPjv8ZBg-fCn8E1nAj2pGcYEGc2ojMtlfJlbT3_FqEBgxqZHv9Z8qKbVe9kNLUanxGspRQl5J575s0oSf4NQymE49sO3xkuM/s1600/Jubilee+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcOmWGRMgI7YIFKVWlS6KacGWjkeqBb6Wl1LrFL7XX3vKPjv8ZBg-fCn8E1nAj2pGcYEGc2ojMtlfJlbT3_FqEBgxqZHv9Z8qKbVe9kNLUanxGspRQl5J575s0oSf4NQymE49sO3xkuM/s640/Jubilee+10.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">image via <a href="http://www.thediamondjubilee.org/timeline">The Diamond Jubilee</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Similarly<br />Princess Diana hooked Americans with her storybook wedding</div><div style="text-align: center;">and remained popular with her sense of style and likable persona</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Remember my post of how our historic <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/living-on-different-timeline.html">time lines</a> are so different?</div><div style="text-align: center;">The era of England ruling America feels like it was back in the day of the cavemen,</div><div style="text-align: center;">so there is no connection between history and American's current interest in the monarchy</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Americans do feel connected to the UK as a <i>current </i>ally with similar views,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but we live very much in the moment<br />We are just way too busy to look backward</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although Americans will continue to follow the handsome, classy royal couple like movie stars,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I can guarantee few Americans</div><div style="text-align: center;">could list the names of Queen Elizabeth's four children</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With the absence of the crazy, almost ravenous, American media </div><div style="text-align: center;">seen here during the Royal Wedding</div><div style="text-align: center;">I must say the upcoming Diamond Jubilee</div><div style="text-align: center;">feels more intimate and personal between Queen and country<br /><br />which I'm really looking forward to</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As an American :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Related posts:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/royal-wedding-from-my-throne-part-3.html">The Royal Wedding</a></span><br /><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/diamond-jubilee-flotilla.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Diamond Jubilee</span></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

What Americans Really Think Of The Monarchy

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKAmericans are misunderstood when it comes to the Royal Familyand I'm feeling the need to write about it :)The lovely Duchess of Cambridge(Getty Images)Strangely, I often get the sense from the Englishthey think Americans on some repressed level regret gaining independence…

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British Pride & The British Library

<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/AVvXsEiIwKQhXLFF6i1E6ID2x75TFTD1yoBtQrz07gnGWgNS3WjFy5yAEW52zQ3G9hY32YMZw5WbncW9FdvEiZ4NCEiQjCcLLoq_P7cNlvJM_gj6Xk_1dkUJu50Nfxcq0902xr2_t7wuIdZoCGU/s1600/shakespeare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwKQhXLFF6i1E6ID2x75TFTD1yoBtQrz07gnGWgNS3WjFy5yAEW52zQ3G9hY32YMZw5WbncW9FdvEiZ4NCEiQjCcLLoq_P7cNlvJM_gj6Xk_1dkUJu50Nfxcq0902xr2_t7wuIdZoCGU/s640/shakespeare.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Print for sale via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/metroline6?page=1">Metro Line 6</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">A recent <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15811246">poll</a> in the BBC News revealed which British symbols made participants most proud. The results listed in order:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ol><li>Shakespeare</li><li>National Trust (conservation charity)</li><li>Armed Forces</li><li>Union Jack</li><li>The Pound (currency)</li><li>NHS (health system)</li><li>The Monarchy</li><li>BBC (media)</li><li>Sporting Achievements</li><li>The Beatles</li><li>The Legal System</li><li>Parliament</li></ol><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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/AVvXsEhCT4bMyV4pshLXhM0ojctUlMBkoc2hvgRyg4iCmce63y7dVCkBMHurrW-7heDGDIFrkUfuLP9zGIOxZba6I2UdQIOFQebgn9NOMRnoqggxvWij3KZHc9QzDZwQdNA_3PLsCRJfaOFLEYQ/s1600/union+jack+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCT4bMyV4pshLXhM0ojctUlMBkoc2hvgRyg4iCmce63y7dVCkBMHurrW-7heDGDIFrkUfuLP9zGIOxZba6I2UdQIOFQebgn9NOMRnoqggxvWij3KZHc9QzDZwQdNA_3PLsCRJfaOFLEYQ/s320/union+jack+2.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Available via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KeepCalmArtPrints?ref=seller_info">Keep Calm Art Prints</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can view an early printing of Shakespeare's work </div><div style="text-align: center;">and original handwritten lyrics by The Beatles</div><div style="text-align: center;">in the 'Treasures Room' at the <a href="http://www.bl.uk/">British Library's</a><br />St Pancras location (London)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The world's largest library in terms of items,</div><div style="text-align: center;">this library is primarily used for research<br /><br />Famous documents such as the Magna Carta (on view)<br />as well as original writings by Da Vinci (on view), Darwin,<br />and countless others are housed there</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With most books out of view,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you can register for a 'reader pass' to enter a reading room and request a book</div><div style="text-align: center;">but it will take an hour to two days for your item to be retrieved</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When I asked if my kids could see any children's books</div><div style="text-align: center;">the nice man laughed</div><div style="text-align: center;">and said 'ironically, they need to be 18 years old to see them here'<br /><br />I'm curious what you think is 'the best of Britain'?</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>

British Pride & The British Library

Print for sale via Metro Line 6A recent poll in the BBC News revealed which British symbols made participants most proud. The results listed in order:ShakespeareNational Trust (conservation charity)Armed ForcesUnion JackThe Pound (currency)NHS (health system)The MonarchyBBC (media)Sporting Achieveme…

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New Photo Trick Up My Sleeve

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Searching for a Picnik replacement, </div><div style="text-align: center;">I have been experimenting with free online photo editors such as</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.befunky.com/">BeFunky</a>, <a href="http://pixlr.com/">Pixlr</a>, <a href="http://ipiccy.com/">iPiccy</a>, <a href="http://fotoflexer.com/">Fotoflexer</a>, and <a href="http://www.aviary.com/">Aviary</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So far I found <a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/">PicMonkey</a> to be the most user-friendly editor,</div><div style="text-align: center;">coupled with <a href="http://picasa.google.com/">Picasa</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I stumbled upon PicMonkey's 'Highlights' feature</div><div style="text-align: center;">which is intended for highlighting <b>hair</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But I found when I want to pinpoint color adjustment, this does the trick</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_0cUZux7ln-SbJWdoIUcHQgfi0shZVl-tHd8Qv2M95GePRU0IOxObvyYLcZMWzRZ9T09tVBNmQDNanNwEztC0_Yz7raNnVFq4Ip7-AIukqZxJqNDHESWXhV2YUdBnEjB0g-vx28nOOqw/s1600/Capture111-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0cUZux7ln-SbJWdoIUcHQgfi0shZVl-tHd8Qv2M95GePRU0IOxObvyYLcZMWzRZ9T09tVBNmQDNanNwEztC0_Yz7raNnVFq4Ip7-AIukqZxJqNDHESWXhV2YUdBnEjB0g-vx28nOOqw/s640/Capture111-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A recent Stockholm photo is my newest canvas</div><div style="text-align: center;">You can see I am starting to put red on the closest building</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't feel it is cheating;</div><div style="text-align: center;">it is adjusting the image to emulate the way it looked (or felt) in person</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Besides, photography can be artistic expression</div><div style="text-align: center;">So get your edit on, girl</div><div style="text-align: center;">Guilt free :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Below is a raw photo of Sissinghurst Garden in Kent</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The photo has potential, but the person needs to be cropped out,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the browns are the same, and the blue window pane has no pop</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/AVvXsEgNDZ2WV4BDpdG9fHU3OVqkiSc6Os24kmcZdzYXbLcnGDsrDAjMMBTVhyphenhyphen2p_bB6XtmFUwXg9qzkywgc9qrmiMuDzS386xdiBZzynctcAq0T1X6h1K-NiRa2bQmEZQ-IsXjMRE29HkwEeRw/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDZ2WV4BDpdG9fHU3OVqkiSc6Os24kmcZdzYXbLcnGDsrDAjMMBTVhyphenhyphen2p_bB6XtmFUwXg9qzkywgc9qrmiMuDzS386xdiBZzynctcAq0T1X6h1K-NiRa2bQmEZQ-IsXjMRE29HkwEeRw/s640/DSC_0029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As with most photos, I adjusted the lighting to increase contrast</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but this was my first attempt to 'paint' with the Highlights feature</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unlike Saturate/Burst,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was able to <i>change</i> the undertones of <i>each</i> brown item</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">to provide subtle contrast</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{ green-brown door, red-brown patio }</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used 'Burn' to accentuate the cracks in the door</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and 'Dark Edges' to finish the photo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was so fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Quite a transformation, eh?</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/AVvXsEj_d49j_zOoI9i5N_07rmTaQL0G4MdCJkodwRv3vDOS9BiGYu1grN5jHLb7FW4RaSrNBUCN6c7Qv69TKrG7-ewf8sRX0NT4YG8S57EOYPNkyzdtmxMG1uJIuGo44b5ZXTyQb8CiZ86AkjE/s1600/DSC_0029-013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_d49j_zOoI9i5N_07rmTaQL0G4MdCJkodwRv3vDOS9BiGYu1grN5jHLb7FW4RaSrNBUCN6c7Qv69TKrG7-ewf8sRX0NT4YG8S57EOYPNkyzdtmxMG1uJIuGo44b5ZXTyQb8CiZ86AkjE/s640/DSC_0029-013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I admit I'm a fan of the 'Weight Loss' feature too :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>- all photos by me -</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">More: <a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/">PicMonkey</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

New Photo Trick Up My Sleeve

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKSearching for a Picnik replacement, I have been experimenting with free online photo editors such asBeFunky, Pixlr, iPiccy, Fotoflexer, and AviarySo far I found PicMonkey to be the most user-friendly editor,coupled with PicasaI stumbled upon PicMonkey's 'Highlights' featu…

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You Say You Want A Devolution

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A word that is foreign to Americans is</div><div style="text-align: center;">'devolution'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although it sounds like the opposite of scientific 'evolution'</div><div style="text-align: center;">it is the transfer of power from a central government to a local authority</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/AVvXsEjUI_-bWYMiEVxjJIjXa3-lqN5AffVqTjygSuAnhXiSqDkPdAYhWGBxy0S5REWREPekAEpkytt64vuvJS14hNJlURFfWZNYRRXCIR7oRsEKGLyDrmEqTbBYC89mHnnS0VnL9yHMCb0BD-w/s1600/Scotland+BBC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUI_-bWYMiEVxjJIjXa3-lqN5AffVqTjygSuAnhXiSqDkPdAYhWGBxy0S5REWREPekAEpkytt64vuvJS14hNJlURFfWZNYRRXCIR7oRsEKGLyDrmEqTbBYC89mHnnS0VnL9yHMCb0BD-w/s640/Scotland+BBC.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-17094333">BBC News</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the case of Scotland,</div><div style="text-align: center;">'devolution' means Scotland would become an independent country</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A discussion for hundreds of years,</div><div style="text-align: center;">a possible referendum in autumn 2014</div><div style="text-align: center;">has the parties discussing pensions, taxes, and more</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Perhaps Scotland will have their own team in a future Olympics?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Stay tuned...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-17246890">BBC News</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>P.S. I am posting less as I work on my family scrapbooks this month </i>:) <i>I hope you are having a wonderful May so far!</i></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span><br /><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-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>

You Say You Want A Devolution

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKA word that is foreign to Americans is'devolution'Although it sounds like the opposite of scientific 'evolution'it is the transfer of power from a central government to a local authorityphoto: BBC NewsIn the case of Scotland,'devolution' means Scotland would become an ind…

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Black is the new black

I love colour. I work with it every day, and choosing a favourite is like asking me to choose a favourite child. But equally, I'm drawn to the simplicity and calm of a simple black and white scheme. It's the perfect neutral backdrop to whatever colour takes your fancy, yet it can stand on its own. This place is one from the archives, but remains a firm favourite of mine.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshN5W1B9REG5xrs2KdHzXSPkVxuqYFy_ibdzSaTtnGSMli3O7H8J68oDjwbj734sASemBiTiY1sCoPM9NqZ5uv-Tp5I5irnKMFseFnC7AgearvF14nJ4ivSOU8NVnEI8wT1qN2Kia5_t4/s1600/Shelter+Island+1a+Exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshN5W1B9REG5xrs2KdHzXSPkVxuqYFy_ibdzSaTtnGSMli3O7H8J68oDjwbj734sASemBiTiY1sCoPM9NqZ5uv-Tp5I5irnKMFseFnC7AgearvF14nJ4ivSOU8NVnEI8wT1qN2Kia5_t4/s640/Shelter+Island+1a+Exterior.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-small;"> Don't you love the gate in the hedge? Hints at a secret garden beyond...</span></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/AVvXsEgRs4PkJGNRbQwH_HobV46m-EDJgjheuN-NFRuYoOcgC-gCEB-oBw2gpAdT1lTQiA8DenzmKdjEsfr_eZz1jRGM_YrgfurAhPT-mLB_uNg6KGJBHt0G5GMKFtrBK-Z-LJc1sRxIB19N3ucn/s1600/Shelter+Island+3+Exterior+Porch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRs4PkJGNRbQwH_HobV46m-EDJgjheuN-NFRuYoOcgC-gCEB-oBw2gpAdT1lTQiA8DenzmKdjEsfr_eZz1jRGM_YrgfurAhPT-mLB_uNg6KGJBHt0G5GMKFtrBK-Z-LJc1sRxIB19N3ucn/s640/Shelter+Island+3+Exterior+Porch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-small;">Straight to the new house folder with this one - how gorgeous is it? </span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPGh8NhtXOEooAxqLlVXkX7BXB-wKLB27iVRyPDNbzZwnflhMwLxA8_Wb4r1PP_82Xixp-hpJx-gHSk7vyXwguvwR8B6HpB1bjjVEiG49c48NbNH7Nz9j2w_L6PyfXGA5VKL8K-eYboUT/s1600/Shelter+Island+13+SW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPGh8NhtXOEooAxqLlVXkX7BXB-wKLB27iVRyPDNbzZwnflhMwLxA8_Wb4r1PP_82Xixp-hpJx-gHSk7vyXwguvwR8B6HpB1bjjVEiG49c48NbNH7Nz9j2w_L6PyfXGA5VKL8K-eYboUT/s640/Shelter+Island+13+SW.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-small;">If only my studio looked this good....and this tidy</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/AVvXsEjkW-5C7uQ2MRC_cBUn2IdNdvowQqhbapbgTboEU_VnC9kq4DXO2o6KCJ4qbmHgs3YwuKQ7-uUzl-wdSw2YPynRWXPIwufX5dbYWRs3NgIqpe6eW8XBw3hThTCl6BNhHePfH2arsXTrAOre/s1600/shelter_island_11a.jpg_zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkW-5C7uQ2MRC_cBUn2IdNdvowQqhbapbgTboEU_VnC9kq4DXO2o6KCJ4qbmHgs3YwuKQ7-uUzl-wdSw2YPynRWXPIwufX5dbYWRs3NgIqpe6eW8XBw3hThTCl6BNhHePfH2arsXTrAOre/s640/shelter_island_11a.jpg_zoom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjJgmUvtwIsWLwxGI9z00eahNvuBxS4cKis9wzUV3QVyJUOkLj2evjxL1qBa_E6BegcCna9bW523H3a43BB_W1qqGbAVgTbheLaxnNb8mrQ4ou30hHA0mQYIeLjVa_U00nAAhHOpihtHD/s1600/Shelter+Island+8+SW+Bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjJgmUvtwIsWLwxGI9z00eahNvuBxS4cKis9wzUV3QVyJUOkLj2evjxL1qBa_E6BegcCna9bW523H3a43BB_W1qqGbAVgTbheLaxnNb8mrQ4ou30hHA0mQYIeLjVa_U00nAAhHOpihtHD/s640/Shelter+Island+8+SW+Bathroom.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Black framed shower screen?</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvQEnuSgU-E5IkVpDFpHhpAYNUar06fsAa_iuLdL2EyKry8XHwOAM_gtrpZt3lqW3GRUTdyl1Ii-jljU8R0Ke7uSRgIPSjUEDau2WaIo_SOeWfVw5FYeRxRqfa6jw2yhzFvdz4N-0exO6/s1600/Shelter+Island+9+SW+Kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvQEnuSgU-E5IkVpDFpHhpAYNUar06fsAa_iuLdL2EyKry8XHwOAM_gtrpZt3lqW3GRUTdyl1Ii-jljU8R0Ke7uSRgIPSjUEDau2WaIo_SOeWfVw5FYeRxRqfa6jw2yhzFvdz4N-0exO6/s640/Shelter+Island+9+SW+Kitchen.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/AVvXsEgQ2L48sR5wrewkoDvd0ApVKHjvdiLA-aYS_B0-_k_lHxlDnY8pl9Pv1r9HI6yGWYU2h33syqF4N2mWue-al6BSXJEQM7K-S8B3ZN5-DG8UW9UiO0ToD64k9yqpQdNO0ZYHDW01S9d_SInV/s1600/Shelter+Island+SW+Living.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2L48sR5wrewkoDvd0ApVKHjvdiLA-aYS_B0-_k_lHxlDnY8pl9Pv1r9HI6yGWYU2h33syqF4N2mWue-al6BSXJEQM7K-S8B3ZN5-DG8UW9UiO0ToD64k9yqpQdNO0ZYHDW01S9d_SInV/s640/Shelter+Island+SW+Living.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/AVvXsEi-dQ-Os43xSSHcTWvWx0Yt8MbjuQm1Vs0vRNTjkeH30rUddN6dNbohWwJM_t_d_VxqpswsImEecp3322RHPRX4_AKjoClYg-zFpqV1R2_2dHXHyQSIGYUbNd1p8_80pzMvK-WxfrURF2iT/s1600/Shelter+Island+SW+Under+Stairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dQ-Os43xSSHcTWvWx0Yt8MbjuQm1Vs0vRNTjkeH30rUddN6dNbohWwJM_t_d_VxqpswsImEecp3322RHPRX4_AKjoClYg-zFpqV1R2_2dHXHyQSIGYUbNd1p8_80pzMvK-WxfrURF2iT/s640/Shelter+Island+SW+Under+Stairs.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mnJA8sSN1LlofzP0Pt2IeE4q1thyedlAruZdezKZX08-eLA_VvTN9NmU6L6NVJwjfIvlM6amv2w8I4y9bZ8KUY0Q6mPDL5qPGkDx4LrxtPVBkcURnstXbVI8ZYa3DRYQkqO3DAyG7xCS/s1600/schappacherwhite+sw_ltd_si_2_guest_house.jpg_zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mnJA8sSN1LlofzP0Pt2IeE4q1thyedlAruZdezKZX08-eLA_VvTN9NmU6L6NVJwjfIvlM6amv2w8I4y9bZ8KUY0Q6mPDL5qPGkDx4LrxtPVBkcURnstXbVI8ZYa3DRYQkqO3DAyG7xCS/s640/schappacherwhite+sw_ltd_si_2_guest_house.jpg_zoom.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/AVvXsEii-S4yoXxjGBVdXBPzWe_ct_ALfEJxgRghagSKSusa0v4qC-vXQiJSRxKwTSLMZuj0F2YtV5bDhNYKPiSUu2ASXZLfXnH5xYYVxgNAtX2WKl98hyeAq98krPCKDs-nR-xMEl-zPE3Rhi3-/s1600/shelter_island_4.jpg_zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-S4yoXxjGBVdXBPzWe_ct_ALfEJxgRghagSKSusa0v4qC-vXQiJSRxKwTSLMZuj0F2YtV5bDhNYKPiSUu2ASXZLfXnH5xYYVxgNAtX2WKl98hyeAq98krPCKDs-nR-xMEl-zPE3Rhi3-/s640/shelter_island_4.jpg_zoom.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/AVvXsEiYE2cS_Zh-yVXLyZPd8hSbYnTt4gonp5KRUL9H9fW3JP75CLXSCdlrZ0hyNh3RaT5f7YYiPg_kTD-jVgP7LnGAaKVRazlxnjDeo4FRevfekd62rGpU326L9poJEEy6RwsbHr6-5ZaATatl/s1600/shelter_island_7.jpg_zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYE2cS_Zh-yVXLyZPd8hSbYnTt4gonp5KRUL9H9fW3JP75CLXSCdlrZ0hyNh3RaT5f7YYiPg_kTD-jVgP7LnGAaKVRazlxnjDeo4FRevfekd62rGpU326L9poJEEy6RwsbHr6-5ZaATatl/s640/shelter_island_7.jpg_zoom.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Are you fans of black and white too, or is it bright colour all the way? I think I have a split decorating personality to be honest...<br /><br />I have a big day ahead, with a year 12 formal on tonight. The preparation began weeks ago, and after a major hiccup in the outfit department (all sorted now, thank goodness), I've hit the ground running. Such an exciting part of the final year of school, but honestly, it's almost as big as a wedding nowdays. Wish me luck!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">all images courtesy <a href="http://schappacherwhite.com/portfolio/" target="_blank">Schappacherwhite Architects</a></span>

Black is the new black

I love colour. I work with it every day, and choosing a favourite is like asking me to choose a favourite child. But equally, I'm drawn to the simplicity and calm of a simple black and white scheme. It's the perfect neutral backdrop to whatever colour takes your fancy, yet it can stand on its own. T…

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