Hamptons pool house in the heart of Sydney

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Aussie devotees of Hamptons style will instantly recognise this gorgeous pool house. It was featured in Australian House and Garden magazine and, along with the main house, it can now be yours. The interior design is by Lynda Kerry, and gardens are the work of William Dangar, so you know it's something special...</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/AVvXsEjSLBTTGH1GILd6_BVRHNLDvyx36JAKdUfTdgcfakd2x4h-938JhO3UObRSc1s3u8MS9Vy2PqZhCiWIkxHdiY6POInvqiDTRlJ7JNF0qulrg7aXZ6F9Q4wW8p0lfXffo6nx8hlucYy58ssv/s1600/image3-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLBTTGH1GILd6_BVRHNLDvyx36JAKdUfTdgcfakd2x4h-938JhO3UObRSc1s3u8MS9Vy2PqZhCiWIkxHdiY6POInvqiDTRlJ7JNF0qulrg7aXZ6F9Q4wW8p0lfXffo6nx8hlucYy58ssv/s640/image3-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-VJF4rCyWN4isF9tWIdfV8ihu_GfaExg8JFLr17mVac7IMZKlNnswoUNMgVQy2K6HfCAV9X_oqkuPaB3C72r6XslHCVPgIyktRxyNCrjJd4gJebzFYYOWnd3Ns-zlU7n_XcaYV-eZJA2/s1600/image16-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-VJF4rCyWN4isF9tWIdfV8ihu_GfaExg8JFLr17mVac7IMZKlNnswoUNMgVQy2K6HfCAV9X_oqkuPaB3C72r6XslHCVPgIyktRxyNCrjJd4gJebzFYYOWnd3Ns-zlU7n_XcaYV-eZJA2/s640/image16-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tc9WQerx6uvK8sIIUo0oMb7hk94jQesFdCYDlkXYdWitcMJgUwfNiVXQBJgR1EmEx4YHPQ9ALD_mF7HDJtHypoPTIr73OR3fpsWRaahHdLmxvC3kOKfFVgAIWYKNc3rjN8APEo50JFcH/s1600/image7-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tc9WQerx6uvK8sIIUo0oMb7hk94jQesFdCYDlkXYdWitcMJgUwfNiVXQBJgR1EmEx4YHPQ9ALD_mF7HDJtHypoPTIr73OR3fpsWRaahHdLmxvC3kOKfFVgAIWYKNc3rjN8APEo50JFcH/s640/image7-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMshgwdOrkkdqpFFdxNwaUKkN24Sogrt_WftvEt1jKtcnOmkOX2RoMz-Evmukg6R6ELC010pCr_fkbmJGdj86IKFRQAIs7ho57B_LuD0zEqfTzHNlNJnJFgBYUBxF0MGUPjTBU3ahdqm0I/s1600/image15-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMshgwdOrkkdqpFFdxNwaUKkN24Sogrt_WftvEt1jKtcnOmkOX2RoMz-Evmukg6R6ELC010pCr_fkbmJGdj86IKFRQAIs7ho57B_LuD0zEqfTzHNlNJnJFgBYUBxF0MGUPjTBU3ahdqm0I/s640/image15-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZSwjRcG_AeV7XHgJ5b714Oqdy2xfegN5SLwOOteToMHczmyi0AyCTkg_S0-h8_YY_ldwSTv9rT-KEKjRNb-evesDlxC-ZtmfMq_j_fNQxuckTNvwBtw_-CW2p8WtSbXaf5UV6pV1jc45/s1600/image17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZSwjRcG_AeV7XHgJ5b714Oqdy2xfegN5SLwOOteToMHczmyi0AyCTkg_S0-h8_YY_ldwSTv9rT-KEKjRNb-evesDlxC-ZtmfMq_j_fNQxuckTNvwBtw_-CW2p8WtSbXaf5UV6pV1jc45/s640/image17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dP8juT_AmTIVQ-qdPRtJy2tE1Orh04NKC8gSJrYrFYcgf7eVNCyV-83Iu7lU-5R0lnKeDsLGr6D2slhtoFpyXn1j3TYLXx-V1Y7QuWxQqb28BbxmmKvyzZRrQtklDYriIqXz3aH3yLCK/s1600/image2-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dP8juT_AmTIVQ-qdPRtJy2tE1Orh04NKC8gSJrYrFYcgf7eVNCyV-83Iu7lU-5R0lnKeDsLGr6D2slhtoFpyXn1j3TYLXx-V1Y7QuWxQqb28BbxmmKvyzZRrQtklDYriIqXz3aH3yLCK/s640/image2-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAhxXwqCmUAFRq83Q-0xD0M8yvzqFlVN0LoG-MzQDs0AWklVBiFPZEzEYRN73jKSNHtUMPOq9NBiG70Db4u6zXLM_wEVe0e0nht3SJW3cGqOnFM3gCQ-Yn1nImW3t1nSB9rsAa2Kvt2uJ/s1600/image9-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAhxXwqCmUAFRq83Q-0xD0M8yvzqFlVN0LoG-MzQDs0AWklVBiFPZEzEYRN73jKSNHtUMPOq9NBiG70Db4u6zXLM_wEVe0e0nht3SJW3cGqOnFM3gCQ-Yn1nImW3t1nSB9rsAa2Kvt2uJ/s640/image9-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I love it when a house I've admired in a magazine is listed for sale - there's nothing I like better than a virtual sticky beak (expect maybe a real one). And it's always interesting to see how a home styled for a magazine shoot can be completely transformed. For those who haven't seen the House and Garden feature, here's the link to the <a href="http://homes.ninemsn.com.au/assetslideshow.aspx?assetid=149881" target="_blank">slideshow</a>. Link <a href="http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bellevue+hill-115108727" target="_blank">here</a> to the real estate listing while it lasts....<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>

Hamptons pool house in the heart of Sydney

Aussie devotees of Hamptons style will instantly recognise this gorgeous pool house. It was featured in Australian House and Garden magazine and, along with the main house, it can now be yours. The interior design is by Lynda Kerry, and gardens are the work of William Dangar, so you know it's someth…

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English Decor

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">You may be surprised to know</div><div style="text-align: center;">I mostly follow home decor blogs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although I currently feel limited in what I can do in our rental house</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love looking at other homes with beautiful styling </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although defined differently by each individual,</div><div style="text-align: center;">- to me -</div><div style="text-align: center;">this is classic English decor at the moment...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Grey + white</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></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/AVvXsEjW-B_YaRsMvBZ9Psx8-QaGhXCvRqavZgvWCnlbZA-NgiPKGldTQMrHUMiAfZm6oQSO3iD6vt2qJxym3ZAZzrhpRD_NU0zYAKIPfOqfGe_jinSY6uv0CmsmKmMjjbJTqPn5P1lKPof8_-LL/s1600/Cool-and-relaxing-living-room---Modern---Livingetc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-B_YaRsMvBZ9Psx8-QaGhXCvRqavZgvWCnlbZA-NgiPKGldTQMrHUMiAfZm6oQSO3iD6vt2qJxym3ZAZzrhpRD_NU0zYAKIPfOqfGe_jinSY6uv0CmsmKmMjjbJTqPn5P1lKPof8_-LL/s640/Cool-and-relaxing-living-room---Modern---Livingetc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It is curious that one would paint walls grey</div><div style="text-align: center;">when it is often grey outside as well,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but the grey walls harmoniously coordinate with the sky</div><div style="text-align: center;">to create a calming feeling in a room</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Warm Tuscan colors are rarely used here</div><div style="text-align: center;">and just seem out of place when I see them</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grey also creates a cozy feeling,</div><div style="text-align: center;">which the English will tell you comes with the rain<br /><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/AVvXsEgqOj7Gkq5Xfeqnu3KNgGnHfPkTgMxB7lKoaL2dcDK8_Dl3YY6rYDZ9fyiJtr5YjCRFnmJp5478LS6oqcPTHE90JqH3WvPnBK3rD1GCxmo9gbhiHczWb_AYjG69M-pCxPSIhgoH6OZXEZFZ/s1600/Cosy-grey-and-warm-oak-living-room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOj7Gkq5Xfeqnu3KNgGnHfPkTgMxB7lKoaL2dcDK8_Dl3YY6rYDZ9fyiJtr5YjCRFnmJp5478LS6oqcPTHE90JqH3WvPnBK3rD1GCxmo9gbhiHczWb_AYjG69M-pCxPSIhgoH6OZXEZFZ/s640/Cosy-grey-and-warm-oak-living-room.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Strong graphic design elements </b>prevent a room from looking too soft<br /><b><br /></b><b>Wood</b> conveys coziness</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/AVvXsEhMgOUPTlOY9q1zAAUnOYScK0Pmwmd9G3J05FkUytCmwO2EoNwONLh6kIYLj0uJgqPPgnq012t2ZSt4XETCVEMWY7m_XJmoZrikDutG7zq3ZktuF-2MywXKzSZzX3xMpyj4ufi4BPz9KiaI/s1600/Cosy-Snug-Sitting-Ideal-Home-Housetohome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgOUPTlOY9q1zAAUnOYScK0Pmwmd9G3J05FkUytCmwO2EoNwONLh6kIYLj0uJgqPPgnq012t2ZSt4XETCVEMWY7m_XJmoZrikDutG7zq3ZktuF-2MywXKzSZzX3xMpyj4ufi4BPz9KiaI/s640/Cosy-Snug-Sitting-Ideal-Home-Housetohome.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">as do <b>warm blankets and throw pillows</b></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;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaALTscqr8fHmJ9YhxksT037vmyFR5wyATlRx9tFurJPzsrHWLvw06q1mFrxQ_ELiecFniOTh1sFXNVJFNr19da1FZ1Yl95X05TG59zpG3ih99hm9UVOi-y_CVdbTfAn8HBcgLw-C7lnRV/s1600/Living-room-country-Ideal-Home5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaALTscqr8fHmJ9YhxksT037vmyFR5wyATlRx9tFurJPzsrHWLvw06q1mFrxQ_ELiecFniOTh1sFXNVJFNr19da1FZ1Yl95X05TG59zpG3ih99hm9UVOi-y_CVdbTfAn8HBcgLw-C7lnRV/s640/Living-room-country-Ideal-Home5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Linen</b> and <b>natural fibers</b> are often featured</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/AVvXsEiAg1YAS_LrJr0srYA0-bPVY6FD_j5KTdRoaSj87Z4PTkXoibhYv-Fno8X956rETg7UnAy5GATlNcTmR7wSvTfzRkL4x7p9pWnXVPQroTYPsyIiN4K_Cl6neUHI4OjsSDQRlGYCZnTEohBA/s1600/Soft-White-Living-Room-Ideal-Home-Housetohome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAg1YAS_LrJr0srYA0-bPVY6FD_j5KTdRoaSj87Z4PTkXoibhYv-Fno8X956rETg7UnAy5GATlNcTmR7wSvTfzRkL4x7p9pWnXVPQroTYPsyIiN4K_Cl6neUHI4OjsSDQRlGYCZnTEohBA/s640/Soft-White-Living-Room-Ideal-Home-Housetohome.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">along with <b>vintage treasures</b>,</div><div style="text-align: center;">which are affordable if buying outside London<br />(<a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/vintiquing-in-england.html">here</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/AVvXsEgPQelsfosknnN92LlH8Y4S8V_hUTqQguGSG0xSx8NvbO7bx_DnSbJ4Deq8xmaq3KDEQ8_a-_xWliP4vEaHZYo6zJoBKqX7-y-pCGhgxQCFi7r_S7a9KGSXeon4ALL5YipMookk_bEEu76Y/s1600/Country-White-Living-Room-Country-Homes-and-Interiors-Housetohome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQelsfosknnN92LlH8Y4S8V_hUTqQguGSG0xSx8NvbO7bx_DnSbJ4Deq8xmaq3KDEQ8_a-_xWliP4vEaHZYo6zJoBKqX7-y-pCGhgxQCFi7r_S7a9KGSXeon4ALL5YipMookk_bEEu76Y/s640/Country-White-Living-Room-Country-Homes-and-Interiors-Housetohome.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;"><b>Faux fur </b>and <b>leather </b>are classic cozy elements,<br /><br />and <b>mismatched</b> is common<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFf7IeFS2UqMrUjxwaVg1RJMgB04aQTFxguHT0-Ri4pf0w0lUYfByypREqCf0oDGjDTB6G-izsBQRZp56jSIKUnnUOYiEvFINgSD6qWjsELX1gDClP0Q8jyd_75kf7-e8eU8yGrfST7US/s1600/Ticking-Armchaired-Living-Room-Country-Homes-and-Interiors-Housetohome-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFf7IeFS2UqMrUjxwaVg1RJMgB04aQTFxguHT0-Ri4pf0w0lUYfByypREqCf0oDGjDTB6G-izsBQRZp56jSIKUnnUOYiEvFINgSD6qWjsELX1gDClP0Q8jyd_75kf7-e8eU8yGrfST7US/s640/Ticking-Armchaired-Living-Room-Country-Homes-and-Interiors-Housetohome-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I first saw a chair like this (below)</div><div style="text-align: center;">in <a href="http://www.anthropologie.eu/">Anthropologie</a> in a display in London</div><div style="text-align: center;">with its original burlap showing,</div><div style="text-align: center;">looking so raw and unique</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A few months later </div><div style="text-align: center;">I went to an antique fair </div><div style="text-align: center;">and saw many of these with 'sold' signs on them</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Seeing they were a top seller,</div><div style="text-align: center;">many furniture dealers were frantically stripping their chairs and sofas on the spot, </div><div style="text-align: center;">hoping they would have the lovely burlap underneath</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Unable to resist, I brought one home too</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As my son helped me bring it into the house</div><div style="text-align: center;">he asked if the straw inside was harboring any bugs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm happy to report it was vermin free :)</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/AVvXsEjanVAbk6HXh9TkV81ukHO1YsLBu7RzBXhcIAxzPtpxb0zciBYHDYBiZxARGAAyq4xc_Z8P4dVqSDoeyGJrsJEbYdH6ZpmAw2aYCg1T4sKbwGUk8a7zz-BjFkhLHiI5g5-k7M3JzqYKVZDY/s1600/Chalky-White-and-Mint-Living-Room-Livingetc-Housetohome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanVAbk6HXh9TkV81ukHO1YsLBu7RzBXhcIAxzPtpxb0zciBYHDYBiZxARGAAyq4xc_Z8P4dVqSDoeyGJrsJEbYdH6ZpmAw2aYCg1T4sKbwGUk8a7zz-BjFkhLHiI5g5-k7M3JzqYKVZDY/s640/Chalky-White-and-Mint-Living-Room-Livingetc-Housetohome.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a quirky, eclectic take on my idea of English design<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yummy yum yum!</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/AVvXsEhkkHAdX5zDKl2K8GVNGf5Hz23YPIhP5vrvRJbl2DnVjbwFJfTRuSDolk5ykXXuRYedd0Y8nGDty9H9iOGvcAX3b2rCxauQ7dWLG3dintQSTy4RwTafBJ8einMo8VinZHm0vt2MMOv8AhS4/s1600/Zesty-Lemon-Living-Room-Country-Homes-and-Interiors-Housetohome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkHAdX5zDKl2K8GVNGf5Hz23YPIhP5vrvRJbl2DnVjbwFJfTRuSDolk5ykXXuRYedd0Y8nGDty9H9iOGvcAX3b2rCxauQ7dWLG3dintQSTy4RwTafBJ8einMo8VinZHm0vt2MMOv8AhS4/s640/Zesty-Lemon-Living-Room-Country-Homes-and-Interiors-Housetohome.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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6-OGjQ1fBHbKrDoRB77Pk01teJNaEYZVQo7jUEzSaS-ACLCkjjAib2bILVaMJaK-EYgvHzfqACj4d_GHvajegGMXJFxpDF9yWhScaFrXHo-yf7ksxg1buP7eTj0UAc8rerruiz3U6cUW/s1600/Mint-Green-Living-Room-Livingetc-Housetohome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6-OGjQ1fBHbKrDoRB77Pk01teJNaEYZVQo7jUEzSaS-ACLCkjjAib2bILVaMJaK-EYgvHzfqACj4d_GHvajegGMXJFxpDF9yWhScaFrXHo-yf7ksxg1buP7eTj0UAc8rerruiz3U6cUW/s640/Mint-Green-Living-Room-Livingetc-Housetohome.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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDKDZMrwyPbPg3-7jPj1WKmpC62Zj12ch0mXkYvOUkkLiSDJCsSjChAuX3r1qbaxbTjv304Yvau18gQbz2SxqbhsjzwwsX8ZuPKvA0ULCDJdohewBTyj5SHTdcI6jYfRBgbAV1wBMEl1x/s1600/HG0511-69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDKDZMrwyPbPg3-7jPj1WKmpC62Zj12ch0mXkYvOUkkLiSDJCsSjChAuX3r1qbaxbTjv304Yvau18gQbz2SxqbhsjzwwsX8ZuPKvA0ULCDJdohewBTyj5SHTdcI6jYfRBgbAV1wBMEl1x/s640/HG0511-69.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bauzf7KzocHkObqXfyIhEj5_HaGHxzu5rtQofEmhu1Qwpg7zrFpLjIB7ak-j1Gf-SUpVU3DfzbKc8uJtUfN-tuNIN4BP_kiXTLFT0dKKNZZXoESywfXo4tGTm46uiyrrjFr1_qEix4LE/s1600/Distressed-Hallway-Country-Homes-and-Interiors-Housetohome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bauzf7KzocHkObqXfyIhEj5_HaGHxzu5rtQofEmhu1Qwpg7zrFpLjIB7ak-j1Gf-SUpVU3DfzbKc8uJtUfN-tuNIN4BP_kiXTLFT0dKKNZZXoESywfXo4tGTm46uiyrrjFr1_qEix4LE/s640/Distressed-Hallway-Country-Homes-and-Interiors-Housetohome.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Rays of sunshine, don't you think?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These rooms seem very unAmerican to me</div><div style="text-align: center;">Can you put your finger on why?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Images: House to Home <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/cool-and-relaxing-living-room">1</a>, <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/cosy-grey-and-warm-oak-living-room">2</a>, <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/cosy-living-room-10">3</a>, <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/relaxed-vintage-living-room">4</a>, <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/soft-white-living-room">5</a>, <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/shabby-chic-living-room-1">6</a>, <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/neutral-living-room-with-ticking-armchair">7</a>, <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/chalky-white-and-mint-living-room">8</a>, <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/country-living-room-with-lemon-sofa">9</a>, <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/mint-green-living-room">10</a>, <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/eclectic-living-room-detail-1">11</a>, <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/bedroom/picture/colourful-country-bedroom-storage?room_style=country">12</a></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>

English Decor

You may be surprised to knowI mostly follow home decor blogsAlthough I currently feel limited in what I can do in our rental houseI love looking at other homes with beautiful styling Although defined differently by each individual,- to me -this is classic English decor at the moment...Grey + whiteIt…

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My brand new website - and the perils of perfectionism..

<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the past year or so, I've been working on a new website for <a href="http://www.driftwoodinteriors.com.au/" target="_blank">Driftwood Interiors</a>. What I thought would be a fairly straightforward process (I knew how I wanted my site to look, how hard could it be?) was anything but. I had no idea of the work involved, the countless decisions to be made, or the sheer hard slog that goes into creating a site that works both visually <i>and</i> practically. Add the fact that I'm a terrible perfectionist and you get a never-ending cycle of not being 100% happy with at least something...</span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But enough is enough. I've decided to bite the bullet and let everyone know about my new website. There have been many, many changes since it (very quietly) went live, and there are still a few more to come. But here it is, the end result of all the blood, sweat, tears (and tantrums)..........</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my new </span><a href="http://www.driftwoodinteriors.com.au/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Driftwood Interiors website and online store</a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">....</span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilR69rkrx1BkxkUVsbCubFbNqwoBUrbO0NLf8X2k5K15XoLot8-tM4GK8jjLyyDqtpuI4FK5b13ZoUvK-NBnAQ5MVl8iZ0kUfZEOuujXv2IFVYBW_us3oLM01Y62OJmSo8GL9s2cioCTbc/s1600/di+screenshot+oct+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilR69rkrx1BkxkUVsbCubFbNqwoBUrbO0NLf8X2k5K15XoLot8-tM4GK8jjLyyDqtpuI4FK5b13ZoUvK-NBnAQ5MVl8iZ0kUfZEOuujXv2IFVYBW_us3oLM01Y62OJmSo8GL9s2cioCTbc/s640/di+screenshot+oct+13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll be adding lots of new prints to the store over the next few days, and I'll also be offering a week of great discounts and deals to celebrate the launch. Here's a look at some of the brand new pieces I'll be adding - new ranges as well as new additions to my current lineup..</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77teX7USzd8P_HiPH1iEVWIBS7VaYzjEMTKmptqnU2EQHalv-fHRpQd_WOsfmQc9NxGE35GE6r-uOCFzyPOXQ-uM2oL3H3yiC8WyabbUuXrm-YAq9rkBrBug4W_Q7PjjDINHBfR9LAxdb/s1600/shibori-floral-driftwood-interiors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77teX7USzd8P_HiPH1iEVWIBS7VaYzjEMTKmptqnU2EQHalv-fHRpQd_WOsfmQc9NxGE35GE6r-uOCFzyPOXQ-uM2oL3H3yiC8WyabbUuXrm-YAq9rkBrBug4W_Q7PjjDINHBfR9LAxdb/s640/shibori-floral-driftwood-interiors.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">'Shibori Floral'</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">prints available in standard sizes (A4, A3, A2) as well as custom sizes</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Sht6ezn8_8ucvNHel5hWY8k0MiAdzIAfHFmj3QVGNAG5iA33TIrteGnYFBlshlzMhj5gSojAwhvhDWuv-bJ3m2wUE9mjnEUbPj1o2o7HMRiePpc-92twmO8iBr0k-CEUMgp4xD3shaKi/s1600/yellow-abstract-driftwood-interiors-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Sht6ezn8_8ucvNHel5hWY8k0MiAdzIAfHFmj3QVGNAG5iA33TIrteGnYFBlshlzMhj5gSojAwhvhDWuv-bJ3m2wUE9mjnEUbPj1o2o7HMRiePpc-92twmO8iBr0k-CEUMgp4xD3shaKi/s400/yellow-abstract-driftwood-interiors-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">'Surge'</span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">watercolour and ink</span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So that's just a taste of the new goodies to come. If you'd like to see more, why not head on over to the website and <a href="http://www.driftwoodinteriors.com.au/contact-us.html" target="_blank">sign up for my newsletter</a>? You'll be the first to know when new prints are added, and you'll also get some sweet rewards. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you like the new website, and I'd love to hear any feedback you may have. Anything to make sure it's perfect :)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>

My brand new website - and the perils of perfectionism..

For the past year or so, I've been working on a new website for Driftwood Interiors. What I thought would be a fairly straightforward process (I knew how I wanted my site to look, how hard could it be?) was anything but. I had no idea of the work involved, the countless decisions to be made, or the …

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And Autumn Arrives

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">With autumn<br />comes the familiar</div><div style="text-align: center;">rain, darkness, and chill</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fog in the fields<br /><br /></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/AVvXsEgzJGNpuVUByekARkeKif52xKnw6ywbi8kMtd7s58B4iilPZCWfr3brp54ckFtJobrLPJBakESBf9xGH6qMKWZyxuaRZQLjISrw48H_i2BGQeqI8QDwn7zQWaJvBVqJ7UdmhyphenhyphenVTKdIP_sG5/s1600/photo+1+(8)-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJGNpuVUByekARkeKif52xKnw6ywbi8kMtd7s58B4iilPZCWfr3brp54ckFtJobrLPJBakESBf9xGH6qMKWZyxuaRZQLjISrw48H_i2BGQeqI8QDwn7zQWaJvBVqJ7UdmhyphenhyphenVTKdIP_sG5/s640/photo+1+(8)-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Warming soups</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fires in the fireplace<br />Chunky sweaters<br />Bulky blankets</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Apples dropping</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pumpkins to be picked<br />Blackberry brambles picked over<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sW0TraO1sx5PqqhIcbdZ48-qmbsxjqpRtW1Y5D_ZXDIp19qgm8qhrisfrmm9rYNupnyM_vUF-fs7JEvUTRrDn-B2hLuFyAWc8U8c1BpbxBYly8zdUQkEthxMZZ14lncmzSM1ulHFQg6c/s1600/photo54-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sW0TraO1sx5PqqhIcbdZ48-qmbsxjqpRtW1Y5D_ZXDIp19qgm8qhrisfrmm9rYNupnyM_vUF-fs7JEvUTRrDn-B2hLuFyAWc8U8c1BpbxBYly8zdUQkEthxMZZ14lncmzSM1ulHFQg6c/s640/photo54-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A rain shower of acorns<br />started by a wind<br /><br />Hedges wait for their annual autumn trimming<br />Leaves burn in backyards<br />Gardens receive a tidy-up, preparing for winter's respite<br /><br />Families toting baskets<br />search for mushrooms to harvest in the forest<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlbzWyFJc6D9gV5yA8oJSk-VcILYtk83qzVJ9AlRrr-5l6tPCbUWNYN13-USqIAQLUWV2na0cVzk5IfiMi-naobntIrRKA1Vo7HuxDDnbQSmRHinKQoJE5WM6Y7-GDJ1qVpaZanzTb9aY/s1600/photo+5-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlbzWyFJc6D9gV5yA8oJSk-VcILYtk83qzVJ9AlRrr-5l6tPCbUWNYN13-USqIAQLUWV2na0cVzk5IfiMi-naobntIrRKA1Vo7HuxDDnbQSmRHinKQoJE5WM6Y7-GDJ1qVpaZanzTb9aY/s640/photo+5-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />American football on the telly for us<br />A childhood game of '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conkers">conkers</a>' for the English<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qopHCm0da3PeMAfpPkjBp2-D-yIHn5GIYiB7s-UrsEq_1n1HC5Nu8bsHXGNKT111yjh9tGig1aTZB1sfsxiEVpKyVxMgtyMVSg6eEYiSWiLWxsSxAnpiAcGoKBlhQx6OSkbySiycJe4L/s1600/photo9865-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qopHCm0da3PeMAfpPkjBp2-D-yIHn5GIYiB7s-UrsEq_1n1HC5Nu8bsHXGNKT111yjh9tGig1aTZB1sfsxiEVpKyVxMgtyMVSg6eEYiSWiLWxsSxAnpiAcGoKBlhQx6OSkbySiycJe4L/s640/photo9865-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Wellies, umbrellas, and scarves patiently wait near the front door<br /><br />A quieter birdsong<br />yet louder ambient noise outside<br /><br />I can feel Halloween & Bonfire Night just around the corner<br /><br />All the while,<br />green green grass...<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- photos by me -</span></i></div><div><span class="hP" style="outline: none; padding-right: 10px;" tabindex="-1"></span></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>

And Autumn Arrives

With autumncomes the familiarrain, darkness, and chillFog in the fieldsWarming soupsFires in the fireplaceChunky sweatersBulky blanketsApples droppingPumpkins to be pickedBlackberry brambles picked overA rain shower of acornsstarted by a windHedges wait for their annual autumn trimmingLeaves burn in…

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About Town

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Just a few images of</div><div style="text-align: center;">everyday life in England</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">to remind myself this is not 'everyday' in the States</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/AVvXsEiJAg5KtGxOFk1u_HxMhBySMzevyk66A1hImIipSR469s6nRpEim44MmTb_67X2qXMFmcenZw_XU5xK4pYOZj-DnFWMqtYw_L0H8bbvVhHsmUUOiRtI3u2y6HDHFhJr01_ri-EDTUkLA1m4/s1600/Photo+10-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAg5KtGxOFk1u_HxMhBySMzevyk66A1hImIipSR469s6nRpEim44MmTb_67X2qXMFmcenZw_XU5xK4pYOZj-DnFWMqtYw_L0H8bbvVhHsmUUOiRtI3u2y6HDHFhJr01_ri-EDTUkLA1m4/s640/Photo+10-004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishmonger and egg seller from the back of van</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure why this prompted a warning sign...</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/AVvXsEh1f1wTN5sqYz4ARdnbnMX9DngCldfVhPF0m_Q89maNtcdMDe1iauH8L3tYrc7iET_LQgR_FoLFqFX-8t4dlsnAaJFgY3FhD00abjnt68r0tAXJ1qlx2oTZn3G8AiDe4HHjzVttJF0a6rQB/s1600/photo899-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1f1wTN5sqYz4ARdnbnMX9DngCldfVhPF0m_Q89maNtcdMDe1iauH8L3tYrc7iET_LQgR_FoLFqFX-8t4dlsnAaJFgY3FhD00abjnt68r0tAXJ1qlx2oTZn3G8AiDe4HHjzVttJF0a6rQB/s640/photo899-002.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 great volunteer service provided to my neighbor last week</div><div style="text-align: center;">(the cat was found within a few days)</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/AVvXsEjoYXzGHOgqooTLCX1Yn5OOJiSd97tGp-wFG1umafpbW5Z9L6VeIKxHJ5BWzZBGl8Fw18MHNfQnBd0Sal8LU7T_PQUe0zVUiROwL_gkWKiVG9GUxCpBzQIZFjpzxvO67e6-fAUy63mAAaKx/s1600/Photo+47-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYXzGHOgqooTLCX1Yn5OOJiSd97tGp-wFG1umafpbW5Z9L6VeIKxHJ5BWzZBGl8Fw18MHNfQnBd0Sal8LU7T_PQUe0zVUiROwL_gkWKiVG9GUxCpBzQIZFjpzxvO67e6-fAUy63mAAaKx/s640/Photo+47-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And with the jamming season in progress,</div><div style="text-align: center;">an honor system is in place for those who want to pick up a jar</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/AVvXsEgtTl5OKiMHG8i7SOiEkdEDwfUdOyrSLovDv2K-iL0gRW8pRZ7diJ8_hq3u8aiVm-uK3dWQpQmFdfu0oF6GVzgua-EXsuVgb1x8_o4GqK76nwXa6ow8cW7vKj27TvEcJpb3HbjTsFJVUEWa/s1600/photo+1-009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTl5OKiMHG8i7SOiEkdEDwfUdOyrSLovDv2K-iL0gRW8pRZ7diJ8_hq3u8aiVm-uK3dWQpQmFdfu0oF6GVzgua-EXsuVgb1x8_o4GqK76nwXa6ow8cW7vKj27TvEcJpb3HbjTsFJVUEWa/s640/photo+1-009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jam for sale</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope you find the extraordinary in the ordinary this week</div><div style="text-align: center;">:)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- photos by me -</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>

About Town

Just a few images ofeveryday life in Englandto remind myself this is not 'everyday' in the StatesFishmonger and egg seller from the back of vanI'm not sure why this prompted a warning sign...A great volunteer service provided to my neighbor last week(the cat was found within a few days)And with the …

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Observations Of England Through An American Lens

<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I have an ever-growing list of differences</div><div style="text-align: center;">between our two countries </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Perhaps you will find these interesting...</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/AVvXsEiYsgwq7Mx6O8bvYQRTrMUUYFWP_ohzOBczq4Yq13n1RaVhOjTIi_hAE8IEtFHAAK5AfMx7CBWYlRXMI8fjSxaFDjjFTfF5Jw0XV-CtS9_nTsul_Zzg7R4DrrREkwsOLKbDqapjI65hViNM/s1600/il_570xN.455770881_20g3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsgwq7Mx6O8bvYQRTrMUUYFWP_ohzOBczq4Yq13n1RaVhOjTIi_hAE8IEtFHAAK5AfMx7CBWYlRXMI8fjSxaFDjjFTfF5Jw0XV-CtS9_nTsul_Zzg7R4DrrREkwsOLKbDqapjI65hViNM/s640/il_570xN.455770881_20g3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Custom Art by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/OffTheMapArt?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Off The Map Art</a></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;">When an American refers to Washington,</div><div style="text-align: center;">they are typically referring to the state on the West Coat</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In England, 'Washington' is the US capital,</div><div style="text-align: center;">which an American will simply call 'D.C.'</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;">In England, a cat says 'miaow'</div><div style="text-align: center;">In the US, it is 'meow'</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;">Homemade beans-on-toast is an English comfort food</div><div style="text-align: center;">whereas Americans lean toward a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup</div><div style="text-align: center;">These sandwiches to not occur in the other country</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;">In the 1970s and 1980s </div><div style="text-align: center;">Nestle sold <i>Texan </i>in the UK,</div><div style="text-align: center;">a popular nougat/toffee candy bar</div><div style="text-align: center;">with the slogan 'A man's gotta chew what a man's gotta chew'</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/AVvXsEj0hIZeAhUrvV4eqnPCFuUxOZlQOIdQpZEXsdHg1c-D_vQNIj3ZVb1ym4Bdzj69ZLiP6fgNaebRRaf-VkmtMFmBR9c7pLVG34aMwPRwVeAEOhWT1kpaNoKkfacsqtNYYROYP12W9cuHp-IQ/s1600/texanbars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hIZeAhUrvV4eqnPCFuUxOZlQOIdQpZEXsdHg1c-D_vQNIj3ZVb1ym4Bdzj69ZLiP6fgNaebRRaf-VkmtMFmBR9c7pLVG34aMwPRwVeAEOhWT1kpaNoKkfacsqtNYYROYP12W9cuHp-IQ/s400/texanbars.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sold by <a href="http://www.aquarterof.co.uk/">A Quarter Of</a></td></tr></tbody></table><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;">It is not uncommon to hear</div><div style="text-align: center;">'Well, as the Americans say...'</div><div style="text-align: center;">followed by a saying I've never heard in my life</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;">You can spot an American tourist in a crowd</div><div style="text-align: center;">by the T-Shirt stating where s/he's visited, </div><div style="text-align: center;">a favorite sports team or university</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;">In the UK, this is the pound symbol (currency): <span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'NOTHS Sans No3 Regular', 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">£</span><br /> This is the pound sign in the US (weight): #<br /><br />It is also the grid used to pay 'tic-tac-toe',<br />also known as 'noughts & crosses' in England</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'NOTHS Sans No3 Regular', 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">*</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></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/AVvXsEh7b8bk7clreynqWiQ-KFnND3Nu8S60Y6DNDN3ivfkm-vxSnZ5Qt54N2D5GP-kVaiEkUPuc4D5Tog6fTzVqqdKgPBWyHJtC9nrEo0gbc6pe2G8kDq7EXh3b3yHzhCrQFUv4ubYmU41GP6rM/s1600/World+Driving.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7b8bk7clreynqWiQ-KFnND3Nu8S60Y6DNDN3ivfkm-vxSnZ5Qt54N2D5GP-kVaiEkUPuc4D5Tog6fTzVqqdKgPBWyHJtC9nrEo0gbc6pe2G8kDq7EXh3b3yHzhCrQFUv4ubYmU41GP6rM/s640/World+Driving.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red countries drive on the right; blue on the  left<br /><a href="http://chartsbin.com/view/edr">ChartsBin</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 England, using a car blinker/indicator in a turn lane is obvious and redundant</div><div style="text-align: center;">(yet required in the US)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the US, you can turn right at a red light (love!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It appears the majority of gas tanks are fueled on the driver's side</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a problem when there is one way traffic flow into a petrol station,</div><div style="text-align: center;">leaving only one side of gas pumps being used</div><div style="text-align: center;">(in the US, traffic flows in both directions at stations)</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;">Although Brits may drink more alcohol than Americans,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the US has a bigger problem with drunk driving</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Public transportation is more widespread in England</div><div style="text-align: center;">and people often arrange taxis before going out<br />-love!-</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(interestingly, European wine growing countries drink in moderation)</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/AVvXsEglCV_JuKwzNLOsrG8EpIcE_pZRJZTcFW2_DAF0VYuwrXxoE_yFCun_ocpq_7rQgWvOGgSNi_UWyXUJvVX8ReOPzyJqy9WbH7VWBmwGgCI3k6PmNc2j6qE1ohhNZbezFVnuktKLzw7lo2wh/s1600/Drinking+Score.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCV_JuKwzNLOsrG8EpIcE_pZRJZTcFW2_DAF0VYuwrXxoE_yFCun_ocpq_7rQgWvOGgSNi_UWyXUJvVX8ReOPzyJqy9WbH7VWBmwGgCI3k6PmNc2j6qE1ohhNZbezFVnuktKLzw7lo2wh/s640/Drinking+Score.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://gamapserver.who.int/mapLibrary/Files/Maps/Global_patterns_drinking_score_2005.png">World Health Organization</a></td></tr></tbody></table><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;">Why aren't these things universally standardized?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Size of a measuring cup (1 cup is different in the US vs UK)<br />Size of printer paper and envelopes</div><div style="text-align: center;">Emergency Telephone Numbers</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/AVvXsEhM3_gFfwm9758N9B3a3JRph-3d2TzGj4t8cH7IKvy70iSGzvhfIeu1FMKFbUlsZUkqV66FD2bCznqeV8wVVXfg0z5h1fKcvL0nOq0jpd1BYX5iDg-C00mcaHkP1w2H2VoFfiBj-n94pmtT/s1600/Emergency+Numbers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3_gFfwm9758N9B3a3JRph-3d2TzGj4t8cH7IKvy70iSGzvhfIeu1FMKFbUlsZUkqV66FD2bCznqeV8wVVXfg0z5h1fKcvL0nOq0jpd1BYX5iDg-C00mcaHkP1w2H2VoFfiBj-n94pmtT/s640/Emergency+Numbers.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why so many different emergency phone numbers?<br /><a href="http://chartsbin.com/view/1983">ChartsBin</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Light bulb screw-in shapes</div><div style="text-align: center;">Shape of plugs</div><div style="text-align: center;">Electric voltage in sockets</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><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/AVvXsEj_yfT3sFDkNnvlifusnj3gNIXkIHj5DusaKuQ2eAYk71lmSiGf6ms6F1EOXIAixPHCCMMds-r7HlEp83DSDwCz9RoLo1NOI2g4TvfD93pLzqO_mswJNLyojPSyhRQxKZVW79bDnCAFfHEG/s1600/Universal+Voltage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yfT3sFDkNnvlifusnj3gNIXkIHj5DusaKuQ2eAYk71lmSiGf6ms6F1EOXIAixPHCCMMds-r7HlEp83DSDwCz9RoLo1NOI2g4TvfD93pLzqO_mswJNLyojPSyhRQxKZVW79bDnCAFfHEG/s640/Universal+Voltage.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of voltage differences worldwide (blue is the highest voltage)<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_electricity_by_country">wikipedia </a></td></tr></tbody></table><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;">An expat new to the country recently pointed out<br />the different breaks in phone numbers in England</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(123) 456-7890 in the US</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">020 1234 5678 in London</div><div style="text-align: center;">01234 567 890 outside London</div><div style="text-align: center;">or 01234 567890</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;">There are some differences in slang and pronunciation in the US,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but considering how big the country is </div><div style="text-align: center;">there are not as many variations as one might think</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><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/AVvXsEg4ddXnyK-3QdlnAzdo-l5d9vhTGilp1PFMJkLQNhEhNKHwRYRr9S8HqJXik6o15jA66_Esfrmby-zd83t-UMAa2IEAp6lg99ozq8uBR2lrS2oOsvwYW9cT__Mv2Sr5ImQ7KtmQylxutiOF/s1600/US+Pronunciation-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ddXnyK-3QdlnAzdo-l5d9vhTGilp1PFMJkLQNhEhNKHwRYRr9S8HqJXik6o15jA66_Esfrmby-zd83t-UMAa2IEAp6lg99ozq8uBR2lrS2oOsvwYW9cT__Mv2Sr5ImQ7KtmQylxutiOF/s640/US+Pronunciation-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More fun comparisons via <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/22-maps-that-show-the-deepest-linguistic-conflicts-in-america-2013-6?op=1">Business Insider</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While North Americans are notorious for pronouncing 't's as 'd's</div><div style="text-align: center;">water -> wah der,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the English drop many letters, making me guess the silent letters</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cheltenham -> Chelt'num</div><div style="text-align: center;">Leicester -> Lester</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The letter 't' may be dropped entirely by the English ( little -> li'l)</div><div style="text-align: center;">and 't' can take on the 'ch' sound such as </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tutor -> Chutor</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tunes -> Chunes</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And curiously still, when a word ends in a vowel followed by another vowel in the next word,</div><div style="text-align: center;">a mysterious 'r' appears</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pizza Express -> Pizzar Express</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">'Elocution lessons' were once a part of the curriculum for students in refined schools,</div><div style="text-align: center;">where children perfected their pronunciation, inflection, articulation, and accent </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure if this is still taught regularly today? </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;">There seems to be a disturbing new trend on my side of England </div><div style="text-align: center;">where restrooms in restaurants are co-ed</div><div style="text-align: center;">Each stall is contained but the sinks are shared</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/AVvXsEiJoUSAr8Vm_s3O7k6rHE6WzfvQrwHUAiXbXLbDTChtpmnTnpmOCUYsH93Hk4Ysmb05maw9tKgzxZPIZqrDhG_HKog2nIl_yX9XGbEuYujfYb2Oku-L6nyNdh9LyOWEYOjB24vbR3hPwss8/s1600/photo+211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoUSAr8Vm_s3O7k6rHE6WzfvQrwHUAiXbXLbDTChtpmnTnpmOCUYsH93Hk4Ysmb05maw9tKgzxZPIZqrDhG_HKog2nIl_yX9XGbEuYujfYb2Oku-L6nyNdh9LyOWEYOjB24vbR3hPwss8/s640/photo+211.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A co-ed restroom in a popular new restaurant</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></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;">I have now embraced the difference between </div><div style="text-align: center;">a wet rain </div><div style="text-align: center;">and a dry rain </div><div style="text-align: center;">(misty but you don't get wet)<br /><br />In the UK, a 'mac' or mackintosh is a raincoat<br /><br />'Wellies' are known as 'galoshes' in the US<br /><br />I noticed there is no smell of 'the first rain'<br />I was accustomed to in the US<br />perhaps because the earth is never that dry here<br /><br />The term for the scent of first rain is 'petrichor'<br />(thanks, <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/">Kate</a>!)</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/AVvXsEjm5VDRoWdB2KfnZQO0WVUmpewe8IiyVy3F2JWjhU9BpE_l0RA0mmbveebxXkxho4bisYCTymt9lP7G6L77bYYT5h2fmII21fdXI4ZsuD6aRRdzhCVd9vHjz3qY4xwO_RhUFS419fbJHTfF/s1600/Capture11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5VDRoWdB2KfnZQO0WVUmpewe8IiyVy3F2JWjhU9BpE_l0RA0mmbveebxXkxho4bisYCTymt9lP7G6L77bYYT5h2fmII21fdXI4ZsuD6aRRdzhCVd9vHjz3qY4xwO_RhUFS419fbJHTfF/s400/Capture11.JPG" width="291" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sticky tape by <a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/belleandboo/product/london-umbrella-stick-tape">Belle & Boo</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />*<br /><br />An elderly Englishman recently told me he loves America<br />because of our friendly people and entrepreneurial spirit<br /><br />I love England for its gorgeousness and countrywide playground<br />(so much to do and see!)<br /><br />*<br /><br />My list of 'interestings & differences' is by no means complete,<br />but for now I will sign off<br /><br />Wishing you a great day!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(an unsponsored post)</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>

Observations Of England Through An American Lens

I have an ever-growing list of differencesbetween our two countries Perhaps you will find these interesting...Custom Art by Off The Map ArtWhen an American refers to Washington,they are typically referring to the state on the West CoatIn England, 'Washington' is the US capital,which an American will…

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Fascinating World Of Ian Fleming

<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For our book club</div><div style="text-align: center;">we read Ian Fleming's 'Dr No' (1958)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I think we were all surprised by how good it was,</div><div style="text-align: center;">a bit dated </div><div style="text-align: center;">yet entertaining</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although 'Dr No' was Fleming's seventh book,</div><div style="text-align: center;">it was his first novel to be turned into a film (1962)</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Fleming knew cinema was the way to make real money -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That signature James Bond theme has been used since 'Dr No'</div><div style="text-align: center;">with its surf style rock, popular in the early 1960s</div><div style="text-align: center;">A classic!</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/AVvXsEhkrRWOjWxIf1Ljj3uDfuPauvtO_jJZLaN9vp6lztWm1RazbLKo_ELpzcNcfL12e4Tz0G-a8CrL2dLvkJIYaVKxQZeZ63E5CYNRFb_UJKQEKieVCp-RCcg8FY2Rjw2OL6iII62oYywMYD0-/s1600/Ian_Fleming,_headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrRWOjWxIf1Ljj3uDfuPauvtO_jJZLaN9vp6lztWm1RazbLKo_ELpzcNcfL12e4Tz0G-a8CrL2dLvkJIYaVKxQZeZ63E5CYNRFb_UJKQEKieVCp-RCcg8FY2Rjw2OL6iII62oYywMYD0-/s640/Ian_Fleming,_headshot.jpg" width="576" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ian Fleming, author of James Bond series<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Fleming">wikipedia</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ian Fleming was born with money and connections</div><div style="text-align: center;">In fact, Winston Churchill was a friend of his father's</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fleming's grandparents owned a high-end flat </div><div style="text-align: center;">where the US Embassy in London now stands</div><div style="text-align: center;">(the irony in that - with all its spies!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ian Fleming was a bit like his James Bond's character -</div><div style="text-align: center;">a life filled with men's clubs, women, fancy cars, and a good time</div><div style="text-align: center;">He traveled in wealthy circles in Mayfair</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/AVvXsEjupszrL86-iLUDIpKjViJipaz9x8lOluVvKWu7PQfpFsBMQx8QB-DLnoSqLXCLKi28Pp_wzGZ_SUFgeNJY21TZ8YCElkKIcSnOcPhK7qaKlubQVnsJc2bfkjn0dwhDWAERB4_CzpBiqHUv/s1600/800px-DB5-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupszrL86-iLUDIpKjViJipaz9x8lOluVvKWu7PQfpFsBMQx8QB-DLnoSqLXCLKi28Pp_wzGZ_SUFgeNJY21TZ8YCElkKIcSnOcPhK7qaKlubQVnsJc2bfkjn0dwhDWAERB4_CzpBiqHUv/s640/800px-DB5-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aston Martin, one of James Bond's famous cars<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_James_Bond_vehicles">wikipedia</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Unlike his father and brother, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Ian did not go to the front lines of war</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Instead, he was behind a desk </div><div style="text-align: center;">in London's Naval Intelligence Office during WWII</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once the war was over,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ian Fleming worked for The Times</div><div style="text-align: center;">with the agreement that he could take time off every winter for three months</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In those months,</div><div style="text-align: center;">he stayed in his Jamaican home, 'Goldeneye', and produced one book every year</div><div style="text-align: center;">with the quest to write the best spy novel the world had ever seen</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/AVvXsEirOqHacMxwdtGB3wFOzgcjdX-lAiW9vv6P7agB_YGwSvPmFLnNzsbzSMr_SoUxraO-4GsdU-5Eh2bkFz4tIPJ_5fp1m7PxTIKNoAA-mvUzvuVjjFxV87xzBCJKN_rRwh8zFmScMzTABHio/s1600/GoldeneyeEstate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOqHacMxwdtGB3wFOzgcjdX-lAiW9vv6P7agB_YGwSvPmFLnNzsbzSMr_SoUxraO-4GsdU-5Eh2bkFz4tIPJ_5fp1m7PxTIKNoAA-mvUzvuVjjFxV87xzBCJKN_rRwh8zFmScMzTABHio/s640/GoldeneyeEstate.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ian Fleming's Jamaican home where he wrote annually<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Fleming">wikipedia</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He had the idea that his main character should be a boring man </div><div style="text-align: center;">that to whom extraordinary things happened</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Trying to think of a boring name, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Fleming looked at his bookshelf and saw the very plain name </div><div style="text-align: center;">of American ornithologist, James Bond</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Fleming was an avid birdwatcher)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And so it came to be the most famous fictional spy name</div><div style="text-align: center;"> with the ornithologist's blessing</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/AVvXsEgk_DSlp0NBnXrPQWL9t74ktsTKlUHX2Vxd3EuIRpFpPnFRA7-tOwTPTcgvYUtpR1psQkdgW2AYOiF3nP5ZsDOA8E_qlMO2krBTsYLPJ5uaxIimKshBYJ8lp6-SGFeDtgDOsjVsMITUQlOt/s1600/James_Bond_1974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_DSlp0NBnXrPQWL9t74ktsTKlUHX2Vxd3EuIRpFpPnFRA7-tOwTPTcgvYUtpR1psQkdgW2AYOiF3nP5ZsDOA8E_qlMO2krBTsYLPJ5uaxIimKshBYJ8lp6-SGFeDtgDOsjVsMITUQlOt/s320/James_Bond_1974.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The real James Bond, an American ornithologist<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Bond_(ornithologist)">wikipedia</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">To me, the James Bond series is a story of success and determination</div><div style="text-align: center;">as Ian Fleming had always wanted to write these great spy novels</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But his wife and high-brow friends thought his books were in bad taste</div><div style="text-align: center;">and Fleming received harsh reviews from UK critics</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then Fleming got a lucky break after meeting President Kennedy on a trip to D.C.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The US President listed 'From Russia, With Love'</div><div style="text-align: center;">as one of his favorite books in Life Magazine after they met</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With this introduction to the American audience, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Fleming's films and books became successful in the US</div><div style="text-align: center;">and were well received</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/AVvXsEgUjHARMTqyUTzIWbJnxLh95Vbn6kBpjQOJahpCAdTFVu16G_DLYkPY3UbHJfkAua72Nr4BOpIvyDJFYHQCAiI6cVIhPyv2yUoqM9lNqNrINiKB1SBDd6tM25kMbU0ALnD8BdmXcBV4x3vv/s1600/51WxLtqGDmL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjHARMTqyUTzIWbJnxLh95Vbn6kBpjQOJahpCAdTFVu16G_DLYkPY3UbHJfkAua72Nr4BOpIvyDJFYHQCAiI6cVIhPyv2yUoqM9lNqNrINiKB1SBDd6tM25kMbU0ALnD8BdmXcBV4x3vv/s640/51WxLtqGDmL.jpg" width="449" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bond-Remastered-Dr-1-disc-DVD/dp/B000MR9F0W/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1380796513&sr=8-5&keywords=dr+no">Amazon</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't think of any other film series with such longevity, </div><div style="text-align: center;">with classic quotes and an easily identifiable theme song</div><div style="text-align: center;">that has woven itself into our culture today</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Eon Productions has been making James Bond films for fifty-one years</div><div style="text-align: center;">with another film due within the next few years</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bond continues to be the longest running film series </div><div style="text-align: center;">and second highest grossing film series after 'Harry Potter'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In fact, more men have walked on the moon</div><div style="text-align: center;">than have played James Bond in film</div><div style="text-align: center;">(only six in fifty years)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I grew up watching Roger Moore,</div><div style="text-align: center;">so to me, he will always be THE Bond</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you have a favorite James Bond actor?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- on a random note but must mention, Fleming also wrote 'Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang'! -</div><br /><br />More In Bond Series ::<br /><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/bond-girl-for-day-or-two.html">Bond Girl For A Day Or Two</a> (local activities)<br /><a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/interview-of-bond-girl.html">Interview Of A Bond Girl</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Richard Walker from </span><a href="http://www.walks.com/" style="font-size: small;">London Walks</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Fleming" style="font-size: small;">Wikipedia</a><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>

Fascinating World Of Ian Fleming

For our book clubwe read Ian Fleming's 'Dr No' (1958)I think we were all surprised by how good it was,a bit dated yet entertainingAlthough 'Dr No' was Fleming's seventh book,it was his first novel to be turned into a film (1962)- Fleming knew cinema was the way to make real money -That signature Jam…

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