I see the future and the future is green...

Hello my lovelies!

I have been busy spring cleaning and generally trying to get my house in order. We've still got work to do on the barn (believe it or not!) landscaping should start later this month and our front room (which has basically been out of action since we moved in due to damp) is now damp-free and freshly painted...white. So, using nature and the time of year as my guide I see shades of green being my palette for the furnishings in this new room.

It's the room you walk into from the front door, so I want it bright and welcoming but cosy enough to snuggle in, as it will be our new 'library' or 'reading nook'. These images are my inspiration....

This is not in my comfort zone; as it's quite a bit brighter than my usual taste, but it 'feels' right for this space - let's see how far I go with it!

Happy Tuesday to you all!

Hugs, B x

Image 1,2 and 3: Design Sponge


Image 4: This is Glamorous


Image 5: Restoration House Interiors

Spring has sprung!

At last, we've finally had some weather to smile about - although it's been a little changeable.

So, I went out into the garden to take some pics of our beautiful blossoms...



Considering the fact that our house is called "Pear Tree Cottage" you'd probably assume that our garden houses at least one pear tree...wrong!


In fact our garden has no pears trees at all. This is because many years ago part of our garden was sold off as a separate plot of land and another house was built there and that house is called "The Orchard" due to the fact that they got all the pear trees!

However, we do still have a fabulous apple tree - hence the blossom. I'm so looking forward to making some yummy apple pies this year.

This week I'm making some super hero capes for some birthday boys and getting myself ready for some serious sewing for the summer markets.

I can also feel a furniture makeover coming on...

Wishing you a 'blooming' lovely week!

B x

I *heart* signage!

Hello my lovelies...

I'm trying to finish off my kitchen at the moment. We kept the cabinets, but changed the knobs, changed the tiles and painted over the TARTAN WALLPAPER - but I often find that the finishing touches can be the most difficult! What is my style? One thing I noticed the other day on looking around my kitchen is how much I like fonts and signage...




...I just love Nigella, she is the queen of the kitchen...



...a coincidence and little known fact...my maiden name is Lawson, so I just had to have this crate that I found in a local antique shop. Lavender bird made by yours truly and available on request!



I picked up this french mustard jar at another local antique shop, I often use it to display flowers. And I have wanted one of these little salt thingies for ages, I'll let you into a secret though, it's never had salt in it - I always forget it's there!



I'd been on the lookout for a bread bin for ages and found this at my local TK MAXX for 7 pounds. I wasn't sure about it and went away to consider, I forgot all about it and returned 2 weeks later to find it reduced to 4 pounds- It was a done deal!

And I recently added this little beauty to my collection...



I've yet to hang it, but I love it. It's limited edition print from a fab website called Rockett St George


It won't mean much to my anyone who's not from the UK I'm afraid, but these are all catchphrases from famous British comedians from my childhood. It's nostalgic and fun - just my cup of tea!

Will be popping back with more pictures of my kitchen soon.

Love to you all,

B x

"It's the little things that make a house a home..."

This is something I say to my husband, and my kids almost everyday!

I am constantly on a quest to find that 'little something'.

This week is no exception...these are my new 'treasures'...

Jess and I went to the new(ish) Anthropologie which has opened up in Oxford Street, London and although I was disappointed by the prices (300 pounds for a dress is way out of my financial comfort zone) they did have a great sale section, where I found this beauty...

Originally 15 pounds each(!) I bought the last 4 for 1.59 each!!!

I love a bargain :O)

Recently I have been lamenting the fact that I don't have a birdcage to sit in my bay window (go figure) anyway, yesterday I had to pick Chris up from the station. On my way to get him he called to say he'd missed his train and would be on the next one.


No worries, the station is right round the corner from my favourite place; TK MAXX (Winners to my Canadian friends and TJ Maxx to my American buddies) so in I pop with my eye on the time I make a beeline for the home department. Low and behold there sitting on it's lonesome and priced at a magnificent 12.99 was my hearts desire...








It was love at first sight.

The last thing I have to show you is actually something I'm working on myself - although knowing my work ethic it may be a while before I get to enjoy the finished product...

Made from calico and ribbon they are very cheap- and easy to make. 2 down 3 to go...

All in all, I'd say it's been quite a successful week for 'treasure hunting'!

See you tomorrow,

B x

Good Morning Sunshine!

Sunshine. It's been so long since my bones drank that golden elixir!

So, when I woke up this morning and saw these gorgeous glistening rays through my window I was up in a flash.

It's funny, I always complain about our bedroom. It's so small compared to our old bedroom in Canada. And the fact that we insisted on bringing our huge North American bed with us doesn't help matters...

I have this little joke that I tell when people ask what it's like going from a large Canadian home to an English cottage...I always say; " Our bedroom's so small, I can draw the curtains with my bum on my way to bed" not hugely funny, but actually very true. Although, I'm not sure if that tells you more about the size of our room or the size of my bum!!!

Anyway, I woke up this morning with the light streaming through my window and I though; how lucky I am to live here. In this house. In this life.

I love my bed, my bedroom and my big bum!

See you tomorrow,

B x

Living Room Reveal...

Hello Ladies!

Firstly I want to thank you all for wonderful support after my last post revealing my new venture. It is such a confidence boost to have such great friends who are happy to bestow on me wonderful words of encouragement.

Now, I was thinking, it's been a while since I showed you around the place in this post. When my Living room looked like this....

The wallpaper was pink with (not visible in pictures) flowers all over it. Not really my taste. The curtains drove me nuts, they remind me of someone wearing trousers that are too short, swinging around the ankles!
So, I wanted this house to be dressed in a style more befitting its era. Here it is...


The curtains are from Ikea and quite a steal at 35 pounds. And the mirror; which I LOVE was 50 pounds from a 'junk shop'. I have coveted the same or similar mirror for years which I originally found here for 571 pounds!!!



I'm not sure if you can tell, but the walls are grey. The colour is "Chiltern Grey" and I love it, it manages to be grey and warm at the same time - perfect. The 2 seater in the window is a new purchase from Laura Ashley in the UK but all the other furniture is from Canada. So, there we have it my new living room. next I'll show you what I've done with the sun room so far.

Today I have a meeting with the planning department to discuss plans to renovate our barn...



...how exciting!

Have a wonderful week,

B x

My special place

It may not be much to look at

but this place has been my sanctuary

my calm in the storm

I'll be sorry to leave it behind, but I'll be sure to find a new quiet place; just for me and my thoughts.

Do you have somewhere you go to 'get away from it all'?

It's good to be back...

I wanted to start by saying "thank you" to you all for your wonderful advice on "How old is too old?" it's just good to get other people's perspective on things once in a while, you know? And I got some really lovely and unexpected compliments as well - cheers guys, you are so nice! Actually it was perfect timing because I've spent the best part of this week with a Kleenex stuffed up my left nostril, unbrushed hair, no make up and a flea bitten old tracksuit on...I've been sick. I don't 'do' sick very well actually. I think it's because it doesn't happen that often and as I am a bit of a control freak; I find it hard to come to terms with the fact that there is nothing I can do, but take my vitamins and wait for it to pass. It didn't help that it was the week Chris left for London. I have mentioned before that we are moving back this year, well he has gone already. To a shiny new job and an office over looking the Thames; I'm very proud of him. He will be coming back from time to time for weekend visits. However, that leaves me to keep things ticking over here until school's out, as well as trying to sell the house. A cold (or "THE FLU'" as I like to call it) was not on the agenda. But the show must go on, and on it did...I accepted an offer on the house! I know it's not over 'til the fat lady sings but I can definitely hear her warming up; so fingers crossed :o)

There are, however, some fabulous benefits to being sick in my house. On these occasions Eva has decided that I get to have as many stories read to me as I want...

and only when I'm sick am I was allowed to fiddle with little fingers

and diddy toes, to my hearts content...

it's not all bad being sick after all!

Eva's pants

The sign is up, I've been cleaning like my life depends on it and now we're good to go. In fact, we had an interesting weekend, driving around town in the rain with the dog and the kids in the car trying to stay out of the house while the agents showed the property. However, I did get a chance to sit at my sewing machine and guess what? I graduated! I made my first pair of pants, which Eva was very happy to model for me. Showing just how comfortable and versatile they are.

She can still torment the dog...

Play hide and seek...

And finally finish with the classic 'Eva Pose'...

I love them and I'm sure I'm going to make loads more in time for the summer. They are a little baggy on E because she's so diddy; but that just gives more play room! This week I'm working on a halter dress- between viewings! Have a great week.

Live large.

B x