What I did and didn't do...

via Anthropologie

I had a blog-break over the weekend. Unplanned - just got caught up in real life. It's funny how the virtual world can take over. I feel better for having my head solely in one place for 48 hours straight!

I don't know if it's a result of being a working parent, but I always expect great things from the weekend. I think I expect much more than two days can possibly deliver.

This weekend we did get around to putting the tree up (went fake in the end, just easier I'm afraid to say). It looks lovely, I'll get the camera out later and post a photo. We played carols, put on extra fairy lights and baked gingerbread.

So...what I didn't get to do this weekend was start my Christmas shopping. Would love to just pop in to Anthropologie and get the lot. I'm sure it will all get done eventually.

x

more gorgeous Anthropologie

A Little Summer Cheer

via here

I'm not normally a cocktail kinda girl, but I may have to celebrate the arrival of the weekend with a Bellini.

How can you go past peach, raspberry and chilled champagne?

God bless you Summer - you have arrived.

x

A girl can dream...

In my dream life, this is how I decorate for Christmas...

...something delightful in every room...

...little, thoughtful touches...

...gifts (carefully chosen and meaningful of course) beautifully wrapped to the sound of carols playing...

...homebaked goodies artfully displayed (no hungry hoards trying to get to them before they're on the plate)...

...and waking up here (with no dark circles under my eyes - that wouldn't match the decor)

A girl can dream, can't she?

x

pics via Country Living

Wednesday Hammocking

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Is there anything more relaxing than hammocking?

via here

via here

You can hammock indoors or out...

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You really should hammock with a good book and a glass of wine...

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Hard to find time to hammock on a Wednesday - perhaps a goal for the weekend?

Happy hammocking.

x

Summertime (and the need for new cutlery)

Summer may actually be here. Last night we ate our first dinner outdoors, a regular Summertime treat.

We ate one of my favourite things to cook (because it's easy and tastes good. I'm not sure I can really call it cooking, as most of the ingredients come from a jar).

Cook a big pot of spaghetti.

Drain, and stir through diced, cooked bacon, basil pesto (I used it from the jar - lazy I know), a tin of drained smoked oysters, some chopped semi-sundried tomatoes and some marinated artichoke hearts.

Eat it with a salad to get your vege hit.

Here's to many more Summertime dinners.

(And yes, I have noticed my exceptionally dated cutlery. It was a wedding present but, even so, it must be time for an upgrade. Oh federation green....you should have stayed in the nineties.)

x

Where did the weekend go?

via here

I really need more time. Time to linger. Time to bake. Time to fuss over my home. Time to soak and to read.

Sadly, no time today...

x

A Spot of Shopping...

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Bought a new sofa for my 'outdoor room' today. Not as luxurious as these, but comfy and reasonably weatherproof. I can see me stretched out upon it on warm summer nights.

Bliss.

x

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via here

Saturday Optimism

pic via here

I have too may things to do today, but with the kind of optimism only Saturday can bring, I am going to attempt them all.

First on the list is to return a stack of books to the library... they are horribly overdue (what can I say, I've been busy!).

I'm sure a hefty fine, and the kind of condescending look only a librarian can give, await me.

Oh dear.

x

via here

via here

Real or Fake?

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Real or fake? Which way to go? I know it's early to be considering this, but I'm thinking of going real this year. I've faked in the past (with a very lovely, tall-but-compact model), but there is something about the smell of a real tree. We've had expeditions in the past to chop our own tree (think dust, sweat...it's always been exceptionally hot when we've done this), which may have put some of us off (i.e. my husband who will be the chopper).

Still, I may spend some time this weekend investigating.

x

pic and environmental perspective from here

via here

White Roses

A great time of year for roses...if they're not being blown away by the wind.

White roses look beautiful in any setting.

x

Summer Storms

We woke this morning to wind and rain - a summer storm.

Can't wait to get down to the beach and see what kind of treasures have been washed up.

Enjoy your Wednesday.

x

Oh to bake a pie...

recipe via here

The house is a mess, the kids are sick, I'm ridiculously busy at work, and all I want to do is stay home and bake a pie.

Is that so bad?

x

recipe via here

recipe via here

recipe via here

Home Plus Cushions...a giveaway

Introducing the Home Plus cushions in red or navy, an original design now available at The Good Place@Etsy.

Each cushion measures 40cm square and is made from cotton drill, with red or navy print on a white central panel. An internal pouch keeps the insert in place (sorry, insert not included).

To celebrate I am having a giveaway. Just leave a comment letting me know if you are interested in either the red or navy cushion. The winner of one of the cushions (your choice) will be announced on Wednesday (I'm happy to send it anywhere in the world).

I am looking into cream and white, and all white versions too. Let me know what you think.

Lots more plans for the The Good Place@Etsy coming soon.

Enjoy Monday.

x

So sorry...so late!

Such a late post today. Sadly, I have been busy elsewhere.

I would much rather be in one of these wonderful outdoor rooms with a glass of wine.

Looking forward to a break soon.

I hope your Sunday has been relaxing.

x

pics via here

Saturday morning sights...

Mornings like this are a real treat...

...pastries and a walk on the beach.

I hope your Saturday started with a treat.

x