I am a little horrified...

...well, more than just a little. I love Country Living - lots of lovely images and homewares ideas. But, why-oh-why do this to Miss Austen? I can barely look upon the image of the pages being brutally cut out.

If you want to make a bag, grab some fabric and a sewing machine. Leave your books alone!

pics and how-to (but please don't) from here

Trees of a different kind

I love these trees available from Pulp Creative Paper. Wouldn't it be great to dress them up for Christmas?

Great for the small space.

x

via here

This could be dangerous...

Am I the last person in the world to find Bird? Probably. But in case you haven't had the pleasure, take a look...

Bird's fabrics are handprinted using water based dyes, and the company is Australia's first climate neutral business. Very impressive...

...but potentially dangerous for those of us trying to stick to a budget.

Budget? What budget?

Looks like a few more items to add to the Christmas List.

x

pics and shop via here

Something for Nothing...

 

via here

I recently left some old terracotta pots and two much-loved-but-now-too-small children's scooters outside my house, with a note saying 'free'.

via here

How lovely that people only took what they needed. Over the course of a few days, everything disappeared. Each time something was taken, the pile was left neat and tidy.

via here

I can't tell you how much pleasure it has given me to think that these things (which I loved, but had no need for any more) have gone to a friendly home. And that perhaps, it made someone's day, to pick up something for nothing.

x

Festive Rooms

via here

I love these living rooms. They are festive without a Christmas decoration in sight. Perhaps it's something to do with the fireplace? Funny how, even though Christmas here will undoubtedly be hot, spent somewhere between the beach and the barbeque, a decorated fireplace still says Christmas to me.

via here

via here

via here

Lemonade and Jasmine

My daughter is hooked on the domestic art of making lemonade. She made a huge batch yesterday, and it tastes summery and delicious.

Here's how...

Squeeze 1 cup of lemon juice.

Dissolve 1 cup of caster sugar in 1 cup of water in a saucepan on the stovetop.

Stir the juice into the sugar/water solution.

Add 3-4 cups of cold water and let cool in the fridge.

Serve with iceblocks and drink while relaxing (preferably in a hammock strung between two shady trees)

Another of the sights (and smells) of Summer...

My Jasmine plant is flowering, filling my little courtyard garden with delightful scents.

Can't wait for Summer to arrive.

x

Cool Linen

via LinenMe

I love linen for Summer, whether it be for your home or for you to wear. Saturday's a great day to source some wonderful linen via Etsy.

via annyschoo

via Ishiira