tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38339208432171878272024-03-16T01:09:30.920+00:00NEUTRAL TERRITORYSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-51208246605899539642013-07-03T21:44:00.000+01:002013-07-03T21:44:40.515+01:00Gorgeous gardens, happy days, hectic days.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yes, I know ..... many apologies - no posts makes for one unhappy blog. </div>
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Here are a few photographs taken over the last few months - the first four are from wonderful Chelsea Flower Show. Seems an age away now but it was a fabulous day not least because I bumped into the wonderful Janet from The Gardener's Cottage blog, the fabulous Faux Fuchsia and also met dear Romy there too from Diary of a Hobart Housewife blog.... And in that same evening met up with them all AND Alyson from TNMA blog for dinner... what a wonderful day...</div>
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The next few photographs are from my time staying in Orford in Suffolk... First is of my friend J's wonderful home on the coast and the next two of her lovely garden. Had such a great time with her...</div>
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And last but not least.. this is the reason I have been in UK over the last 11 months.. My daughter Poppy on the day she collected her well deserved degree from Durham University.. She worked hard and got a 2:1 - I am one proud Mama.. The graduation ceremony was held in Durham Cathedral (behind in this photo). It was a wonderful day and fabulous occasion. Mr NT was over from Australia and Poppy's Dad and his wife were there too - and I am pleased to say we all got on well and the 5 of us went out for dinner in the evening.. Yes, happy days....<br />
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I expect my next post will be from Australia .. We are returning next week and I have to admit to being very stressed and probably overdosing on 'Bach's Rescue Remedy' - lots to do - the removals men are coming tomorrow and we have tenants for the cottage here so fingers crossed all will work out! <div>
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Sorry if I don't get round to visiting blogs as much as I would like over the next few weeks and also I wondered, - should I start up my Semi Expat in Oz blog again when I return...? Any thoughts? </div>
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Take care all and for those in USA - a very Happy 4th July to you!<br /><br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-27228021367864254642013-06-16T21:40:00.001+01:002013-06-16T21:41:49.896+01:00Have you tried this?<span id="goog_279492369"></span><span id="goog_279492370"></span>I am so impressed by this new CC cream (what happened to BB creams too by the way?). Anyway no matter what it is called, it certainly is a wonderful new tinted moisturiser/ corrector / sunscreen all in one wonder lotion. And no, this is not a product endorsed post (but if Clinique would like to send me a tube or two, thank you very much indeedy - the colour I am using is 'Light/Medium"). Just thought I would share the love with you... Funnily enough I was away last weekend staying with a dear friend in Suffolk and another guest also there had just bought it too and was raving about it as well. Honestly do try it.<br />
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It can be used as a primer under foundation or as I have been using recently, just on its own. Don't know how it works but it kind of blurs wrinkles, covers pores, evens out your complexion and gives a sort of lovely glow to your face. I am completely hooked....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clinique's CC cream - my new go-to favourite<br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-40590832729454545112013-05-31T09:49:00.002+01:002013-05-31T18:39:26.593+01:00Visiting Paris in the SpringRecently I went on a 24 hour jaunt to Paris. That's the beauty of living here in UK and I'm making the most of it before my return in July to Australia.<br />
Paris was wonderful, as ever. Janelle McCulloch (who has the gorgeous blog "Library of Design") was there too showing a group of ladies around some French gardens and she kindly offered to show me round and about the area I was staying (6th Arrondisement). This was an area I had never discovered before in great detail having always opted for the Marais region .... ha ha - when I say always, I mean the three times that I went at the end of last year. Anyone would think I whizz over on Eurostar monthly. I wish!<br />
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So here are some snaps :<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just because... how could I not take some photos of this iconic sight?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous stairway in Le Dokhan's champagne bar</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't beat a French bistro for dinner</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A corner of my very bijou room for the night</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other rooms had their own balconies - lucky!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oooops! wonder how that got in my suitcase...?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5iQE_VeKrh6GyPjkPB3ljXQGPR7CPLfoowTrOj78nJRUoToDyxI-AhOb8HnRZTRTdbde5VGWPwUI_655esXaDgCKaIhlldx_yUJRphH_PFOUP_4AYUMKbF8bp86uGuorfuvOTVkOrhs/s1600/IMG_0104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5iQE_VeKrh6GyPjkPB3ljXQGPR7CPLfoowTrOj78nJRUoToDyxI-AhOb8HnRZTRTdbde5VGWPwUI_655esXaDgCKaIhlldx_yUJRphH_PFOUP_4AYUMKbF8bp86uGuorfuvOTVkOrhs/s400/IMG_0104.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rather nice though isn't it... ? Good job Mr NT does not often read my blog...</td></tr>
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Wonder when the next time will be... ? Don't think I could ever tire of being in Paris. It's my dream to "live" there one day for at least a month - take an apartment and really immerse myself in the city, walk every day and discover new areas... Perfection.<br />
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Do you have a dream city you'd like to live in, even for a short while? </div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-68783668703803366402013-05-27T19:55:00.003+01:002013-05-28T13:38:13.610+01:00Help ! - my style went "Slightly Off Kilter" Usually I know exactly what suits me and can discard much of what I see for sale with a razor sharp eye.<br />
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My style is fairly classic but casual too - there are few prints in my wardrobe but quite a bit of tailoring and layering... And above all fairly plain. However, in the past two weeks I have not had my eye on the proverbial 'style ball' at all it seems and I've lost sight of what I know (or knew) to be my style.... And I went "SOK".....<br />
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I purchased these two items : </div>
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Exhibit A :</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Azcij5E8TRtMF8oQcOkgsqMQiWgt0gLyiIKEgLEdV0UzWvwMwcmo6AhAsZ5VdwQR8sM6Cac_8KwU71tAmoiPbHHF9dHtj4DHJhO9H6QB0xQGWHtuk17EkYzAJy4u_BbonxSUkcESJOQ/s1600/camopants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Azcij5E8TRtMF8oQcOkgsqMQiWgt0gLyiIKEgLEdV0UzWvwMwcmo6AhAsZ5VdwQR8sM6Cac_8KwU71tAmoiPbHHF9dHtj4DHJhO9H6QB0xQGWHtuk17EkYzAJy4u_BbonxSUkcESJOQ/s320/camopants.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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And Exhibit B :</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeLENUMely0qUyQJSb3v_P5rSqG8WGpCyADB7v3t8n9D8ztxLcy8b4cf51paY5BTOl-vgrVR2sLsM1hGHHxxkRy-LJD-nN4gG5XcYuh26hCHEBLQ7-MY6PeQdKgUql-GzppgcK1l8E48/s1600/bonnyboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeLENUMely0qUyQJSb3v_P5rSqG8WGpCyADB7v3t8n9D8ztxLcy8b4cf51paY5BTOl-vgrVR2sLsM1hGHHxxkRy-LJD-nN4gG5XcYuh26hCHEBLQ7-MY6PeQdKgUql-GzppgcK1l8E48/s320/bonnyboots.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
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Now, whilst both on paper (or in the photographs) may look good they really are not "quite me"... Camouflage pants perhaps may suit some but I felt a bit "pseudo army girl" in them or that I was off to a fancy dress party... </div>
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And the leather boots - far too complicated not my usual style and too much going on. Fringing, buckles etc. Absolutely NO! How could I have got it so wrong twice in quick succession? </div>
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Anyway, I have replaced the above two items with these :</div>
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<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/AVvXsEg5_ss04B8wYqq8Shz3-snlYpuSAflLdbANi6vg_6c2PJvgctOYeOgx_u99QQrEG8iHXrqpTuWHRwknrUg5XHCI7tU8MbLE3BWBoUFPROuxcHzBCFROTNM7kM44QC1mld9j6wEESHp6BRk/s1600/greenpant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_ss04B8wYqq8Shz3-snlYpuSAflLdbANi6vg_6c2PJvgctOYeOgx_u99QQrEG8iHXrqpTuWHRwknrUg5XHCI7tU8MbLE3BWBoUFPROuxcHzBCFROTNM7kM44QC1mld9j6wEESHp6BRk/s320/greenpant.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Far better - plain khaki green no fancy patterns</td></tr>
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AND these</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9hL93R71_DTXQTacBYTB_7W6W1dzGr0osGb_i6oNp6B0u6w2LDxFij33B3_NFjqyqQIvCvzKTfxXnEWQBCSsGTxbtG-dJVxEOirJjm6LuW0Gwp0mPJo4y9jquF3pLRHi0MronILDDOE/s1600/hessianone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9hL93R71_DTXQTacBYTB_7W6W1dzGr0osGb_i6oNp6B0u6w2LDxFij33B3_NFjqyqQIvCvzKTfxXnEWQBCSsGTxbtG-dJVxEOirJjm6LuW0Gwp0mPJo4y9jquF3pLRHi0MronILDDOE/s1600/hessianone.jpg" /></a></div>
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Here's another angle of the boots :</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmpM_oDao_Kn8qW4pY9UNpPK9KObIvAKSYogWsDUYSA7qSJPFKJrSJ8IAIXRIj-hVpmaya3BnIXgGjzHNJ8ArgnzBJEFSX95J4mscJ8cxP25Ee0T4A6nqmHIBDlQiSf76AROec4D7gR8/s1600/hessiantwo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmpM_oDao_Kn8qW4pY9UNpPK9KObIvAKSYogWsDUYSA7qSJPFKJrSJ8IAIXRIj-hVpmaya3BnIXgGjzHNJ8ArgnzBJEFSX95J4mscJ8cxP25Ee0T4A6nqmHIBDlQiSf76AROec4D7gR8/s1600/hessiantwo.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neutral and plain - my normal mantra</td></tr>
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Phew..... that's more like it! </div>
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Do you ever take your eye off your normal style radar and go completely off piste so to speak? Hope I'm not the only one - at least my mistakes have been remedied fairly fast though and I feel like I'm back in control again.</div>
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P.S. - so sorry I have had to put word verification on my posts - I was getting inundated with spam comments - any ideas for an alternative? </div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-33460323050014211592013-05-21T21:30:00.000+01:002013-05-21T21:32:20.712+01:00In the spirit of Chelsea Flower ShowHere are a few photographs of my own little garden in the English countryside. Very small but I love it and even mowed the lawn this evening in honour of the great Chelsea Flower Show. I haven't been for about 15 years but this year I have a ticket and cannot wait.<br />
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<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/AVvXsEg6euzxMAMcuUyX3zrvnWQ1104T4UUQrCKX-vBDJlJC0FTMLXH7uhbc5VPNmk-wR1vAYuMg_zaw3soW-DyxFpW9EgeTn-WhtJSXaFg6SOlwljJ7ANVvAlOyY-0xPRZeXYTlinH64tx5tuE/s1600/IMG_0095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6euzxMAMcuUyX3zrvnWQ1104T4UUQrCKX-vBDJlJC0FTMLXH7uhbc5VPNmk-wR1vAYuMg_zaw3soW-DyxFpW9EgeTn-WhtJSXaFg6SOlwljJ7ANVvAlOyY-0xPRZeXYTlinH64tx5tuE/s400/IMG_0095.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roses just coming up after their winter prune each side of the back door</td></tr>
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<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/AVvXsEhnSDDy_b7I9aKKkYlXLw7WIlIGyfRo5U0aeaMnc792xPR3l1wfG1ZpDsaIK4x8i7MEqfvxQvD_AcbPHV87CzlI0dUBZSbluCuvmrlb3e9LW7huRTutX-OLXTylQJfXE8YEDZhGUd4YfYQ/s1600/IMG_0097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSDDy_b7I9aKKkYlXLw7WIlIGyfRo5U0aeaMnc792xPR3l1wfG1ZpDsaIK4x8i7MEqfvxQvD_AcbPHV87CzlI0dUBZSbluCuvmrlb3e9LW7huRTutX-OLXTylQJfXE8YEDZhGUd4YfYQ/s400/IMG_0097.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the green of this Japanese maple</td></tr>
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<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/AVvXsEgL7_5-GgdTXZiy8RXeMYk6lDIEvpIrM30xEc3o6aQ-Q1LUn6mtcTxwW3LdSe_Q37Yz0shoxgAGg3kFntlmlSrIMfoGs65GMfvNqveTxOAzQQbdsx9t0a0sfUVKLpIf0VRbpnZqVV8afKE/s1600/IMG_0089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7_5-GgdTXZiy8RXeMYk6lDIEvpIrM30xEc3o6aQ-Q1LUn6mtcTxwW3LdSe_Q37Yz0shoxgAGg3kFntlmlSrIMfoGs65GMfvNqveTxOAzQQbdsx9t0a0sfUVKLpIf0VRbpnZqVV8afKE/s400/IMG_0089.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Violas in the hanging basket</td></tr>
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<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/AVvXsEgCiRWcdpXqEtdIwobFx-Q7GPti3Z9NQ6jpmK0LI-hohxPgETLh8rH8QEJhMGTICD_xNBegt1r202HpRBpYTJ8P32wHDQYzGubf8U5VDqpAKhT9PKVIvcjh5MAxn3L7oEGgh2g0SC7Hv7U/s1600/IMG_0094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiRWcdpXqEtdIwobFx-Q7GPti3Z9NQ6jpmK0LI-hohxPgETLh8rH8QEJhMGTICD_xNBegt1r202HpRBpYTJ8P32wHDQYzGubf8U5VDqpAKhT9PKVIvcjh5MAxn3L7oEGgh2g0SC7Hv7U/s400/IMG_0094.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again one of the roses - healthy growth but I hope flowers will be good</td></tr>
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<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/AVvXsEgmLvHJ4f8ZHUqxulHnhkJS51FEos9-DFTBMC2-YbI6yn8_2SoD1zfgoxa3aS74H-wI6D6R6UZ95T-AH1v9BoMqoYTr8q08FriUILhUWDZ5IPlpds-l3xRxIpi_m79qPaaMzaDE294WmBw/s1600/IMG_0096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLvHJ4f8ZHUqxulHnhkJS51FEos9-DFTBMC2-YbI6yn8_2SoD1zfgoxa3aS74H-wI6D6R6UZ95T-AH1v9BoMqoYTr8q08FriUILhUWDZ5IPlpds-l3xRxIpi_m79qPaaMzaDE294WmBw/s400/IMG_0096.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love how aquielegas self seed everywhere</td></tr>
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<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/AVvXsEgNPVZcO9-lgjy-PafHLRyG14tEhuVj92WmEpNBd6L79JfeW2phU_RKJfEvAtNhr-fhxGPTHV8WwcvErgLp5jIA2oG0spCCI_pcAwESqUukPIBDbapN01FaxP__QAxAAQCNKQhb-XcefWM/s1600/IMG_0090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPVZcO9-lgjy-PafHLRyG14tEhuVj92WmEpNBd6L79JfeW2phU_RKJfEvAtNhr-fhxGPTHV8WwcvErgLp5jIA2oG0spCCI_pcAwESqUukPIBDbapN01FaxP__QAxAAQCNKQhb-XcefWM/s400/IMG_0090.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newly mown lawn....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjdPkBjn-Pl-WNIY6XqpYr5RSWP9vxVdHHiLgmI-OCDDlH_aLC69kL2PA5Gm3BtGqE-dcfnyQh-_cW0JRr5ooKK5QTDea1gqOrFZvW7DGyCrZ5MUej1FcB7jACaUUMIszNUuuAc2ReoU/s1600/IMG_0100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjdPkBjn-Pl-WNIY6XqpYr5RSWP9vxVdHHiLgmI-OCDDlH_aLC69kL2PA5Gm3BtGqE-dcfnyQh-_cW0JRr5ooKK5QTDea1gqOrFZvW7DGyCrZ5MUej1FcB7jACaUUMIszNUuuAc2ReoU/s400/IMG_0100.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking through the back wooden door</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomWaTwV5ulJfXmZlsyvPQBouM47P5JAz9karSfsnDOQfwWOP817GoVj8rHYZf_WBLqZRh27pv_wc9Ygt_ce-ocQajLGQh6X6aqETOWaFkia9hX4yKSoS8j9r8tQulXtPbdMmgZ2NohC4/s1600/IMG_0099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomWaTwV5ulJfXmZlsyvPQBouM47P5JAz9karSfsnDOQfwWOP817GoVj8rHYZf_WBLqZRh27pv_wc9Ygt_ce-ocQajLGQh6X6aqETOWaFkia9hX4yKSoS8j9r8tQulXtPbdMmgZ2NohC4/s400/IMG_0099.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wisteria is very late this year</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQxUQOfQCUrK_ryLO6u0MoMS6ReHuP-DmhoqggTTmkisx7s04YZ05TjuHWtUimDX_1r4iKqF7BTDz-rBle8CrefqenrmZm_oHtY2ce4wQara_jBI177o3zybA5IU7gwIpsQamgfzTpBg/s1600/IMG_0101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQxUQOfQCUrK_ryLO6u0MoMS6ReHuP-DmhoqggTTmkisx7s04YZ05TjuHWtUimDX_1r4iKqF7BTDz-rBle8CrefqenrmZm_oHtY2ce4wQara_jBI177o3zybA5IU7gwIpsQamgfzTpBg/s400/IMG_0101.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bluebells to the right of the front door</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planted this rosemary last week - it's doing well</td></tr>
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Hoping to pick up lots of ideas and more inspiration at the greatest flower show in the world this week.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-46853914345049981522013-05-15T23:07:00.001+01:002013-05-15T23:07:15.154+01:00A few more photographs from New YorkA quick post showing a few of the many photographs we took in New York. What an amazing city - it has certainly changed since my last visit but that was around 20 odd years ago.<br />
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Meanwhile, since my return life's been a bit of a whirlwind. Rushed up to the north of England to see my daughter before her exams and then back home via an evening in London. There I had the pleasure of a wonderful meeting with not only one but two of my favourite bloggers together. Susan (Deja Pseu) of 'Une Femme d'un certain age' AND Alyson from 'That's Not My Age'. I know, how completely lucky was I ? Both fantastic, interesting and gorgeous women. </div>
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And if life couldn't get any better I am off for a day and a night tomorrow to Paris! Will let you know all about that later on.<br />
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Above - Mr NT on The High Line - showing some scarf action<br />
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Me in my (NBP) - new best park. Bryant Park<br />
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9/11 beautiful tribute park.<br />
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Favourite building. The Chrysler.<br />
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This was too good for words. A million calories a slice<br />
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Gardens at the Frick.<br />
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And lastly my NBP. Again. </div>
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Dear New York. I want to return already. </div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-1517235065109977482013-05-08T13:15:00.001+01:002013-05-14T23:01:18.479+01:00A post from NEW YORKYes, I am here in the Big Apple.<br />
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Can't quite believe it and having such a fabulous time enjoying all the familiar landmarks, shopping (a little) and eating (a lot). Mr Neutral Territory and I are having a rendezvous to celebrate our 15th Wedding Anniversary on Thursday but 'wifi' In our hotel is rather slow and a bit hit and miss so I'll post more with plenty of photos when I return. I promise. <br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-56174291374181961062013-05-01T10:20:00.002+01:002013-05-01T17:50:48.521+01:00Indigo Antiques - back where I used to work...I'm always happy to go back and help out at this gorgeous place and the weekend before last they had a Spring Open Day and asked me to work for a couple of days.<br />
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Lots of wonderful things to see (and the customers bought loads too so we were busy ringing up the cash tills all day). Delicious drinks and nibbles were served - probably one of the reasons Indigo Open Days are always well attended. And here to follow for you to feast your eyes on : lots of photographs of the gorgeous 'Spring-like' showroom just before we opened the doors : </div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-65436882572879013442013-04-18T19:04:00.000+01:002013-04-22T18:43:08.408+01:00Clearing Clutter and Sorting Stuff<br />
So sorry I have been absent recently - not a post done since Easter time... Naughty. <br />
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I have had an excuse though as I've been doing the above - Clearing Clutter and Sorting Stuff.... </div>
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At the moment this seems to make up the main part of each day. The cottage here in UK has to be cleared and what is left is going into storage (which = $$$ so the more I clear the less it will cost!) Some belongings are coming back to Australia with me which makes me happy... And, I'm even more happy because my daughter is coming back to Australia too. (Visas willing!) </div>
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My 'sabbatical' here has nearly come to an end (well, beginning of July actually) and the light at the end of the tunnel can be glimpsed for my daughter with the end of her University days in sight.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So true</td></tr>
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I was reading a really good article a few years ago about "downsizing" / clearing clutter and I was so impressed with the piece I kept it (yes, more clutter!). However, I've been referring to it rather a lot recently and so much of it makes perfect sense. I thought I would share some of the points that the author Jo Foley made just in case you are thinking of undertaking anything similar :</div>
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<li>If you decide to downsize / sort your "stuff and clutter" DON'T leave it too late - it needs stamina and do it at least 5 years before you think you need to.</li>
<li>Allow plenty of time - getting rid of your stuff is a time consuming business.</li>
<li>DON'T expect to profit from downsizing. People, shops and dealers are not desperate to take or buy your stuff. People are more and more picky these days.</li>
<li>Don't fool yourself - it's very unlikely you are harbouring a treasure. Anywhere.</li>
<li>Start off gently and train yourself to get rid of something every day. Then a bag a week and ultimately a bag a day.</li>
<li>You may even have to pay people to take things you don't want. Don't worry if they make money from it - it's out of your house and away from your life.</li>
<li>Look on websites where you can give away things for free - like the special section of gumtree.com.</li>
<li>Don't be sentimental about clothes and baubles but do be about your children's school reports, photos, your first doll, your Dad's medals etc. and keep these in ONE treasure chest.</li>
<li>Ask others for help and advice.</li>
<li>Throw your home open to nieces, nephews, godchildren etc and invite them to take what they want to set up their homes.</li>
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Anyone got any other good tips?</div>
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Happy Clearing.....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why do I have so much of it?<br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-55948824777480952972013-03-30T16:52:00.000+00:002013-03-30T16:52:22.977+00:00Easter Greetings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheep, cheep, cheep!</td></tr>
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Wishing you all a wonderful Easter break. <br />
Loved these cute little yellow chicks all squished in together - especially their beady eyes.<br />
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And look what arrived on Thursday morning :<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Lovely flowers.- from Mr NT .. I know - v. lucky....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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And a beautiful candle too - <div>
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<br />Have a happy time whatever you may be up to..... x</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-1155978803596998962013-03-26T15:29:00.002+00:002013-03-26T15:29:14.884+00:00Party Pics from last weekend (and a rather gorgeous young man for you to see)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had to re-think what I wore to the engagement party last weekend - this was the weather on the way to the venue.... Snow and freezing temperatures.</div>
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Never mind - the khaki leopard babes are snuggled back in their box ready for another outing. Did not want to spoil their loveliness in any way the first time they appeared.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daughter and I... ready to go. Woollen scarves as extra accessories. I am wearing a sparkly sequin jacket (Zara) with another little bit of sparkle in a kind of light sweatshirt type top underneath - the lighter stripes have a bit of glitter.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us at the party... Daughter kindly 'did' my makeup</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqODhC2TgR_71q5axiddq3QfFuPoCtb8tNVXIz38capLpob_PawxTr1c5yBM4fSn4Gqae8iRDCZ3irHeejVX0pta_YjA6zXjE18DR3FZq8qdbpaFqZKC5V34_kdi9auXw_n4thvk8ZfM/s1600/melengagement.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqODhC2TgR_71q5axiddq3QfFuPoCtb8tNVXIz38capLpob_PawxTr1c5yBM4fSn4Gqae8iRDCZ3irHeejVX0pta_YjA6zXjE18DR3FZq8qdbpaFqZKC5V34_kdi9auXw_n4thvk8ZfM/s640/melengagement.jpeg" width="434" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying a glass of fizz... straight to my cheeks! You can see the sparkle in the top a little more.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And finally, the pic I enticed you with....Daughter with a dear friend of ours... (brother of the 'engagement girl')....Such a nice young man and he is going to be a 'regular' soon on a British soap opera - HOLBY CITY.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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Have you been to any good parties recently... what did you wear? Do you always reach for the same kind of outfit and what do you feel most comfortable in for an evening occasion?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-76493432131166622752013-03-22T14:16:00.004+00:002013-03-22T14:16:53.913+00:00Khaki Leopard BabiesI have been getting rid of things recently rather than buying more which has fitted in quite well with the concept of Frugal February. <br />
Sorting out and chucking clothing and possessions etc. in order to make the mammoth task of packing a little easier. However, when these gorgeous shoes flitted by my radar I could NOT resist. I fell for them hook, line and sinker. Guilty as charged.<br />
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They tick so many boxes :<br />
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<ul>
<li>Leopardy pattern</li>
<li>Khaki colourway</li>
<li>Reasonable heel height</li>
<li>Comfortable with a slightly cushioned insole ;-)</li>
<li>Good value for money</li>
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I absolutely LOVE them.... (Oh, and if you are interested they are from ZARA and currently still on their website)</div>
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Happy weekend whatever you may be doing. Myself and the "khaki 'pards" are off to a party together.</div>
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Very exciting.</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-62890011413246084852013-03-18T13:49:00.002+00:002013-03-18T14:03:17.632+00:00Back again in UK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, I have been back for less than a week and the contrast in weather has been amazing...<br />
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When I flew from Melbourne the mercury topped at 38 degrees - too hot for me really... Far too hot.<br />
However, I did not bank on <b><i>this</i></b> when I returned to Wiltshire.... Do you know it actually snowed yesterday morning..? It's meant to be Spring here.<br />
Look :<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow.. in March, who would have thought it?</td></tr>
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Have to say the snow did not hang around long and just look at these gorgeous flowers I have seen out and about on my jogs/walks....<br />
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Beautiful aren't they...? The first two pics are hellebores (Lenten or Winter roses I think they are also known as) and the last one some gorgeous snowdrops.<br />
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Daughter returns from university in a couple of days - can't wait to see her again although as this is her last year (my goodness it's all nearly over!) she will be hard at work during the Easter holidays and I will be on hand to <strike>wield the whip </strike> gently encourage and keep her going with nutritious food etc. !<br />
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Oh, and talking of nutritious food this GORGEOUS man is back on TV tonight telling us all about how to make a good loaf of bread - looking forward to taking notes and staring into his beautiful blue eyes...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr Salt and Pepper tasty dish - Paul Hollywood</td></tr>
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How is Spring shaping up where you are? Or, if in 'my other hemisphere' any Autumn foraging going on? Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-75811300423685660802013-03-08T04:07:00.001+00:002013-03-15T14:22:40.482+00:00La Dolce VitaWell life is sweet in more ways than one for me at the moment.....<br />
I have been in Melbourne for the last couple of weeks and for most of that time have been busy packing up the house as Mr NT and I are on the move. A little further out of Melbourne but still within easy reach of the city. And it has been good, very sweet in fact to be sharing time with Mr NT again. <br />
Yesterday, though I took myself away from the bubble wrap and boxes and treated myself to a quick visit to MECCA COSMETICA in Camberwell. Oh how I love that place .... <br />
And I splurged on a little treat - Nars Dolce Vita lipstick. A fabulous colour - maybe the holy grail at last. A pinky nude which doesn't wash me out and has that finished "looks natural but better than your lips" sort of look. I am impressed. <br />
A couple of visuals for you....<br />
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Have a wonderful weekend! I am doing a garage sale tomorrow but will feel very glam with my new lippie on to face the buyers!! <br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-89978962936880399392013-02-15T18:12:00.000+00:002013-02-16T09:14:36.241+00:00Valentines. The aftermath...<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So how did you all fare on Valentine's Day?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> I am firmly of the opinion that there are more or less two types of people - those who adore Valentine's Day and people who could really quite honestly do without it. Mr NT and I have never really been ones to to rush out and spend lots of $$$ or £££ on gifts but we do usually exchange cards and I can't see anything wrong with a day which is committed to love... Suppose you could argue that every day should be dedicated to love however this is the real world and that doesn't always happen does it... ?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So, if there is a special day where we can take that extra time and let people in our lives (and specially that significant other) know that we really love them... well, that is IMHO, a Good Thing....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So, as I was saying, we don't usually exchange gifts so when a box arrived in the mail (around a week ago) I quickly tore it open - and spoilt the surprise.... Oh dear. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mr NT had sent me :</span><br />
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Delicious and wonderful body lotion by Byredo in their yummiest of yummy smells (my NBF - new best fragrance) which is, Gypsy Water... On their website the flowery blurb is as follows :<br />
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<div class="hr" style="background-color: white; background-image: url(http://byredo.com/static/images/divider.png); background-position: 0px -2px; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; margin: 7px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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Gypsy Water is a glamorisation of the Romany lifestyle, based on a fascination for the myth. The scent of fresh soil, deep forests and campfires illustrates the dream of a free, colourful lifestyle close to nature.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh and for my birthday Mr NT gave me the Eau de Parfum... So now I am totally 'gypsy-fied' and can wander around wafting my imaginary gypsy petticoats and flouncy skirts.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: inherit; line-height: 12px;">The </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 12px;">ingredients are as follows :</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 12px;">Top notes : Bergamot, lemon, pepper juniper berries</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 12px;">Middle : Incense, pine needles, orris</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 12px;">Base: Amber, vanilla, sandalwood</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 12px;">Doesn't that sound lovely to you?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 12px;">Happy weekend to one and all and do tell if you received a gorgeous surprise or two for Valentine's Day....</span></span></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-79458221110128597022013-02-06T12:23:00.000+00:002013-02-06T14:47:55.793+00:00Marmalade - my first attempt<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/AVvXsEj0I8YCfGmokK1UvTbFX3oQ8vfJHr7QciHS6i1-qWfuJh99jdr61qB8E_toc3X2qWkuQM_QCOD3FiIliYKZloZ77Q4G8026daCi6M1mb6KGIoS_KIpKI_N88jH5VG-UV-a2KFnRQI_5zgI/s1600/IMG_2462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0I8YCfGmokK1UvTbFX3oQ8vfJHr7QciHS6i1-qWfuJh99jdr61qB8E_toc3X2qWkuQM_QCOD3FiIliYKZloZ77Q4G8026daCi6M1mb6KGIoS_KIpKI_N88jH5VG-UV-a2KFnRQI_5zgI/s320/IMG_2462.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How pretty are these colours ? Pink grapefruit and lemon into the pan - waiting for the sugar</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmG82mjxhyOsNf9g_gnREAH05bCBO6eg9ex15DCUROPDrrsnXezsESHLk4YKG_ppn8eZRXjXW3x-JcWFwfH51crE5BP-aZnSJh4epHSgWjyWi0rmwwyWFVrNBu6EJO3kMjmDrd6sXhag/s1600/IMG_2468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmG82mjxhyOsNf9g_gnREAH05bCBO6eg9ex15DCUROPDrrsnXezsESHLk4YKG_ppn8eZRXjXW3x-JcWFwfH51crE5BP-aZnSJh4epHSgWjyWi0rmwwyWFVrNBu6EJO3kMjmDrd6sXhag/s320/IMG_2468.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished product - so quick and easy too</td></tr>
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Fairly proud of myself as this is my first go at making marmalade - and I wonder why on earth I have never done it before in all of my 50+ years. My parents are prolific and talented marmalade makers and do all sorts of special (proper grown up things!) like boiling the pips in a muslin bag in the marmalade. I wanted something far easier and so used an extremely easy recipe but "ooomphed" up the taste by using pink grapefruit. This is the one that I followed: It was listed as "Absolutely Foolproof Easy Marmalade" and I can assure you, it was. As I did not have a huge pan (nor may I add many jars) I did reduced the recipe by a quarter. So my combination was 4 fruits and 750gram of sugar and as I said earlier I used pink grapefruit (2) and lemons (2). Honestly, try it - am sure you will be delighted.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">6 oranges (or any combination) or 6 grapefruits (or any combination) or 6 lemons (or any combination)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">1 kg sugar</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">Directions:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">1</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">Take the 6 citrus fruits and wash well, removing any blemishes.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">2</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">Cut into quarters, and place in a food processor.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">3</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">Chop until finely ground, skin and all.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">4</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">For an optional extra add some crystallized ginger.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">5</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">Boil with the 1 kilo of sugar, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, for 20 minutes.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">6</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">It splatters, so be careful.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">7</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">This quantity fills about 5 x 340 gram jars.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">8</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">Do not double the ingredients, rather make two batches.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">9</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">It never goes dark and lasts for up to 6 months in the refrigerator without the need to sterilize the bottles.</span><br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-13229403548836833092013-02-01T14:47:00.000+00:002013-02-01T14:47:01.655+00:00Pics from the Antiques Fair<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This way to the Fair</td></tr>
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Sorry, a little late as ever...<br />
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The Antiques Fair was wonderful - it was so lovely to be up in the big smoke for an afternoon even though it really was bitingly cold. Oh, and a damn London pigeon pooped on my <i style="font-weight: bold;">new </i>Marilyn Moore coat.<br />
Apart from that it was joy all the way and fantastic to see my boys from<a href="http://fontainedecorative.com/home.asp" target="_blank"> FONTAINE.</a> I stayed with them for around 4 hours and it was just like old times (when I used to work for them when they had an antique shop in East Sussex). Sold lots too! <br />
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Not so much of a recession where their gorgeous things are concerned.<br />
Here are a few photographs from the the day...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUbf86zHYFkWp7lvVW4SAN8Psj0JAH-VtvvOvEg7PeBVBm92xOcs1a_G3_GoUQc1N4Ys3y7TYGzoRARjc_8p0_usCeUFMMtDnaEicXoxkUP3yaAMHJOZ-RetxBCqoV_l1SZijqdXnd9Y/s1600/IMG_2388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUbf86zHYFkWp7lvVW4SAN8Psj0JAH-VtvvOvEg7PeBVBm92xOcs1a_G3_GoUQc1N4Ys3y7TYGzoRARjc_8p0_usCeUFMMtDnaEicXoxkUP3yaAMHJOZ-RetxBCqoV_l1SZijqdXnd9Y/s400/IMG_2388.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Battersea Power Station</td></tr>
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A happy weekend to everyone - enjoy, whatever you are up to.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-27216511502201287682013-01-25T09:22:00.000+00:002013-01-25T09:23:03.442+00:00Do you fancy coming to the Battersea Antiques Fair today?Am off up to London for the afternoon and unfortunately my partner in crime for these outings - my friend Miss J is not well and cannot come so if anyone would like to join me at the Battersea Decorative Antiques Fair this afternoon you'd be most welcome... I have a spare ticket and we can meet outside... Just email me and let me know.<br />
If you cannot make it not to worry... will tell you all about it in a couple of days. Definitely going to see my boys from FONTAINE there too - can't wait.<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-79349876513348938752013-01-16T17:26:00.001+00:002013-01-16T17:26:24.359+00:00Very late back to class (and the cottage new paint finish)So, may I officially wish you all a very happy and healthy 2013. And say how sorry I am that I am so late with these sentiments.<br />
Anyway, here I am back again in England after an wonderful month in Melbourne with Mr NT and my daughter - she is now back at University in Durham and I am in our little cottage in the West Country.<br />
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Remember a while back in the Autumn the house was being painted? Well, here is the finished product which I have to say is one hundred percent better than the before photograph which was as follows :<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One very sad cottage in dire need of a face lift</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And now, all finished and smart ....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1cxu91nunRLcIrRm0NhTsh1lIwg2pZKEWeAGXVtkG8ElDYY5Rr3iZ9CjWsFub2IA_J9I1ffWeYqPKWygNmV9J118trDKm-ZlD_0xR-fiWKhPUBvdqRqmOhR_xJzTzcKNYy_bPWV3NrSo/s1600/IMG_2061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1cxu91nunRLcIrRm0NhTsh1lIwg2pZKEWeAGXVtkG8ElDYY5Rr3iZ9CjWsFub2IA_J9I1ffWeYqPKWygNmV9J118trDKm-ZlD_0xR-fiWKhPUBvdqRqmOhR_xJzTzcKNYy_bPWV3NrSo/s320/IMG_2061.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the front door - Farrow and Ball's Downpipe is the colour </td></tr>
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So, there we are - amazing what some paint can do to make a transformation but the whole job did take quite a while with lots of preparation work first. Have to say though I am really delighted.<br />
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Now have to work on a few more small projects <i style="font-weight: bold;">inside </i>- will keep you informed as to what and when!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-7100879479545359302012-12-23T09:45:00.000+00:002012-12-23T09:48:52.698+00:00Christmas Decorations. AUSTRALIAN style... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUQbbIIN9EeqnJ3_ovL93oqEidr5MXklDV6eUqiYA4ZEv51ap4Pik6_yBkOkVgCvn8LvrVGuVeH81GrcUSx4GKb6yon7WW-15nQX-LW6DW8rrOKIma0jXtz5SqoBdlFvhXZ8BqbjZo4s/s1600/IMG_2172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUQbbIIN9EeqnJ3_ovL93oqEidr5MXklDV6eUqiYA4ZEv51ap4Pik6_yBkOkVgCvn8LvrVGuVeH81GrcUSx4GKb6yon7WW-15nQX-LW6DW8rrOKIma0jXtz5SqoBdlFvhXZ8BqbjZo4s/s320/IMG_2172.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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So, any guessing where I am again?! </div>
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Yes, back again in Melbourne with dear Mr NT and my daughter is here too. Perfect. So it's a warm Christmas for us this year. Today the mercury hit 39.2 degrees C. Phew. A little too warm for my liking but I believe it will be down again to the 20's for 'the' actual day. I know I have said it before, but Christmas here is a much more relaxed and colourful affair. Well, I guess it does fall right in the middle of the Australian Summer and everyone is in party mode. Or so it seems....</div>
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Take a look at these lovely Christmas decorations I have snapped over the last few days... </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiislBOzpv2eBVX0-qtcXKUsn4mAtgQ0NVhUBoVdW3gwCbECBsP3rI8xsFcu4pujN0hc-sE8qgP1YNdXzY1mKF4GWpgTEDs3_sz-nJd9il6zFRklzRHKzzhQbGbPznVjMZRKTHRnPpxISg/s1600/IMG_2173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiislBOzpv2eBVX0-qtcXKUsn4mAtgQ0NVhUBoVdW3gwCbECBsP3rI8xsFcu4pujN0hc-sE8qgP1YNdXzY1mKF4GWpgTEDs3_sz-nJd9il6zFRklzRHKzzhQbGbPznVjMZRKTHRnPpxISg/s320/IMG_2173.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright twinkly silver wreath</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLgDyOiZUnEgCozTwLDCaY5YL6t0eZg4bQhOrHk8YSPB-XiVvzZ7iPKw_CbW8IsNdaCCe7vC5DSqO5kdQB3svpkr5kgIMNWpLsBUen22Frgpkqgp_IElFYdEX7C-fqMjtCsLCd4Tp11A/s1600/IMG_2189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLgDyOiZUnEgCozTwLDCaY5YL6t0eZg4bQhOrHk8YSPB-XiVvzZ7iPKw_CbW8IsNdaCCe7vC5DSqO5kdQB3svpkr5kgIMNWpLsBUen22Frgpkqgp_IElFYdEX7C-fqMjtCsLCd4Tp11A/s320/IMG_2189.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colourful table decorations at a special Christmas breakfast I attended last week at the Head office at work</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbXYi8SUcNQsJRZ9Tee3gK_9go40nwdMPsOXzaj94C6nMEmO9xMJfGOCv9fFB5q70h73twsmhd8KkJ3Nv2cjlwoWJQz6ae9NynJDVmm3yIIQonDAy3sRA8E4_3rqiEDD7NKQ2372svN0/s1600/IMG_2207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbXYi8SUcNQsJRZ9Tee3gK_9go40nwdMPsOXzaj94C6nMEmO9xMJfGOCv9fFB5q70h73twsmhd8KkJ3Nv2cjlwoWJQz6ae9NynJDVmm3yIIQonDAy3sRA8E4_3rqiEDD7NKQ2372svN0/s320/IMG_2207.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas tree in a local homewares shop</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBqIU8RadEWm2qODA1pxawjj_lvR-BfcPUHJKPPj7KG3fvkOB2jJuftItnQ2ynM6l1XLlf13kp8_3j-yOr1rY4lj31pK8jBYQ8nFgkcwNqg4lXAV_0S9byq9X4is_dSHQNkW-QZmLDsI/s1600/IMG_2209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBqIU8RadEWm2qODA1pxawjj_lvR-BfcPUHJKPPj7KG3fvkOB2jJuftItnQ2ynM6l1XLlf13kp8_3j-yOr1rY4lj31pK8jBYQ8nFgkcwNqg4lXAV_0S9byq9X4is_dSHQNkW-QZmLDsI/s320/IMG_2209.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rather like this table... all colours and lots of baubles</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, that lovely 'tablescape'</td></tr>
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What do you go for on the decoration front? All white or a riot of colour, a la Aussie style?</div>
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Both are good.. </div>
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Like Christmas in each country; both have their unique style and I love being in either UK or in Australia - so long as you are with loved ones it doesn't matter where you are really.</div>
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Wishing you all a fabulous and happy Christmas.</div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-74425977869179569042012-12-05T20:58:00.002+00:002012-12-08T07:03:52.683+00:00Twinkle, twinkle. Sparkle, arkle....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNtZIAldLmypH6IOK2HkKgwu5FKaOvm5II8CSRLOQJUNO86MoaIvi3i0qcOmWseQ4MfSGfCj95BSnyJTzgPWWW2p615o0fIxC4-ocTmr2D6KBu7UnKnA51AubLi8V0BvUuQ8zaTjNJm0/s1600/2twinkleParis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNtZIAldLmypH6IOK2HkKgwu5FKaOvm5II8CSRLOQJUNO86MoaIvi3i0qcOmWseQ4MfSGfCj95BSnyJTzgPWWW2p615o0fIxC4-ocTmr2D6KBu7UnKnA51AubLi8V0BvUuQ8zaTjNJm0/s400/2twinkleParis.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tour d'Eiffel by Poppy</td></tr>
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I love this photograph of the Eiffel tower taken by my daughter recently.. Now that really is some BIG and gorgeous twinkle, twinkle wouldn't you say?<br />
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And the next 2 photographs show a bit of twinkle at the cottage now that the nights are drawing in : <br />
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I love a few white lights around the mirror and to top it all off I have been burning this new gorgeous candle - heavenly....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recent purchase in Paris - DELISH<br />
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Last but not least look at these for a bit of 'sparkle, arkle' for the holiday season.. my new twinkly loafers from Russell & Bromley... These will add serious glam factor to all manner of outfits I think....<br />
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The photograph doesn't really show just how much they catch the light and shine though.. Sometimes they look silvery and then a sort of gold - very versatile indeed so therefore will pass the cost per wear criteria on many levels for sure! </div>
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Bought anything recently for the sparkling season ahead? </div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-4996692849970592362012-11-29T21:54:00.000+00:002012-11-29T21:56:16.701+00:00Preparing a cosy guest roomAs you probably noticed from the post before, I have had a lovely couple of weeks with a friend from America staying here with me for the past 2 weeks. Our friendship began over 30 years ago and although we have always kept in touch we have not spent more than a long weekend with each other over the last 3 decades. That long weekend was when Mr NT and I went to Los Angeles 3 years ago for Thanksgiving (I wrote about this visit in my previous blog - Semi Expat in Oz).<br />
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Anyway, I digress. This post is about how to (or how I) prepare for guests.<br />
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First and foremost - the bedroom..... If you are lucky enough to have a designated guest room then that is wonderful (however, I would recommend trying out a night in the room though just to make sure all is comfy and as you would like it to be). Our cottage is teeny weeny - I gave my friend my bedroom to use for her duration with me and for the 2 weeks I moved to my daughter's bedroom (she, is as you know, is away at University).<br />
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You need to give some thought as to what would suit your guest, male or female, old school or modern. The bed is the obvious place to begin and you can make it comfortable with layers, (I use white linen and cotton sheets and a duvet) and a blanket at the end of the bed that can be pulled up in case of of falling temperatures. Key things in a guest bedroom I always think are plenty of pillows and a bedside lamp and of course a waste bin. Reading material (magazines to suit the guest) and some books too are good... Little treats as well always go down well - a small box of chocolates or biscuits to ward off midnight munchies and a tiny vase of flowers always looks pretty.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers for my guest<br />
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Goes without saying that plenty of towels are a necessity. I like large white fluffy white ones and provide 2 - a large bath towel a smaller one for hair and also a face flannel - also if you are sharing the bathroom with your guest giving them their own bath mat is a nice touch.<br />
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I also like to set up a little basket of 'bits and bobs' in case they have forgotten any bathroom necessity or in the case of my friend from USA so that she did not have to take up valuable (shopping!) space in her suitcase. In the basket I placed :<br />
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<ul>
<li>Face wipes</li>
<li>Moisturiser</li>
<li>Tissues</li>
<li>Shampoo and conditioner</li>
<li>Bath gel</li>
<li>Cotton wool</li>
<li>Ear buds</li>
<li>Tweezers</li>
<li>Small tube toothpaste</li>
<li>Body lotion</li>
<li>Nail file</li>
<li>Little scissors</li>
<li>Headache tablets</li>
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Oh and I put out a spare hairdryer for her use too.</div>
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So, this is how I like to prepare a cosy room for guests staying with me.... I am sure you all have lots of little tips and tricks to share too. Do tell all!</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-53504968571091650672012-11-19T18:13:00.002+00:002012-11-19T18:13:27.793+00:002 trips to PARIS in one month?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrixM-oJ6kdnV_ZJUbHvgqJsdHAtL_xLMYDEYMeIKkSBtb91McBtLVApupMlthQ5Y-Mg7IWDHdBXgTvGeAhiLWi5A1Xp55OiEYzr_ygsV2IUbzQm46_8YPOETIYONHxOUxzxCQE8BKYo/s1600/IMG_1782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrixM-oJ6kdnV_ZJUbHvgqJsdHAtL_xLMYDEYMeIKkSBtb91McBtLVApupMlthQ5Y-Mg7IWDHdBXgTvGeAhiLWi5A1Xp55OiEYzr_ygsV2IUbzQm46_8YPOETIYONHxOUxzxCQE8BKYo/s320/IMG_1782.JPG" width="240" /></a>Yes, guilty as charged....!</div>
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And sorry, I have not been around visiting blogs as much as I would have liked. Mr NT has been over from Australia and whilst he was here we went on a 36 hour trip to Paris which was absolutely wonderful. He's now back in Melbourne but here are a few photographs from that little visit. And tomorrow I board the Eurostar to the City of Light again as I have a friend staying for 2 weeks from California. She and I knew each other when I lived in USA around 30 years ago - cannot believe how time flies however, it seems like only yesterday.....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Place des Vosges</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Window shopping</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbq2NWRSJjOIvl4F34Q_mR04JS1ZbaK4rXR-Wc4i4hFGZ7MiUVaOgVbA6CusEDwAHjZg3IMuGBe7CPn8_OrWXnQjAksH-SsFKPP2ZRXBcu_oS4bXYEm4oEQsQQzPvyHMvM7CjpjBqnFU/s1600/IMG_1813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbq2NWRSJjOIvl4F34Q_mR04JS1ZbaK4rXR-Wc4i4hFGZ7MiUVaOgVbA6CusEDwAHjZg3IMuGBe7CPn8_OrWXnQjAksH-SsFKPP2ZRXBcu_oS4bXYEm4oEQsQQzPvyHMvM7CjpjBqnFU/s320/IMG_1813.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside wonderful bakery Poilane</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restaurant I rather liked the look of</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZoGuxLnu0Q0qv4BirZWZNZe4puBQ_-RZldGZsI4s6TwtaKH2Dwp_op8LFd68457QjN0crqKBRR3wU0Bp4B4ztC7iamixs3ygp4tuym5wjdkJUj4_-4-yskq9XT2SFxopijNvTuSFFVo/s1600/IMG_1729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZoGuxLnu0Q0qv4BirZWZNZe4puBQ_-RZldGZsI4s6TwtaKH2Dwp_op8LFd68457QjN0crqKBRR3wU0Bp4B4ztC7iamixs3ygp4tuym5wjdkJUj4_-4-yskq9XT2SFxopijNvTuSFFVo/s320/IMG_1729.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down into the courtyard of our hotel - Jules et Jim - highly recommended</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSXnsLxf2moWeqeaj8P1kx1zl-IfUU7h4RN289Xpi1qVAsmVu2uGQyWHZPyxTRUguhXWoKQlssJ1r4fc7pLGE-swgfB6AJp_vDpoPkUTpA-Pt_FgzUZJ-sdO1H0tXASmalPnm_tLU7hQ/s1600/IMG_1829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSXnsLxf2moWeqeaj8P1kx1zl-IfUU7h4RN289Xpi1qVAsmVu2uGQyWHZPyxTRUguhXWoKQlssJ1r4fc7pLGE-swgfB6AJp_vDpoPkUTpA-Pt_FgzUZJ-sdO1H0tXASmalPnm_tLU7hQ/s320/IMG_1829.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back again at St Pancras railway station in London</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh and one more photograph - my American friend G and myself... about to have a celebration glass of fizz!</td></tr>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-1420554826335780902012-11-01T18:28:00.002+00:002012-11-01T18:28:36.190+00:00New Brogues/Oxfords/Lace-ups<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I promised that I would show you my lovely new shoes so here are a few photographs... </div>
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From English firm Barkers - beautifully crafted and very comfortable too. I am also wearing my new pants/trousers from TOAST - remember I stopped at their sale shop on the way home from our little holiday in Wales? Turn ups and with a very slight check and the fabric is a linen and wool mix. You can see them more clearly in the second photograph.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br />Happy Weekend to one and all! </td></tr>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833920843217187827.post-44146483026858446182012-10-26T10:17:00.003+01:002012-10-26T10:18:25.395+01:00Transforming a piece of brown furnitureIn a former life I worked for a wonderful pair of guys who owned an antique shop in East Sussex. I ran the shop for them whilst they were on buying trips in deepest France and they also taught me how to restore and paint (and carefully 'distress') pieces of worn out dark, unloved furniture. <br />
I have written about these lovely guys before and they now own a company called <a href="http://www.fontainedecorative.com/" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">FONTAINE</a> based in Margate, Kent - they have gone from strength to strength and now 'hob-nob' with the great and the good at places such as the Battersea Decorative Antiques Fair 4 times a year - a far cry from when it was all hands on deck in the little shop in Hurst Green.<br />
So, just to prove to myself that I've still got what it takes to make a little piece of furniture stand out from the crowd (and because I was sick and tired of looking at this next to my side of the bed) I set myself un petit project and turned this....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely shape, rather dull colour<br />
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Into this rather nice looking bedside cabinet below.... My (or rather their) method of adding that certain 'je ne sais quoi' to such pieces is to :<br />
A : Slap on (fairly carefully) 2 coats of EMULSION paint - easier to use than a gloss or satin finish and the brushes clean up very easily too.<br />
B. Take very fine wire wool and some Briwax clear polish and apply all over the painted surfaces working over one area at a time. Some parts you apply more pressure with the wire wool in order to get the paint to look more worn (or distressed as they say in the trade!).<br />
C.<span id="goog_703451108"></span><span id="goog_703451109"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a> Then you get some clean lint free fabric and buff up the surfaces to get a nice protective sheen on the piece.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9u3S7BL-wkrLCVH868FWG6eoBXyKdFH2DkrtoRIwmJCsJKl2zSjW-RUh2_rCXUoQ2ZeoJlGDq0HcbvM6EIJ_PWkJpALsItFAXuA_8BN3uCloxCff7eywqBFa9wuRXuD2XnCB3xg84LqE/s1600/IMG_1587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9u3S7BL-wkrLCVH868FWG6eoBXyKdFH2DkrtoRIwmJCsJKl2zSjW-RUh2_rCXUoQ2ZeoJlGDq0HcbvM6EIJ_PWkJpALsItFAXuA_8BN3uCloxCff7eywqBFa9wuRXuD2XnCB3xg84LqE/s320/IMG_1587.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See... easy peasy - one pretty little cabinet.</td></tr>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13672126657760069272noreply@blogger.com5