Creating Another Home

<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: center;">This week you can find me over at <a href="http://themoksihomes.com/2014/03/creating-another-home-by-laura/">The Moksi Homes</a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: center;">answering questions about living in a rental home abroad</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: center;">Here's a little taster - I hope to see you there :)</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://themoksihomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/DSC09619-001.jpg" style="color: #777777; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="DSC09619-001" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-504" height="740" src="http://themoksihomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/DSC09619-001-1024x740.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; height: auto; margin-bottom: 6px; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" width="1024" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;"><b>Maureen: Did you move everything with you from the USA to England? </b></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;">Laura: We brought everything with us because we were not sure how long we would be abroad or where we would relocate to next. Our furnishings, artwork, and knickknacks make each house feel familiar and cozy even though location, views, house layout, and neighbors change with each move. Many of our things have a story or memory attached, so I have no regrets about bringing everything with us although it is a bit of a hassle. </div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">As the kids get older, they have fewer toys. With each relocation, we purge a little more. And in this digital age, we have laptops, e-books, downloaded films, music, and photos. So we are fortunate that we are living in an era when so much of our ‘stuff’ is downsizing anyway. Moving gets easier each time.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: justify;"><b>Maureen: How did you cope with the domestic side of moving?  </b>Read more of the interview <a href="http://themoksihomes.com/2014/03/creating-another-home-by-laura/">here</a>...</div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br /><br />

Creating Another Home

This week you can find me over at The Moksi Homes answering questions about living in a rental home abroad Here's a little taster - I ho...

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Vacation In A Bottle

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When you go on holiday,</div><div style="text-align: center;">do you bring anything back?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A coin, a postcard, a rock?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We've started to collect beach sand</div><div style="text-align: center;">when we travel</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">from rivers, lakes and sea</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQbLPvCo4Sc4sRNQqEGKw2Sgmo-pyw27aativK-enotikfFi3DOh-cBAXK87CSCyqm-zAvYPuMv1fqrdaXi1leYi9Wxtdt_HApJW6MtyYgWeTvYev0Erf9YkPR3SOOxVXJGdqWS-D770Q/s1600/photo+2-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQbLPvCo4Sc4sRNQqEGKw2Sgmo-pyw27aativK-enotikfFi3DOh-cBAXK87CSCyqm-zAvYPuMv1fqrdaXi1leYi9Wxtdt_HApJW6MtyYgWeTvYev0Erf9YkPR3SOOxVXJGdqWS-D770Q/s640/photo+2-003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I write the location and date on the bottom of the base</div><div style="text-align: center;">(bottles from local craft store)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My kids love the collecting</div><div style="text-align: center;">and I love the different colors and textures</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Each bottle represents a family vacation</div><div style="text-align: center;">filled with wonderful memories</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you have a collection from trips?</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Vacation In A Bottle

When you go on holiday, do you bring anything back? A coin, a postcard, a rock? We've started to collect beach sand when we travel from ...

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English Decor

<br /><div style="text-align: center;">You may be surprised to know</div><div style="text-align: center;">I mostly follow home decor blogs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although I currently feel limited in what I can do in our rental house</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love looking at other homes with beautiful styling </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although defined differently by each individual,</div><div style="text-align: center;">- to me -</div><div style="text-align: center;">this is classic English decor at the moment...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Grey + white</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisApsQuxWOqww3UTRIHAsfWkLjnxIbKQY6UgCq77kgwy3olsfC5AS13hddRchO6yz28tqNBlwYAoCcfxr0p8wPrGry3MAei3JLVeuG1lFfL5ec9QSmEznruErpqnqGdGwsoYzYsX06_1J6/s1600/Cool-and-relaxing-living-room---Modern---Livingetc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisApsQuxWOqww3UTRIHAsfWkLjnxIbKQY6UgCq77kgwy3olsfC5AS13hddRchO6yz28tqNBlwYAoCcfxr0p8wPrGry3MAei3JLVeuG1lFfL5ec9QSmEznruErpqnqGdGwsoYzYsX06_1J6/s640/Cool-and-relaxing-living-room---Modern---Livingetc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It is curious that one would paint walls grey</div><div style="text-align: center;">when it is often grey outside as well,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but the grey walls harmoniously coordinate with the sky</div><div style="text-align: center;">to create a calming feeling in a room</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Warm Tuscan colors are rarely used here</div><div style="text-align: center;">and just seem out of place when I see them</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grey also creates a cozy feeling,</div><div style="text-align: center;">which the English will tell you comes with the rain<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_x9gaK4ixRYNs2G5FZDmchjmJ77hpfVBn6SV3XZkq_tB39qI-P_vskHdEh9hkGJ8SDXwkhymvZ3VIIzyPx7cDa_zA8D5Yxtf_ek-xHEJXtx2AhKU62mhA9_IzFAvT9FOI_2N70CGuDja/s1600/Cosy-grey-and-warm-oak-living-room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_x9gaK4ixRYNs2G5FZDmchjmJ77hpfVBn6SV3XZkq_tB39qI-P_vskHdEh9hkGJ8SDXwkhymvZ3VIIzyPx7cDa_zA8D5Yxtf_ek-xHEJXtx2AhKU62mhA9_IzFAvT9FOI_2N70CGuDja/s640/Cosy-grey-and-warm-oak-living-room.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Strong graphic design elements </b>prevent a room from looking too soft<br /><b><br /></b><b>Wood</b> conveys coziness</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0TQ6nfDOsqUI7QUMsmX2t8ec6cMdZFgllEzZTsUlcR7rbbVkaPEdUWxHOvGO4pXMK323UjGthnSUi__Z88q7c4Gih7g2p-eAUK33EH4pdxnsJ6tZiskbL-p49gsoTCvfaIRRSKQASMT7/s1600/Cosy-Snug-Sitting-Ideal-Home-Housetohome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0TQ6nfDOsqUI7QUMsmX2t8ec6cMdZFgllEzZTsUlcR7rbbVkaPEdUWxHOvGO4pXMK323UjGthnSUi__Z88q7c4Gih7g2p-eAUK33EH4pdxnsJ6tZiskbL-p49gsoTCvfaIRRSKQASMT7/s640/Cosy-Snug-Sitting-Ideal-Home-Housetohome.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">as do <b>warm blankets and throw pillows</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7P_k75CRnwRFVWUGH0akafLsgLFCsID0Ejrh_5JTnqNwuUYZGa4XDVZ97GcQFnng5ADHR4YIUscPAUFAw6A__D9SfjkQEmavDLuOTAy6orSD10xHOUrymMXfuytr1OL20qPfkvZIBwBnd/s1600/Living-room-country-Ideal-Home5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7P_k75CRnwRFVWUGH0akafLsgLFCsID0Ejrh_5JTnqNwuUYZGa4XDVZ97GcQFnng5ADHR4YIUscPAUFAw6A__D9SfjkQEmavDLuOTAy6orSD10xHOUrymMXfuytr1OL20qPfkvZIBwBnd/s640/Living-room-country-Ideal-Home5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Linen</b> and <b>natural fibers</b> are often featured</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIL2Q2zKMiDaLhJ_Owbv6IR9P7yv3xZhkYK_jMi61B6QR5WvHShpsOxy5c_pE7zODWXr428ARTDwBbk4Jb5C-lb1e5chI-EEO3-x3NBi0jd3-10Zas3yzo0jEUnMtQYIUxflq3cIr7h2z1/s1600/Soft-White-Living-Room-Ideal-Home-Housetohome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIL2Q2zKMiDaLhJ_Owbv6IR9P7yv3xZhkYK_jMi61B6QR5WvHShpsOxy5c_pE7zODWXr428ARTDwBbk4Jb5C-lb1e5chI-EEO3-x3NBi0jd3-10Zas3yzo0jEUnMtQYIUxflq3cIr7h2z1/s640/Soft-White-Living-Room-Ideal-Home-Housetohome.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">along with <b>vintage treasures</b>,</div><div style="text-align: center;">which are affordable if buying outside London<br />(<a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/vintiquing-in-england.html">here</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-f8d2_N5lE3eRWvx87hcT9imgKdWDYngGVThC-3iTi7XBiSRvAsD3AKM_7IY4Wsb89_rg0lRIX_kRRPhJdB2VpfILk58L6EB62nCn5Qofhvf3AAnKwZoWP0D2T785eJlnc1eSS3wV0EaX/s1600/Country-White-Living-Room-Country-Homes-and-Interiors-Housetohome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-f8d2_N5lE3eRWvx87hcT9imgKdWDYngGVThC-3iTi7XBiSRvAsD3AKM_7IY4Wsb89_rg0lRIX_kRRPhJdB2VpfILk58L6EB62nCn5Qofhvf3AAnKwZoWP0D2T785eJlnc1eSS3wV0EaX/s640/Country-White-Living-Room-Country-Homes-and-Interiors-Housetohome.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Faux fur </b>and <b>leather </b>are classic cozy elements,<br /><br />and <b>mismatched</b> is common<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZUMpkhgrQNOiBaFscLLwlkAdJkqHpidK-7L_qhHmE-pqgCNkJ7aMXoPzruS1TNplwMC7YyJgTBP7Mb_8BQaf5OMNq4FNrExgco-YcuKhUzPoIO4LO1qFEFJbHuS_x4zlaPn0lVs3KjtM/s1600/Ticking-Armchaired-Living-Room-Country-Homes-and-Interiors-Housetohome-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZUMpkhgrQNOiBaFscLLwlkAdJkqHpidK-7L_qhHmE-pqgCNkJ7aMXoPzruS1TNplwMC7YyJgTBP7Mb_8BQaf5OMNq4FNrExgco-YcuKhUzPoIO4LO1qFEFJbHuS_x4zlaPn0lVs3KjtM/s640/Ticking-Armchaired-Living-Room-Country-Homes-and-Interiors-Housetohome-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I first saw a chair like this (below)</div><div style="text-align: center;">in <a href="http://www.anthropologie.eu/">Anthropologie</a> in a display in London</div><div style="text-align: center;">with its original burlap showing,</div><div style="text-align: center;">looking so raw and unique</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A few months later </div><div style="text-align: center;">I went to an antique fair </div><div style="text-align: center;">and saw many of these with 'sold' signs on them</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Seeing they were a top seller,</div><div style="text-align: center;">many furniture dealers were frantically stripping their chairs and sofas on the spot, </div><div style="text-align: center;">hoping they would have the lovely burlap underneath</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Unable to resist, I brought one home too</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As my son helped me bring it into the house</div><div style="text-align: center;">he asked if the straw inside was harboring any bugs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm happy to report it was vermin free :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsOyDnrg_zEfBjduecwII6-eG_P1B02S3QLZEnZwjmILqtf40rojTWYiT0bWhAuex6qQbvi9QwyoRBxCkigAc3srxTx9TIN1bPNC8KWMbuBlJNrmmvNg7-XEwqXDheLfHtIOtUMbjJPjE/s1600/Chalky-White-and-Mint-Living-Room-Livingetc-Housetohome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsOyDnrg_zEfBjduecwII6-eG_P1B02S3QLZEnZwjmILqtf40rojTWYiT0bWhAuex6qQbvi9QwyoRBxCkigAc3srxTx9TIN1bPNC8KWMbuBlJNrmmvNg7-XEwqXDheLfHtIOtUMbjJPjE/s640/Chalky-White-and-Mint-Living-Room-Livingetc-Housetohome.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a quirky, eclectic take on my idea of English design<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yummy yum yum!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVmR-4ib4yPX4aBietyF7TV9jMjdI09aHNIv-Z6GTNgIca3lAWA3RdO0SoydND2lWBqwQDmGzjJouCp1CTu241xQpFjZata6l5JlAJ8hpYvpmN93uWUPD8U774vWjFqceIM1WSgQHTjDm/s1600/Zesty-Lemon-Living-Room-Country-Homes-and-Interiors-Housetohome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVmR-4ib4yPX4aBietyF7TV9jMjdI09aHNIv-Z6GTNgIca3lAWA3RdO0SoydND2lWBqwQDmGzjJouCp1CTu241xQpFjZata6l5JlAJ8hpYvpmN93uWUPD8U774vWjFqceIM1WSgQHTjDm/s640/Zesty-Lemon-Living-Room-Country-Homes-and-Interiors-Housetohome.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dLVZfF_1svmD0G76-EiK0qvjS84j5Ea7vJebBLPnMl3KJmomXrmTVeqDMFdi5DtXfbRnU2Oi8HbGFc-g8vWGT-iext_7EzQpJ3N_cNcFwv5dfk7EhTE_AN6KV9yV0yFWG1pqN-K5M9Iu/s1600/Mint-Green-Living-Room-Livingetc-Housetohome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dLVZfF_1svmD0G76-EiK0qvjS84j5Ea7vJebBLPnMl3KJmomXrmTVeqDMFdi5DtXfbRnU2Oi8HbGFc-g8vWGT-iext_7EzQpJ3N_cNcFwv5dfk7EhTE_AN6KV9yV0yFWG1pqN-K5M9Iu/s640/Mint-Green-Living-Room-Livingetc-Housetohome.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43ajzrHm7eXnqXG7_z4EwJ5wdGVgLTzGc7dIan4g3HvoNA6vaa6Oez-2abL4GQSR9EftUMaZMNxW17alLNJISw3dmsMSQ-UBhGmhhG571bUwXrTD2HwdEvJ4LnDeuhea32wgMNHOBG-aI/s1600/HG0511-69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43ajzrHm7eXnqXG7_z4EwJ5wdGVgLTzGc7dIan4g3HvoNA6vaa6Oez-2abL4GQSR9EftUMaZMNxW17alLNJISw3dmsMSQ-UBhGmhhG571bUwXrTD2HwdEvJ4LnDeuhea32wgMNHOBG-aI/s640/HG0511-69.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczRgJwIqPSBYFlG8O_9AZP3iiNiAV4FM3Ze6VtLQcfWZbUho-HD7taL9RkZx8InRVV4HMsDwLtZLsE1-5WhnNwbANtfO092CKqvcQ2FbRXJnFY7FeHzUklYPnBAQFNw4NXrfXgpq2RCTZ/s1600/Distressed-Hallway-Country-Homes-and-Interiors-Housetohome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczRgJwIqPSBYFlG8O_9AZP3iiNiAV4FM3Ze6VtLQcfWZbUho-HD7taL9RkZx8InRVV4HMsDwLtZLsE1-5WhnNwbANtfO092CKqvcQ2FbRXJnFY7FeHzUklYPnBAQFNw4NXrfXgpq2RCTZ/s640/Distressed-Hallway-Country-Homes-and-Interiors-Housetohome.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Rays of sunshine, don't you think?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These rooms seem very unAmerican to me</div><div style="text-align: center;">Can you put your finger on why?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Images: House to Home <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/cool-and-relaxing-living-room">1</a>, <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/cosy-grey-and-warm-oak-living-room">2</a>, <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/cosy-living-room-10">3</a>, <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/relaxed-vintage-living-room">4</a>, <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/soft-white-living-room">5</a>, <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/shabby-chic-living-room-1">6</a>, <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/neutral-living-room-with-ticking-armchair">7</a>, <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/chalky-white-and-mint-living-room">8</a>, <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/country-living-room-with-lemon-sofa">9</a>, <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/mint-green-living-room">10</a>, <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/eclectic-living-room-detail-1">11</a>, <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/bedroom/picture/colourful-country-bedroom-storage?room_style=country">12</a></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

English Decor

You may be surprised to know I mostly follow home decor blogs Although I currently feel limited in what I can do in our rental house I love ...

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Post Of The Month Club: June

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Helllooo there</div><div style="text-align: center;">Come on in :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today our Club will meet in a really special place -</div><div style="text-align: center;">perfect for those celebrating the summer <i>or</i> winter solstice</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">An English Shepherd's Hut</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_BgZsMaOT-Yw6_xKLPSLqltTc_gTrO_ZgtJk6Be3-ixklrV_FbbMjG5miNBx3_hQkZXuQg38BPcZ-ch2kZ_OixbtxItKyk-Vn3zJwUVwxMdG03q9pjtHnAQv8UVCzerV0vtV0InXouQ/s1600/Sheperd+hut+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_BgZsMaOT-Yw6_xKLPSLqltTc_gTrO_ZgtJk6Be3-ixklrV_FbbMjG5miNBx3_hQkZXuQg38BPcZ-ch2kZ_OixbtxItKyk-Vn3zJwUVwxMdG03q9pjtHnAQv8UVCzerV0vtV0InXouQ/s640/Sheperd+hut+2.JPG" width="456" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Available from <a href="http://www.hutsandhideaways.co.uk/">Huts And Hideaways</a> in North Yorkshire</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Traditionally used by shepherds during the lambing season, </div><div style="text-align: center;">these clever retreats-on-wheels can be seen in England as a </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">playhouse, artisan studio, home office, garden shed</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">OR for Post Of The Month Club :)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Won't you take a step inside...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Isn't it so cute and cozy?!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXCgPtT9gboxXKxl1YHJ2Z6rFY5439CrAC4kB6W6LK1ifs9y-IJMEKc0ofwkfaVGIfbx7KmqoVPVc3eZO5R0d0pGgEVAGyO_wiyNM4m4odBisdHltGCpDE5EtUzN37A6WedNgvBqF7Ao/s1600/sheperd+hut+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXCgPtT9gboxXKxl1YHJ2Z6rFY5439CrAC4kB6W6LK1ifs9y-IJMEKc0ofwkfaVGIfbx7KmqoVPVc3eZO5R0d0pGgEVAGyO_wiyNM4m4odBisdHltGCpDE5EtUzN37A6WedNgvBqF7Ao/s640/sheperd+hut+3.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Available from <a href="http://www.mmdsites.co.uk/shepherdshuts/Artisan-Shepherds-Huts.html">Artisan Shepherd Huts</a> in West Sussex</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">So without further ado,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">let's start our meet & greet</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">- Bloggers, just link up your best post of the month -</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">And see, you've already done the work</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">- Share the love by visiting a few other blogs -</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">- Would you like to add my button to your lovely sidebar so more can join the fun? -</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Yep, we'll do this the last day of each month</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">- Don't forget to become a follower here too -</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Thank you for stopping by!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Happy July Blogging, you cutie you ;)</div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br /><br /><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=94948" type="text/javascript"></script>

Post Of The Month Club: June

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK Helllooo there Come on in :) Today our Club will meet in a really special place - perfect for those celebrating...

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Behind the Scenes: The King's Speech

<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">And the award goes to... The King's Speech! If I've counted correctly, this film picked up 4 Oscars in the US on Sunday. It is the inspiring story of King George VI, his impromptu ascension to the throne, and the speech therapist who helped him overcome quite a speech impediment. Starring Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, and Derek Jacobi; directed by Tom Hooper. A unique, wonderful film.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9u6BhpEJN-a7z2DT7b1wX8ihyJaam7sjYNhjJ0-vTcOR9vWdp6MJEpU8cBpRm6BrEDGdUl7nmWJskE3MkNy2KhsiND2Dk0EQ43CC59X_7D86SxXR0N_dpESHz_voP9V1sF6VXd4eXU48/s1600/5816814_FcodbpSM_c+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9u6BhpEJN-a7z2DT7b1wX8ihyJaam7sjYNhjJ0-vTcOR9vWdp6MJEpU8cBpRm6BrEDGdUl7nmWJskE3MkNy2KhsiND2Dk0EQ43CC59X_7D86SxXR0N_dpESHz_voP9V1sF6VXd4eXU48/s640/5816814_FcodbpSM_c+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lucky me, I saw this at the giant Odeon Cinema in Leicester Square with a packed house of hundreds of British movie-goers. Who knew this was such a funny film? And there was loud applause after the film.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG86mHEfc3tvpJfjoKuK3HkD2dk1GEIizysqFWe3GIMLXLSagQdY3QD5u6ewf1lN2kmtl9drMLrWhzvZXdVqmuxfpxLL6LkFUx-sQBuybPzABmZXdYsTkqWWc8SE_476l4IYxZ8K2D97A/s1600/3746459_aqd1h1F0_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG86mHEfc3tvpJfjoKuK3HkD2dk1GEIizysqFWe3GIMLXLSagQdY3QD5u6ewf1lN2kmtl9drMLrWhzvZXdVqmuxfpxLL6LkFUx-sQBuybPzABmZXdYsTkqWWc8SE_476l4IYxZ8K2D97A/s320/3746459_aqd1h1F0_c.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What stood out for me was the decor - oh, those walls! So interesting and such yummy colors. The actual therapy room was too small for filming, so they used a building just a block away at <a href="http://www.33portlandplace.com/">33 Portland Place</a> in London.  Apparently when the production team arrived, one wall was covered in half-scraped, half-burned wallpaper infused with oil.  It was the look they were going for, so they finished the mottled, peeling effect on the rest of the walls. To make room for the therapy sessions, little furniture was needed. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppSYZV9jMojEcxuj0B68FIoBJ_OL_FPjPEGFtNVQHaS3ypezJpNsnuuN-aBC6KEG4RzZPXvwd34Q5JG6MkQ-nKiiPOJ-VJCdbntYRLhYTvv-QdU1uU9Wg0bjj_tYSvyt0UTsuoO1PBso/s1600/King%2527s+Speech+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppSYZV9jMojEcxuj0B68FIoBJ_OL_FPjPEGFtNVQHaS3ypezJpNsnuuN-aBC6KEG4RzZPXvwd34Q5JG6MkQ-nKiiPOJ-VJCdbntYRLhYTvv-QdU1uU9Wg0bjj_tYSvyt0UTsuoO1PBso/s640/King%2527s+Speech+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; line-height: normal;">In place of Buckingham Palace, scenes were shot in the grand Lancaster House nearby, currently used by the Foreign Office for diplomatic conferences and assemblies. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BdAF4m1ex2h6uFJbroukdRdqnZv3rBBNH86WEI_C5-_3HONW6mZ5nSwfD_z7usImfcOfMQK6AWf6RYSCg-bJxHNX6EEDUKw2KHbR-bSzxWDSDGcaT-MZfeA8_wrvj7oaVdu7yDAJfDw/s1600/3725161_sU533N2Y_c-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BdAF4m1ex2h6uFJbroukdRdqnZv3rBBNH86WEI_C5-_3HONW6mZ5nSwfD_z7usImfcOfMQK6AWf6RYSCg-bJxHNX6EEDUKw2KHbR-bSzxWDSDGcaT-MZfeA8_wrvj7oaVdu7yDAJfDw/s400/3725161_sU533N2Y_c-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The closed Battersea Power Station in South London was the setting for the BBC Wireless Control Room; the present machinery was used as props.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Leeds United's Elland Road Stadium was the stand-in for the old Wembley Stadium where the future king's stammer first caught public attention. Interestingly, the crew had to wait until 10p to get into the stadium following a football match. They filled the stands with<i> inflatable people</i>. You would never know. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsr_a0tpKnQzyMjCYFbfwELb0aJYiGYiNKaMXwdx-25gmSQrTnUmQGEoFziztlNxONfMMQltiEfOsebCZ8wLTNJrE2aKdt08Rk45c4ctX3cQ-le8zotoRxr9P81DOacswEaqu49UVc7po/s1600/2880220_eY3saxY3_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsr_a0tpKnQzyMjCYFbfwELb0aJYiGYiNKaMXwdx-25gmSQrTnUmQGEoFziztlNxONfMMQltiEfOsebCZ8wLTNJrE2aKdt08Rk45c4ctX3cQ-le8zotoRxr9P81DOacswEaqu49UVc7po/s640/2880220_eY3saxY3_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Director Tom Hooper wanted a 'smoggy, grungy look' of the 1930s, so they threw dirty water over everything, and even brought in a gritting van at 5a to cover the ground with dirt. They pumped in so much smog, it set off the fire alarms in a local department store!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Unlike multiplexes, you would find independent cinemas serving alcohol, homemade cakes, and gourmet treats like wasabi peas. They have cozy waiting lounges. Big comfy chairs in the theater. Nothing like a delicious cocktail while watching a kids flick : ) Love that! But I digress...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1nu9BJwX3e9yju2eyNOPqdgI0LofYoABqzTp4XwoPe4IXKRAASFS0OUi1sAO3enKD9qjiP3GtfHJMiNmAYYqJEY4UY6cdCIMucMHMud1mOEGp-45LdXZkWiQOnjLdus1Ex462Wqp1V8/s1600/551521_xUPmXmAr_c-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1nu9BJwX3e9yju2eyNOPqdgI0LofYoABqzTp4XwoPe4IXKRAASFS0OUi1sAO3enKD9qjiP3GtfHJMiNmAYYqJEY4UY6cdCIMucMHMud1mOEGp-45LdXZkWiQOnjLdus1Ex462Wqp1V8/s320/551521_xUPmXmAr_c-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">Interestingly, the British Board of Film Classification warned that The King's Speech 'contains strong language in a<i> speech therapy context</i>'. Isn't that fascinating?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">Equally fascinating is the difference in film rating. In the UK, The King's Speech is rated 12 (suitable for 12 years and over), whereas in the US this same film is rated R (under 17 requires accompanying parent or guardian). What do you make of that?</div><br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Times, serif; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Content and Image Sources: <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>, <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/jan/02/the-kings-speech-period-sets">Guardian article</a>, <a href="http://www.kingsspeech.com/">The King's Speech Official Website</a>, <a href="http://www.bbfc.co.uk/">British Board of Film Classification</a>, <a href="http://www.mpaa.org/">Motion Picture Association of America</a></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Behind the Scenes: The King's Speech

And the award goes to... The King's Speech! If I've counted correctly, this film picked up 4 Oscars in the US on Sunday. It is the i...

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Friday Fun: What Is Your Design Style?

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><br /><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/AVvXsEh-WPBatCck8fWQC7QiY5s0eQxj_gFTnROFH866OYheFsA6I_at1GATBP39XEqei1a8BFY9pjauSjXDVaQzM9IGHKk4Px_f8wBCTEaQqyPoYtJOHEWiuf7ZqKkxMDCkQaFg5vvV0zOufPc/s1600/design-style-quiz.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WPBatCck8fWQC7QiY5s0eQxj_gFTnROFH866OYheFsA6I_at1GATBP39XEqei1a8BFY9pjauSjXDVaQzM9IGHKk4Px_f8wBCTEaQqyPoYtJOHEWiuf7ZqKkxMDCkQaFg5vvV0zOufPc/s400/design-style-quiz.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[image: <a href="http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2011/01/quiz-whats-your-design-style.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+HowAboutOrange+(How+About+Orange)">How About Orange</a>]</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yea! Another Friday Fun day :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just for fun, find out which of the 20 individual styles belong to you.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Take this short quiz to 'define your style' from <a href="http://www.stylishhome.com/Design/Style-Maker-Quiz">Stylish Home</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The quiz revealed that I like the quiet and simple life (no surprise there). My design style - 'California Country' with a cottage kitchen, warm and charming bedroom, and enjoy being outdoors</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What about you? </div><br />Happy Weekend!<br /> <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/2FD701A88E1AB920883327F28E3E4BF9.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

Friday Fun: What Is Your Design Style?

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK [image: How About Orange ] Yea! Another Friday Fun day :)  Just for fun, find out which of the 20 individual st...

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'The Holiday' With A Twist

<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">'Tis the perfect time to confess that one of the reasons I moved to England was that I was hoping to <i>live in</i> or <i>next to</i> this...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSq2M3egXaE5-oZ3v4WoEOHRlJnURmB-z-zi5WZmrnwttRjPNDwy7OrK816yR3CmIN4lfktsQPUJdvPMkcPS2m-7aRc11Mu0qXgfZmsPGT6BM1xZT9hHFdIP0DE29l9JHctxtk4hBjPE/s1600/Holiday3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSq2M3egXaE5-oZ3v4WoEOHRlJnURmB-z-zi5WZmrnwttRjPNDwy7OrK816yR3CmIN4lfktsQPUJdvPMkcPS2m-7aRc11Mu0qXgfZmsPGT6BM1xZT9hHFdIP0DE29l9JHctxtk4hBjPE/s640/Holiday3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iris's Cottage from 'The Holiday'<br />[from Chalk & Talk <a href="http://chalk-jenny.blogspot.com/2010/06/holiday.html">Blog</a>]</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Do you remember this cozy cottage from the film, 'The Holiday' (2006)? I have visited Shere in Surrey several times [<a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.com/2010/08/crazy-quaint-shere.html">here</a>], where portions of the movie were filmed, but I've never seen this house. (Otherwise I'd be writing from there now)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's not too late to rent this delightful romantic comedy starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet to put you in the holiday mood. In a nutshell, their characters swap homes for Christmas - Winslet flies to Diaz's modern Southern California home while Diaz tromps off to Winslet's English country cottage. A classic chick flick.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A few yummy scenes / eye candy from 'The Holiday' (via <a href="http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2008/07/holiday-houses_15.html">Cote de Texas</a>):</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5r12zkH95PPdsGJkM8TPVXtKpdGxYzQBW8TZnEjdMlwPHF6sIPyJzsTfILADyrpr1MfTHCFpVgHoE9TsAzqkpmH3j_SKyCleKuClWS7dY9-zlZ95IiWiUjccbMy1Fj6TYzrMsG3HC0U/s1600/Holiday9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5r12zkH95PPdsGJkM8TPVXtKpdGxYzQBW8TZnEjdMlwPHF6sIPyJzsTfILADyrpr1MfTHCFpVgHoE9TsAzqkpmH3j_SKyCleKuClWS7dY9-zlZ95IiWiUjccbMy1Fj6TYzrMsG3HC0U/s640/Holiday9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNwfYeUwLpSxHVs_UPgslSklzXaLI5MknIhIW1wa1dxjZQTee3XHdYQNTudzVEiBOD-1isi4G3Ofe2f4hO8z_XWZASEY9U65NJIkmUrt61dwoAqCVwDd2_qIgVI-m-RsHsJRMpkTLewQ/s1600/Holiday6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNwfYeUwLpSxHVs_UPgslSklzXaLI5MknIhIW1wa1dxjZQTee3XHdYQNTudzVEiBOD-1isi4G3Ofe2f4hO8z_XWZASEY9U65NJIkmUrt61dwoAqCVwDd2_qIgVI-m-RsHsJRMpkTLewQ/s640/Holiday6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2UfMCsCPgFcssKwl8Z2olYXgap3ob50R-IxprxKkqOdPmfTnVQxwqUQIbYMFwYSNPcGp9eQWCMOn1v1KFzLBl1GlfOmSS-T-dF25PR40VuPJqa9XZuwKVSlIRub8wX93IcNWJAXcKzI/s1600/Holiday8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2UfMCsCPgFcssKwl8Z2olYXgap3ob50R-IxprxKkqOdPmfTnVQxwqUQIbYMFwYSNPcGp9eQWCMOn1v1KFzLBl1GlfOmSS-T-dF25PR40VuPJqa9XZuwKVSlIRub8wX93IcNWJAXcKzI/s640/Holiday8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcI_z1ktn4-w621ewDBTGtxg0EhAFFtpnGkaA3dpO4X1o3xzlmPp4dbYT2BFKkJHqgL1TyrkQhWgiLqQBDTXzFHn7f0PLFtXgnAaKy9jaH-Te29XwdxWSOk8OMOfcIpI-rGT9zmPWm4c/s1600/Holiday30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcI_z1ktn4-w621ewDBTGtxg0EhAFFtpnGkaA3dpO4X1o3xzlmPp4dbYT2BFKkJHqgL1TyrkQhWgiLqQBDTXzFHn7f0PLFtXgnAaKy9jaH-Te29XwdxWSOk8OMOfcIpI-rGT9zmPWm4c/s640/Holiday30.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8nHe5mKlxic2aL0faZokOBiNnrqgR4bNw8H8ed9pI7DNB_9c_QNCZr-hfMN2Re7a8Z9tzd3B-Mb9jsW41O58NDCPLt9AkKT0y8EpnvL_vbOUIQ5Bs5Md95Bx5PllVJr095uLVrLG8bw/s1600/holiday4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8nHe5mKlxic2aL0faZokOBiNnrqgR4bNw8H8ed9pI7DNB_9c_QNCZr-hfMN2Re7a8Z9tzd3B-Mb9jsW41O58NDCPLt9AkKT0y8EpnvL_vbOUIQ5Bs5Md95Bx5PllVJr095uLVrLG8bw/s640/holiday4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This last photo makes me laugh because I really did sleep in my big parka and scarf just last week! These old homes are so cold and drafty. If I could knit myself a nose hat, I would. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now for some photos from the movie set in Shere. I believe a lot of these photos are from the DVD's Special Features. All photos below are from <a href="http://hookedonhouses.net/2010/12/05/kate-winslets-english-cottage-in-the-holiday/">Hooked On Houses</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97_4OgjSu0YJcNxFRt9ePsUv8-yq59m8JfQVzbwKn2v8GHJkrC1GseZxhDQuFDgP7h9yLsUfr9uTzhgyNYgdf9QqS1pMj6oxiStp3DJLZLbRF4gC_978fDgL7oEva_2kwmIdLjyPIutI/s1600/Holiday10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97_4OgjSu0YJcNxFRt9ePsUv8-yq59m8JfQVzbwKn2v8GHJkrC1GseZxhDQuFDgP7h9yLsUfr9uTzhgyNYgdf9QqS1pMj6oxiStp3DJLZLbRF4gC_978fDgL7oEva_2kwmIdLjyPIutI/s640/Holiday10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blowing Fake Snow For Wintry Scenes</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This is the High Street in Shere. If you go for a visit, you'll see the yellow door on the right for The Lucky Duck Tea Room. The pub in the movie, The White Horse, will be up ahead on your right, past the stream with ducks. No need to bring in the Hollywood snow right now - there's plenty of it!</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Ready for a little twist? Here are more photos of my <i>old, charming </i>17th Century cottage, <u>in the making</u>...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlHZRw0ZvzrCB4WmGaWpcnC9dFRDc3lt7omA6WmIEGmY-O17E8rdvC4tciExRKVUkDaUWQ41uRMpriTNxVeWD16OCP3fENN48up7aq3XwTFfOvhpZ9XnA-kmdAPNQqU1ujjb6m9WRVW4/s1600/Holiday11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlHZRw0ZvzrCB4WmGaWpcnC9dFRDc3lt7omA6WmIEGmY-O17E8rdvC4tciExRKVUkDaUWQ41uRMpriTNxVeWD16OCP3fENN48up7aq3XwTFfOvhpZ9XnA-kmdAPNQqU1ujjb6m9WRVW4/s640/Holiday11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBqXAy-qoPZH4evAvSlz5kJBdJMhSBUZ9-YIB74J6ZgjK3ntmaW-VpDrbaqpSx_Gx7vMQYJauWPJM2ozSrPAFXD_cSBUSw6qrOMyRX1JoLqP-qwFPTnh9YAU-dPR9qLb_5MHfFQA-LsE/s1600/Holiday12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBqXAy-qoPZH4evAvSlz5kJBdJMhSBUZ9-YIB74J6ZgjK3ntmaW-VpDrbaqpSx_Gx7vMQYJauWPJM2ozSrPAFXD_cSBUSw6qrOMyRX1JoLqP-qwFPTnh9YAU-dPR9qLb_5MHfFQA-LsE/s640/Holiday12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLrNan8_JPfrWnp2pNEeVY_VFSK4PmSkPYMvArkq5Bkjeug4erpd7CPv57zW0OaWuqOdyvWFUQ8IfJw1HnwwSsVoL4TLT8giRhb8splw4jsMrHj6s7OhY09RqbGySSsuCTRn_asRRnCY/s1600/Holiday13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLrNan8_JPfrWnp2pNEeVY_VFSK4PmSkPYMvArkq5Bkjeug4erpd7CPv57zW0OaWuqOdyvWFUQ8IfJw1HnwwSsVoL4TLT8giRhb8splw4jsMrHj6s7OhY09RqbGySSsuCTRn_asRRnCY/s640/Holiday13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVaTBiUGQYEKm3Uc-ZpLB8slYDzaDPML5fkM5rF7BCKu8Mn5Wq7FITnfpUoLLCvy8tBPOHkrCTVm2aFPddbwFZPyxhJPocNIBAxw-9CpJ_3N27kn1ciwMXgFXsBrlsxvuNpbXrCUB_N8/s1600/Holiday14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVaTBiUGQYEKm3Uc-ZpLB8slYDzaDPML5fkM5rF7BCKu8Mn5Wq7FITnfpUoLLCvy8tBPOHkrCTVm2aFPddbwFZPyxhJPocNIBAxw-9CpJ_3N27kn1ciwMXgFXsBrlsxvuNpbXrCUB_N8/s640/Holiday14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3z_Lgwy8jiSQeezkqvED_2FNWEM9iOQTGPzac6IZOrVrG13uIQxDeAubPNeRfMh12zaMd_MAox9gcnIfloDXz7fxjtgOi-l2xwLFuYSyvGrcpaPc6rTi3QL5IswLw4zhnu6CTa9CwCR8/s1600/Holiday15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3z_Lgwy8jiSQeezkqvED_2FNWEM9iOQTGPzac6IZOrVrG13uIQxDeAubPNeRfMh12zaMd_MAox9gcnIfloDXz7fxjtgOi-l2xwLFuYSyvGrcpaPc6rTi3QL5IswLw4zhnu6CTa9CwCR8/s640/Holiday15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Unbelievable, I know - a bit of a heartbreak. Thrown up in just a few weeks in a field (and since torn down). Now I  know why I couldn't find that cottage! But here's the good news. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There is a cottage in the Cotswolds for rent that may have been the inspiration for this movie.</div><br /><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/AVvXsEggFTV9g9aN0EgBJzM_qPnS-3CvhJHu3a630HD9JO8_AJbwt6R0N-dAzRmi0pxTqhwqrkzcCaax-xewpAlJCR-aLnSWwhm53pFLmfM8WGQ5gQrwCHgfxfaliQ5MwghBBYAVyFuYfPJUbxs/s1600/Holiday20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFTV9g9aN0EgBJzM_qPnS-3CvhJHu3a630HD9JO8_AJbwt6R0N-dAzRmi0pxTqhwqrkzcCaax-xewpAlJCR-aLnSWwhm53pFLmfM8WGQ5gQrwCHgfxfaliQ5MwghBBYAVyFuYfPJUbxs/s640/Holiday20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.slatters-cottage.co.uk/self-catering-cotswolds-luxury-cottage.htm">Slatter's Cottage, Cotswolds</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><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/AVvXsEh_jqAlmH_6Tw-Ya4n9iz5QjyEuYsIvPNOXSJCRqOqgrRuUyWn9NFDg26NkjWqH3TQNPC297-owwVaCxokIEORDRkCjWaS02yzwklTmFHf_kSu5-4FI88fAdeNOdn-_RrYvIl9Ogx2IIT4/s1600/Holiday22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="513" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jqAlmH_6Tw-Ya4n9iz5QjyEuYsIvPNOXSJCRqOqgrRuUyWn9NFDg26NkjWqH3TQNPC297-owwVaCxokIEORDRkCjWaS02yzwklTmFHf_kSu5-4FI88fAdeNOdn-_RrYvIl9Ogx2IIT4/s640/Holiday22.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lounge and Bedroom 2 are similar to the movie<br /><a href="http://www.slatters-cottage.co.uk/self-catering-cotswolds-luxury-cottage.htm">Slatters Cottage</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And the other good news is I know I can hire a movie crew to build me a charming 17th Century English cottage one day :)</div><br /><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/AVvXsEgkK31VAdwd14T6LlbHwyGs8T2qniha5EZyF2xKLvydKza0WhQBfF6mVf5vZwlf3KRKwrC4LUkiGxoZoKOLgNfTN31UY-FkX-eO_g9ZiX3m-lXKoKMXttjhiKr7eG0HMWYU9bkCmqXL0f4/s1600/Holiday16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkK31VAdwd14T6LlbHwyGs8T2qniha5EZyF2xKLvydKza0WhQBfF6mVf5vZwlf3KRKwrC4LUkiGxoZoKOLgNfTN31UY-FkX-eO_g9ZiX3m-lXKoKMXttjhiKr7eG0HMWYU9bkCmqXL0f4/s640/Holiday16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iris's Cottage, 'The Holiday'</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Anywhere.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(P.S. For more television & movie homes, visit the interesting <a href="http://hookedonhouses.net/houses-onscreen/">Hooked On Houses</a>)</span></div><br />XO Laura<br /><br />Related Posts: <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.com/2010/08/crazy-quaint-shere.html">'Crazy Quaint' Shere</a>, <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.com/2012/12/film-locations-holiday-bridget-jones.html">Film Locations: The Holiday & Bridget Jones </a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>

'The Holiday' With A Twist

'Tis the perfect time to confess that one of the reasons I moved to England was that I was hoping to live in or next to this... Iris...

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Celebration of a New Home

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">When we moved to England, we sold our house in the US and brought everything with us. We have had a mourning period for the home we left behind. {Sigh} We loved that house - my canvas for home decor, our sacred space full of so many memories, the house we brought newborn Little G home to</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Now we are renting a lovely Victorian home built around 1898 that oozes character. Except for an unhung  mirror (major procrastination), I think I can officially say we have settled in :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOg442CB8G_wzEgnoQK7lqCX1RBFwuB1T_ryMuk4pp-_ujOOjnI3GDfsOa0aayUihKYT3ZroTCdZ4YX8gdVqCC1DWxkBjuDGWZ_BTkacAWr-CKshYNqs9wvoGiAXMitmkHvs-QVwQksI/s1600/DSCN1483-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOg442CB8G_wzEgnoQK7lqCX1RBFwuB1T_ryMuk4pp-_ujOOjnI3GDfsOa0aayUihKYT3ZroTCdZ4YX8gdVqCC1DWxkBjuDGWZ_BTkacAWr-CKshYNqs9wvoGiAXMitmkHvs-QVwQksI/s400/DSCN1483-12.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the original door & window design</td></tr></tbody></table><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;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-1nF8bzr327HWUmjJVH9hDrCufK1ex7_TLldOr_g26U08dk8icGC2mbzAGuOSnuouOjYT0fSjb4goGKcaHEhL4_IWZzJpc8QWmq0gsMxq4LRUPeosTOnMN_51AenXbaKCHvBgjPumEA/s1600/DSCN1484-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-1nF8bzr327HWUmjJVH9hDrCufK1ex7_TLldOr_g26U08dk8icGC2mbzAGuOSnuouOjYT0fSjb4goGKcaHEhL4_IWZzJpc8QWmq0gsMxq4LRUPeosTOnMN_51AenXbaKCHvBgjPumEA/s320/DSCN1484-12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bristles in mail slot keep the house warmer (so clever)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Renting this house actually has freed me of my design obsession. No more sewing curtains, pouring over paint colors, or ripping out inspirational magazine pages (well, not as many anyway). This home is imperfectly perfect for us, and there's not much we can do with it anyway. Who knew renting would calm my mind? At least for now?</div><br /><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/AVvXsEgKRP855nHbGI298uPYJnEPXxhaOnUEqE6fGAvdc8E1kYmj3I9tp6LWcls_tyjsdokV0MV6hm8p-vsQs6oFq_wSUARWxAddJhE4VehFdMua3fsQtC5OTCB0mUebhb2OZim1Uv_C11A-P50/s1600/DSCN1465-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRP855nHbGI298uPYJnEPXxhaOnUEqE6fGAvdc8E1kYmj3I9tp6LWcls_tyjsdokV0MV6hm8p-vsQs6oFq_wSUARWxAddJhE4VehFdMua3fsQtC5OTCB0mUebhb2OZim1Uv_C11A-P50/s400/DSCN1465-12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen Window</td></tr></tbody></table><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;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ay754JSW2S6hjrgPPUtVZKB5hZMFTFtiqCCOsqGO8M-e_QCvuQ_VkOOM22ejjdZ-z4dkpDaORiXgBRGvQTFwycrGT6-kcZfEFQ_y8P12IDm-LwGSM6tKB4tV2CrAKNXwyG0swj0aTPc/s1600/DSC_00652-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ay754JSW2S6hjrgPPUtVZKB5hZMFTFtiqCCOsqGO8M-e_QCvuQ_VkOOM22ejjdZ-z4dkpDaORiXgBRGvQTFwycrGT6-kcZfEFQ_y8P12IDm-LwGSM6tKB4tV2CrAKNXwyG0swj0aTPc/s400/DSC_00652-1.jpg" width="398" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen + Blogging HQ</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I am posting photos of our home to help friends, family, and readers picture us here. Photojournaling is also a way for me to document and see the loveliness in the 'now'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QkohmCJ0SQ-YsTdmirMYX21x8ZkP3sd3p-GbmXE7D6mHYQ-fhCSX1ElgxNDv_U8GtYfwTkMFFVhewRLb4F0vcm4T1CJmtP5ner28Mz6mpwv6U_cj-o5qNbT1eq_eAB9yuIoqQfYqgpA/s1600/DSCN1467-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QkohmCJ0SQ-YsTdmirMYX21x8ZkP3sd3p-GbmXE7D6mHYQ-fhCSX1ElgxNDv_U8GtYfwTkMFFVhewRLb4F0vcm4T1CJmtP5ner28Mz6mpwv6U_cj-o5qNbT1eq_eAB9yuIoqQfYqgpA/s400/DSCN1467-12.jpg" width="270" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love all the molding</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApLoFan5O59g7apUfF79YvWZtqIsNkQPv_JchYW53vVX0hkD2t3z0pykMAcEDa0-M4kTwwQYjGtWBAsYqFlR1mbFYKXIkjGl6jIk9UHdthuQtW1w4hgTdTBRBHu5JJfYhSk-J6MaRnm8/s1600/DSCN1507-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApLoFan5O59g7apUfF79YvWZtqIsNkQPv_JchYW53vVX0hkD2t3z0pykMAcEDa0-M4kTwwQYjGtWBAsYqFlR1mbFYKXIkjGl6jIk9UHdthuQtW1w4hgTdTBRBHu5JJfYhSk-J6MaRnm8/s400/DSCN1507-12.jpg" width="376" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I love vignettes and little 'creatures' around the house. The movers thought I was crazy to have brought so many animals across the ocean. What do they know?!</div><br /><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/AVvXsEg6-7xUzgf49JS0c2U4-74yxQ0gAkxoHx50nu-VDfoQf4v0OstXMPOQNQpqXUw1DoSuwdA-M4IPSpGb2cEg33Q8_ZOyl-p42qNVADvpahqWT-pQvyV39dICkgMH4L0T4n5v4atniS9iky0/s1600/DSCN1475-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-7xUzgf49JS0c2U4-74yxQ0gAkxoHx50nu-VDfoQf4v0OstXMPOQNQpqXUw1DoSuwdA-M4IPSpGb2cEg33Q8_ZOyl-p42qNVADvpahqWT-pQvyV39dICkgMH4L0T4n5v4atniS9iky0/s400/DSCN1475-12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playroom</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><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/AVvXsEjChl5mhlm6Ifkbzyqhbv_Nl1UD-2ucJ8jClMoOIRwYylsRAU2mnOfFMlyVSpkYIqh083niq-CmLxlSFu-MOIgVVilFet15BjL9J1Yf0Xddx7EyFr1Dd24zfNVkKaHt_8MV_ji_YCmKxMo/s1600/DSCN1476-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChl5mhlm6Ifkbzyqhbv_Nl1UD-2ucJ8jClMoOIRwYylsRAU2mnOfFMlyVSpkYIqh083niq-CmLxlSFu-MOIgVVilFet15BjL9J1Yf0Xddx7EyFr1Dd24zfNVkKaHt_8MV_ji_YCmKxMo/s320/DSCN1476-12.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Felt Birds in Playroom Window</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div style="text-align: justify;">I mostly decorate with items from Goodwill, Target, Pottery Barn Teen, and local artists. I like the challenge of having an eclectic style on a small budget.<br /><br />Everything is so expensive here, I have bought almost nothing beside necessities. I hope to find some flea markets soon :)</div><br /><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/AVvXsEgo39v4JUhggnj6mzZfKv5z0k6DGyrXDpE1NQIb11xudVEzPibHO5-Bvwr5KxxSp7gbEHHy4EPEzFgQGdGe7F-UpDs4t64O5rtE5zR6yLfzyv4ZXDKEKExB0BO8LIQyYvtvzmmKRcmfzAU/s1600/DSCN1497-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo39v4JUhggnj6mzZfKv5z0k6DGyrXDpE1NQIb11xudVEzPibHO5-Bvwr5KxxSp7gbEHHy4EPEzFgQGdGe7F-UpDs4t64O5rtE5zR6yLfzyv4ZXDKEKExB0BO8LIQyYvtvzmmKRcmfzAU/s400/DSCN1497-22.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading Nook (and dog hang-out)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />One fun thing about putting this house together was taking everything out of boxes and setting it in a room. To decorate the house, I went 'shopping' in that room filled with things I love.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />I wonder what new memories this new house will hold for us. I hope you have enjoyed a tour of our new home :) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>XO Laura</div>

Celebration of a New Home

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK When we moved to England, we sold our house in the US and brought everything with us. We have had a mourning pe...

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