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Appreciation for my house
I am fully aware I spend far too much time of social media. I do. So I am trying to find a bit of peace among the daily noise. Now that it’s cooler I can resume walking Frank. I dread it, every day, and then I enjoy it so much! Why am I so ridiculous? […]
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Growing my own tea
Last year I thought about what I wanted to plant and what I wanted to get from my garden. I have always loved daisies and simple flowers so the idea of growing edible flowers sounds great to me. The seeds are tiny, you do need to make sure you pick the edible ones I really […]
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Restoring the family home: flooring plans
I mentioned in my last blog about how much we want to preserve of our new/ old 1930s house. One of the things we are most excited about is the gorgeous original hardy pine parquet floor. This is about restoring my husbands family home, our new home. I love parquet, especially herringbone. So when I […]
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We are moving: Restoring the Family home
It’s been a funny few months, we hadn’t planned to move. We are and we’re happy in this house but we had an opportunity to move to a slightly bigger house, in a slightly nicer area, with dog friendly pubs and the best bit a much larger garden. So we are moving. So I have […]
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It’s been a long week
I have ticked off so many jobs from my list it has been a long week. Today I painted the ceiling in the dining room and the side of the porch. It’s all coming together nicely and I am really tired but I feel good, mentally anyway! I dislike painting ceilings but this was okay. […]
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Creating budget friendly garden my 5 tips!
Gardening can be just as expensive as doing up any area of your home. If you don’t make your own compost then you will need to buy fresh soil. Plus certain plants like certain soil. So how do you creat a budget friendly garden? You will know when you buy the house what direction the […]
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24. Favourite garden quote
I am not going to bore you. This is my favourite quote so I have written about it before. The older you get the more relevant it is. A stitch in time saves nine. Do the jobs now, don’t wait till the jobs are bigger and take twice as long. Stop procrastinating ( this message […]
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23. Red and white…. Happy St George’s day
Painting the roses red….. my camellia is still in bloom. I know they are not roses and they are not red but every time I see them I hum that tune. So does my mum. Now when it comes to red or white for St George’s day I would pick white but normally I would […]
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14. Protecting, Painting my decking: sprucing up the garden
I have wanted to paint the decking for a while it was my top summer project. A few months ago our neighbours were chucking out old decking which was in great shape. Ours is not. All my pot plants have been rotting the deck so we actually have holes in our deck. So now we […]
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12. Benefits of gardening
I have talked about the benefits of gardening on my mental health before. I find a great therapy in checking the leaves, sinking my fingers in the soil. If it’s a good day the warm sun on my face and if it’s rainy it’s probably just a quick tidy. It’s all about Biophilic harmony. I […]
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11. Quick project
Like every room in your home your garden can get cluttered and need a tidy up. So todays quick project is just a tidy up. Jobs to do: Brush decking Wood in shed Old plant pots throw away Move tiles Brush cobwebs away Tidy green bin It’s took me about 20 minutes to tidy up […]
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7.It’s tricky but don’t sow all you seeds at once
As a new gardener I am guilty of using up every single seed even though I don’t have enough resources to grow them all. I also don’t have the knowledge to grow and sustaine them. So sometimes rather than have a handful of beautiful plants I lots of straggly ones. Like last year when I […]
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6. Variety is the spice of life
Especially when it comes to your garden. It needs to be a balance of wheat you need and what nature needs, and what applies to you applies to nature. We all need: A place to rest and relax A place to eat A place to entertain Colour a place to grow A place to pause […]
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1. My biodiverse garden and the steps I am taking to improve it
A biodiverse garden is one that is overflowing and catering to nature in all its forms. It there to support local wildlife encouraging balance and harmony in what every size space you have. Spring is here so I am falling inlove with my garden all over again! We want to see loves of bees, butterflies […]
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Dance lesson adventure
My friend and his girlfriend are learning to salsa at a local dance club. She couldn’t make it and he still wanted to go, so he asked me to go dancing with him. I agreed and the immediately regretted it. All the crazy thoughts went round my head, what will they think of me, I […]
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A spring tablescape
Spring is here. The sun is shining, it has been a glorious week in the UK, weather wise. I have been busy painting rooms, washing ceilings, spring cleaning is in full swing and I am happy to do it. There is something therapeutic about spring cleaning, every morning I sneak into my garden, give it […]
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Interior inspiration: L’Escale Resort Marina & Spa Seychelles
Interiors is a great passion of mine, I love to find the biophilic harmony between building and nature. It’s important to have balance and although my usual style is more cluttered and colourful I have never been so inspired by a hotel before. Especially when it’s calming neutral vibe a complete contrast to my aesthetic. […]
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9 essentials for a trip the Seychelles
I love coming back to the Seychelles, it really is a beautiful place. You don’t need much here a good book and a nice cocktail/ mocktail a towel on the beach and access to no WiFi! It’s bliss. But here are a few basics that you shouldn’t forget to make your stay that more enjoyable. […]
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A walk round the garden
I am enjoying January so far. It was cold and very dark this morning and I was grateful I could stay in bed and get on with my jobs. It’s a frosty sunny morning and I am worried that my tulips and daffodils aren’t going to make it, due to the mild winter and now […]
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Relaxing with candles
My wonderful friend bought me this Dyptique candle for my birthday. I have lusted after these candles for years and she treated me to one, fun fact, after having Covid she still hasn’t got her sense of smell, so asked her friend to smell it! It smells like heaven, just taking it out of the […]
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I skipped a few blogs and now I need to focus
I set myself a challenge of writing everyday this month and so far I have been good, I think I missed two but more importantly I missed the point. I should be writing because I love to write and should be more focused on what I care about. So what do I care about…. Pretty […]
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My 7 tips for Japan
It may have been a while ago now but my tips for Japan still stand. We want to go back to Japan some day as we fell in love with the country. It is definitely a happy place. I even told my mum I would feel safe her going by herself because it’s such an […]
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12 image vision board: a fresh outlook for 2022
A vision board isn’t the same as a resolution. It’s more about manifesting about using an image as a symbol of something you wish to achieve rather than a goal you want to achieve. In my vision board There is no fashion, no skinny body. Yes I want to be healthy but I want to […]
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Small goals for a new year
I wrote a post about toxic positivity and the pressure of following dreams and downfall. So I decided to set myself small, some necessary goals. My goals last year were all achievable the only one I didn’t succeed at was my fitness and that was due to pure laziness but I have two events to […]
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Chasing dreams: Goals for the goaless
I have been listening to a few podcasts at the moment about chasing dreams and having a goals. It is supposed to be inspiring. But what if you don’t have big dreams or goals you want to set and aim for. What if your dreams are small and not something you have to struggle with. […]
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6th of December catch up
My Christmas tree has been up almost a month, my wreath is complete and I am decluttering my dining room this week. I cant wait to be making some hearty winter meals and eating all the meat in the freezer. Frank, my bulldog is feeling so much better but it has rained all day today […]
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A moment in time: Covid and my birthday
Sorry, I haven’t been writing as much. Frank my dog has had some eye issues and we are finally on the mend but it’s been taking all my energy and worry. Then just before my birthday my husband gets sick with Covid-19. Every few days I take a lateral flow test but so far this […]
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A night at the Opera: the Magic Flute
Lights up at the Opera house. The last time I was at the opera was over ten years ago when a friend invited me to Glyndebourne and it was amazing. I studied a bit of opera at uni and had a very passionate teacher Malcom Griffiths who really brought it alive for all his students. […]
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My wedding bouquet and what to do with it afterwards
I love love loved my bouquet. It really was the most exceptional bouquet I have ever seen. I didn’t think it would be more perfect but mine and the bridesmaids were beyond gorgeous! I wanted a wildflower look full of my favourite flowers. This picture was taken 3 days after the wedding and still look […]
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What I am reading: Madam by Phoebe Wynne
I am reading a few books at the moment but I really enjoyed Madam by PhoebeWynne. It’s set in the 90s in a girls boarding house and I really enjoyed it. It blends classic Greek female heroines with modern(ish) day girls and their plight. I love Greek, Roman and Norse mythology, I used to really […]
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Gardening series Part one: Planning my garden for next year
I am thrilled with my garden but my decking is full of flowers and my beds are just green. I love the green and the white wisteria when it blooms. I also love the pale yellow Rosa Banksiae and I know that it can more beautiful, more colour and flowers. It’s important to know what […]
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Focusing on me
It’s sounds strange to say I am focusing on myself because you would think that as a jobless person I would be doing whatever I want. I do structure my day how I want but I have a list of jobs to do. But it’s time to actually focus on me. I have been reading […]
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Bringing the outside in
If you had asked me last year I would have told you that I don’t like flowers I prefer plant. Now this is true but part of my biophilic journey is bringing the outside in. Also the amount of flowers my garden is producing means that I have fresh flowers every other day and I […]
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79 blog posts
I have written 79 blog posts in a row. I am really proud of myself. I may start cutting it back a little bit once I have completed my 100 days of writing but this is great progress and I am happy with it. Yes some of them have been really short but that’s the […]
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At some point you have to stop being unhappy and start making positive steps
At some point you have to stop being so unhappy and start making positive steps towards your body image. I feel like now is the time. I have watched the pounds creep in, my portion size increase and weight strain against my clothes. I really believe you should have a positive out look on your […]
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My trip to the Barbican conservatory
When I was writing the blog on places I wanted to go I had already tried to get tickets to go. It was sold out so I decided to leave it. Then I was chatting with my friend Charlotte who lives in London too and tried to get tickets. The Barbican Conservatory sell out really […]
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What is biophilic interior design? and how to incorporate it in your home
You may have heard this term popping up recently and as someone who cares about the environment and where materials come from and where they can end up ( recycling and not in the dump) this may be something you can include when creating your home or working environment. Architect and designers are thinking more […]
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Trends I love but are they here to stay?
It’s no secret that trends come and go, that we have seen our parents 70s brown shades reappear in boho scandi vibes but what are the currents trends and are they here to stay? I will only pick the ones I love rather than what others are doing. Like always in your home, do want […]
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Knowing your self worth is easy as pie
This is a tricky subject in world full of anxiety and low self esteem knowing your worth isn’t as easy as pie. It’s not. Lots of us are in a weird floating state of no job or are unhappy in our current positions. But knowing your worth isn’t just about your career. It’s self confidence. […]
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Everything I need, feeling grateful
I am lucky. I have a perfect little home. A husband who makes me laugh and smile everyday. A dog who just wants to be beside me. I may currently be unemployed but I am busy. Cleaning, tidying gardening and decluttering. I have stopped dreaming of holidays and seeing friends. Now I am starting to […]
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As it turns out
I didn’t get into Uni. I was heartbroken. I am. There were tears and frustrations, I was ready to take this next step, to go back to uni and make something of myself. Have a career I could be proud of. Now I feel like a failure. Old and out of date. I have no […]
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Flower Shower, it’s not all for the gram
I do love flowers but I hate throwing them away. I hate maintaining them only to watch them shrivel and die. They now end up in my compost bin but this year I have started treating myself to more flowers in the home. A few stocks and carnations to fill my vases, I change the […]
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In Case you didn’t know; My dog makes my home
As a cat person who just has a dog, it surprised me, How much I love my dog . He is a little bundle of joy. If I could have another French bulldog with Franks temperament I would in a heart beat, he is a great little dog. I have talked about Frank a lot. […]
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7 things I have loved in April
Last month I didn’t write “ 7 things I have enjoyed this month” not because there haven’t been seven things but that my blogs are becoming a bit repetitive. So I thought I would try again this month with a fresh outlook Out door lunches in the garden. With lock down easing we have been […]
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In the garden: seeking advice
I talked before about creating a heritage garden filled with flowers that remind us of loved ones. Sue, Gavin’s mum knows her stuff. We needed a few things fixing in the house so Rosco is helping us inside whilst we were gardening outside. Rosco helped my clematis by adding new pegs and wire, it is […]
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How are you feeling? lockdown easing
Lock down in the UK is easing, we have had a few weeks of more freedom. You are allowed to meet friends outside. Shops and beauty is open. Pubs and Restaurants are allowed to serve food and drink outside. Which means everyone has rushed out to enjoy the benefits. Social distancing is supposed to be […]
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A month of no spending: can I do it?
I set myself a goal of no spending for 30 days. This doesn’t include my food shop just nothing else. I was supposed to go to the garden centre last week but I didn’t get round to it. I have a list of things I am allowed to buy from it and a spending limit. […]
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Sitting room refresh and updates
It’s been a busy week. I have not stopped and feel really good for it. My sitting room is 95% complete, the walls are painted. The clutter removed. All I have left to do it paint the corner above the window and hang my pictures and it’s done. It looks like a bigger room. I […]
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Self doubt is a loyal companion
I applied for my Masters this year. I now feel like I have a definite path I want to follow which includes art and helping people. I couldn’t think of a job more suited to me but it has taken years to get here. I have worked in retail for too long. I loved my […]
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Easter weekend plans: home and garden updates
When I sit down to write, I try and do some different each time. I have come to realise that I am being too hard on myself. Not a lot is happening at the moment so I need to just focus on what I am up to and how everything is going. A bit like […]
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Moment in time: shadow and light
Taking a deep breath. Appreciating the beauty in the shadows and light. Standing underneath my favourite tree with it’s beautiful plum and green leaves. Gratitude for my surroundings on my walk with Frank. Happy Wednesday.
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Feeling nostalgic for my wedding flowers
I love flowers, I prefer them in a garden growing but they can also be magic at a wedding. I have never seen more beautiful flowers then the ones my friend Charlotte created for me. She was completely incredible and I will always be great full for her friendship and all the time and effort […]
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Tomato update: learning to grow you own produce
Quick catch up, I bought a single tomato for 85p. It was the tastiest tomato I have ever eaten so I wanted to try and grow it from seed. So I started with 15 plants and I have 4 surviving. They are over 3 foot tall and all look healthy. We are heading for another […]
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Healthy habits: Ten minute meditation in the garden
I have a small garden, mostly in containers with some large shrubs and trees, my faux lawn ( inherited ) means that I can maintain it fairly easily but it still takes effort. Gardener extraordinaire Butter Wakefield suggests a healthy garden is maintained in ten minutes a day rather than hours at the weekend. This […]
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Is a hose pipe ban on the way?
Next week is August and the temperatures are set to soar again. It may shock you to hear that in England, known for lush green lawns and a lot of rain. We can’t cope when it comes to the weather! We are such a mild country that any extremes completely throw us off! Snow = […]
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Moment in time: finding peace on a walk
I can’t quite get over this sycamore tree. The rich green contrasted with the plummy red. It’s incredible. I have a branch drying in my dining room and today I took three leaves and pressed them. I would never have a sycamore in my garden as they shed like crazy, grow to impressive heights and […]
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Has Retail killed my confidence? Job searching at 40
I haven’t put a personal blog up in a while but I have been really focused on my Job searching and getting nowhere. It’s frustrating and its getting to the point that I may have to get another shop job so I can earn money. From the get go i need to let you know […]
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Moment in time: bringing home the bison
A herd of bison are living in Kent in a huge area to help the biodiversity. These gentle giants are smaller then our American cousins and haven’t been in Britain for a thousand years. What joy to know that my nieces and nephews will grow up with bison being a part of the native wildlife. […]
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Choosing a garden gate shouldn’t be this hard!!
We want a garden gate that offers us security but searching for is tricky. It appears the humble garden gate cannot be a thing of beauty if you want it to have practical functions. We mainly want a garden gate for security. So no one can enter our garden, so it needs be lockable! It […]
Dysfunctional Planner
The joys of planning our small terrace house,travel and all that life throws at me
Dysfunctional Planner 