I have been staying right out in the country – my word, now I know where the phrase ‘out in the sticks’ comes from.  This house is surrounded by woods and as much as I love trees, it is a bit weird in the evening watching the shadows of the branches leaping across the garden.     … [continue…]

I’ve just got back from a most interesting few days with some of my large brood of grandchildren.  These days it’s very manageable – they’re not kiddies but teenagers.  Nicely spaced in age range, they each have talents and hobbies that are very individual.  This made me think that perhaps this Christmas, they’d like a … [continue…]

Getting the perfect setting at home is one of the most challenging aspects of owning a property.  One person’s uncluttered minimlist vision is another’s cold unfeeling nightmare.  Fashions in home decor and styling change with the wind.  For a season or two every magazine and tv lifestyle programme promoting this colour trend or that. The … [continue…]

I had the good fortune to meet up with the most glorious looking cat whilst I was away on my hols this year.  I was happily sunning myself on a pal’s balcony – overlooking their very grand patio and pool area, minding my own business and generally noting the fantastic new decor and whizzer furnishings … [continue…]

When you buy a new house built by a major house developer, you very rarely think that the kitchen may not suit your needs.  Usually we are so overcome with excitement at the prospect of a lovely shiny brand new home that we don’t ever consider whether the sink is where we’d put it, or … [continue…]

Some of the programmes on daytime tv at the moment are very old repeats of the good old ‘houses bought on auction, done up and sold on for a mint’ or couples who are downsizing and moving to the country.  This always amuses me, when in the introductory blurb the family say they have no … [continue…]

Ah the wonderful month of June – with the end of the spring equinox bringing the much hoped for sunshine and absolutely no flooding levels of rain.  Well in recent years we have had a fantastic array of hot Junes.  This year is turning out to be flaming June and not always for the right … [continue…]

Something I’ve noticed in recent weeks is the swing over from the ghastly grey themes that have swamped every single furnishing and decorating emporium have now abated and we have luscious spring and summer hues abounding.  It is a fabulous change and long overdue.  I’ve not really been aware of the length that those who … [continue…]

I have just spent the easter holiday with a sibling and partner.  They have lived in their very gorgeous individually built house for over 18 years and because they are not at all lazy, their palace of glittering delights looks as wonderful today as the day they moved in.  No exaggeration.  I was particularly taken … [continue…]

It may well be knee deep inpretty fuffy snow outside, but the magazines out now, happily spreading across every newsagent’s shelving will portray a lovely sunny easter sunday morning.   The publications of course have to work a year in advance – this seems absolutely crazy to think about.  How anyone can get into mood and … [continue…]

Well what lamentable weather we’ve been suffering lately – it is unbelievable that we can have greay clouds, thunder clouds, snow showers, force eight gales and bright sunshine all in the space of 12 hours.  This is along the lines of what’s been happening in recent weeks.  I start the day now with an automatic … [continue…]

I have been thoroughly enjoying a new past time . . . No exercise gear needed, no trainers or outdoor jackets.  Definitely don’t need the car.  No energy required at all.  Just a comfy sofa, pouffe for putting legs up, and my now very trusty tablet. . . .   I have subscribed to an online … [continue…]

There are various ways of achieving the main purpose in a decorating and refitting exercise at home.  Firstly you have ideas coming at you on tv, maybe the lifestyle programmes.  On the shelves of the local supermarket, we see many glossy magazines offering enthusiastic make over schemes.  So ideas come thick and fast.  How to … [continue…]

I have had the absolutely exhausting joy of escorting a younger relative round some of the local furniture emporiums in readiness for a big house move – from a very easily maintained and cost effective starter home on a development.  Within walking distance of all the town centre amenities, the new place is right out … [continue…]

Ah the joy of being in the company of folk who are mid house move – the excitement is overwhelming, especially if they have been lucky enough to sell the current property pretty fast and are raring to go with all the mortgage and legal requirements.  The couple I’m connected to are in exactly that … [continue…]