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Hogmanay

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calendar from a great friend who knows me well
Rob Ryan’s words will be with me all year, thanks Jean

Well here we are, the last day of the year, a time of reflection and the end of the delicious lull between Christmas and the New Year.  Before Christmas I felt like a tightly wound spring, now I am calm and enjoying the rewards of all the hard work and angst that come with renovating a house combined with Christmas preparations.

Edinburgh is one of the places to go at New Year, there are bands, parties, ceilidhs and all sorts going on.  I won’t be up town tonight with the hoards of revellers (as the media would say) but here, at home, watching the telly, trying to stay awake and then rushing out across the road at midnight to see the legendary Edinburgh fireworks with my family and neighbours.

Lots has happened here this year, you’ve seen the regeneration and other bits too.  January will be a month off from house stuff – wonder how long I’ll last without getting the next thing done or at least organised!

My hall decorations have made me smile this year. I bought them before the hall was painted or the floors done, they kept me going to get the hall done by Christmas.  It was worth all the effort.  When they are gently moving about they really are stunning.

You have no idea how hard it is to get a decent photo of these hall decorations in this winter light, I am still not happy with this one but it does let you see how it looks, sort of. These snowflakes are magical and so simple. I'm tempted to leave them up but i think they are better kept as a Christmas delight
You have no idea how hard it is to get a decent photo of these hall decorations in this winter light, I am still not happy with this one but it does let you see how it looks, sort of. These snowflakes are magical and so simple. I’m tempted to leave them up but i think they are better kept as a Christmas delight

 

a collection of delicious hand made treats beautifully presented from a supercrafty friend
I had to share this collection of delicious hand-made treats, beautifully presented, from a supercrafty friend of mine. The cup on the right is from her wedding party and filled with truffles.  A perfect gift – lots to eat and something to keep,  thanks Sarah x

Have a wonderful Hogmanay, thanks for reading people, it makes me so happy to get  your comments or when you mention my blog when I see you. It matters so much that you take time to keep up with me and I appreciate your support hugely.

Wishing you a fabulous 2014 and let’s keep looking up, not down, no matter how hard it is. xxx

4 December 2013

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walked through the Dean Gallery today - this was looking good against the Edinburgh skyline
walked through the Dean Gallery today – this was looking good against the December Edinburgh skyline
the middle room on sunday, if only we had not possessions
the middle room on sunday, if only we had no possessions

Just a quick post this evening to show you something that always catches my eye and to show you how the middle room is coming on.  I’m sitting at that desk right now and it is looking pretty much the same.  The room seems so big and so calm now, selective restocking of the shelves is required this weekend.  But what will we do with everything else?  There’s no radiator in here at the moment so it’s bloomin’ cold – sitting with my coat and boots on.  Brrrr.

More information about the installation at the Dean Gallery is here.  It is a favourite of mine.

25 October 2013

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Here we are, Friday again and we’re all anticipating the things we’ll do with an extra hour, let’s not worry about how early it will get dark.

Just a few things to share;

The first is the beautiful house we stayed in last weekend in Newcastle’s Gosforth area.  Our pals have not long moved in to it and it is an absolute cracker.  It was built in 1910 and has lots of original features left.  You enter the house via the gorgeous and unusually shaped front door, then you’re hit by the  wood panelling painted white – it really works.  The floor in the hall and the other rooms downstairs is breathtaking too and when you look more closely you notice the inlaid detail round the edges. I was so inspired by the wooden hall that I have had (yet another) sanding floor company round today.  Just cannot decide whether to go for dark or pale boards.  Any advice gratefully received.

floor detail
floor detail
front door
front door – note the built in hatch
tiles in upstairs loo, would be black and white wouldn't they
tiles in upstairs loo, would be black and white wouldn’t they

The other thing that strikes you about the house is the windows, so many bays with the original glazing.  it was hard to capture how stunning they are and how huge!

check this front room's bay, complete with Skylanders, of course
check this front room’s bay, complete with Skylanders, of course

Next thing,

Earthy was looking very seasonal today when I popped in, lovely to see the Halloween thing without hideousness (is that a word).  I’ve never seen so many different types of pumpkins and squashes.

Earthy, Canonmills
Earthy, Canonmills

Lastly, there’s a new place to eat in Edinburgh and here’s the cover for the menu, designed collaboratively by two girls I know.

hope the food is as attractive
hope the food is as attractive

Remember to let me know whether you prefer dark or light wooden stripped floorboards, it’s beginning to get on my nerves that I cannot decide.  Have a fabulous, autumnal weekend. xx

p.s. still no idea what the enamel item from yesterday is