Sitting Comfortably?

You could say our house has a lot of quirks. The ‘1’ on the television remote hasn’t worked in a long time, you sometimes have to hold the button on the kettle down to get the water to boil, the toaster only toasts on one side and the front door occasionally opens itself at the most inopportune times. If that wasn’t bad enough, I recently discovered that I have been sinking ever closer to the floor on the sofa because the springs seem to have gone (strangely only on the side I sit on… trying hard not to read into that one). Bottom line is we need new stuff bad! A sofa will be very bottom of our list as we plan on moving again so I will just have to settle with ogling over my favourites and narrowing down my choices.

Does your house have quirks too?

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My weekend…

We had a somewhat rocky start to our long weekend which began with a horrendous traffic jam which led to sharp words being exchanged in the car which in turn led to us not agreeing on anything for the rest of the day! Do traffic jams bring out the worst in you too? So it was a welcome relief to hop in the car (minus the traffic jams) and enjoy some good food and company with family outside the the confines of the city. The rain managed to hold out for a few minutes for us to snap a couple of pictures of the historic town centre of East Grinstead in West Sussex. Don’t you think the high street looks like it has been frozen in time?

All images via Wishful Thinking

Home is where the heart is!

Could this post title be anymore appropriate for this gem that I found during my usual internet travels over the weekend? I think not. This 1850s converted Stationmaster’s house has got everything I expect from a home: large windows, open fireplaces, interesting table lamps, brightly coloured textiles and furniture, wooden flooring and cluttered surfaces. It is surely not surprising that the owner runs Country Chic, a store selling painted vintage furniture and accessories.

The armchair by the roaring fire looks like a particularly inviting spot to me!

Images via

Ready and waiting!

Is it sad that I have started packing for our trip to Portugal – which is over 3 weeks away? Probably just a little bit, but I was momentarily overcome by excitement! I’ve put together a moodboard of a few of my holiday staples (or everyday summer staples for that matter). So when the sun finally shows up, I’ll be more than prepared!

It’s a long weekend here this weekend and I am very much looking forward to the extra day of R&R! Have a wonderful weekend all!

1. Hat; 2. Vest; 3. Sunglasses; 4. Bracelet; 5. ; 6. Watch; 7. Shorts ; 8. Hairclips; 9. Sandals; 10. Bag

Sun? Wherefore art thou?

I know I have complained about the weather A LOT lately but since we have just passed through the wettest April in recorded history, I  think you will understand my despair! As we are allegedly in a drought (don’t laugh) and are forbidden to use our hosepipes (well there goes my weekend plans), the weather channels are trying to convince us to be happy about the rain. This is proving to be tricky, so much so that I spend even more time daydreaming and reliving past sunny holidays. Today I find myself missing Santorini – the endless blue water, the white washed cave houses, the dry sizzling heat and the warm friendly people. Easily one of the most magical places I have ever visited…

All images via Wishful Thinking

Going Dutch…

I know Dutch doors are featured a lot on blogs all around the world, but I just couldn’t hold back anymore... I just had to post about them. For me, Dutch doors will always evoke thoughts of  warm, inviting entrances, farms and cottages and rowdy children with barking dogs. Apart from making exquisite front doors, I also love to see them used internally and in the garden.

Need I ask if you are a fan?

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A traditional South African winner!

If you have read my blog over the past couple of months, you will know all about my disastrous baking skills. I can’t bake, I hate baking and really, I shouldn’t be allowed to bake – but all in the name my office Ultimate Bake Off, I had to try. So over the past couple of months, I have trial baked streusel cupcakes that were so dry you needed a glass of water to eat them, angel cake that tasted suspiciously like an omelette and lemon slices that were so tart they gave you a temporary facelift. It was clear that I needed to reassess my skills and keep it familiar and simple with a tried-and-tested winner, something I grew up with – South African milktart (if you have never tried it, it’s a delicate vanilla and cinnamon flavoured custard tart, it’s pretty much foolproof). I am relieved to say that minimal tantrums were thrown in the kitchen and it ended up being a great hit at work! If you are a skilled baker, you could do this with your hands tied behind your back, if like me, you are reluctant and rubbish with a flour sift, then you will find this a complete doddle, but either way, the results are delicious!

Do you have traditional family recipes?

Perfect with a strong cup of coffee!