New Linen

I am really very house proud. I love living somewhere comfortable but also attractive and while I wouldn't say I work towards any kind of theme or style, I'm pretty happy that I've created a warm, welcoming home.

That said, it isn't often that we buy new decorator or homewares so when something lovely and new arrives in the house it is quite exciting. This week some glorious new Florence Broadhurst linen arrived courtesy of a great special on Peter's of Kensington. I think it is about 4 years since we had new linen that wasn't plain white sheets, so I couldn't wait to get this on the bed.

S remains unconvinced, I think the move from shades of white to navy blue has somewhat thrown him but I LOVE it. I find myself wandering by the bedroom just to admire it and I love how it makes our bedroom look.

Have you had any exciting homeware purchases recently?

Everything in its place

Yesterday S went back to work.  I however have a blissful extra three days of holidays.  After a super busy year it would not seem unreasonable to spend those days lazing about, but I just cannot do it.  If I want to relax and do nothing I have to go away, at home there is always stuff to do.

I've already taken down all the Christmas decorations, packing them away into their boxes, carefully storing them to be brought out again next Christmas.  That process is always a little sad, putting away the glitter and sparkle that make the house so pretty all December.  And yet when it is done the house somehow looks extra neat and spacious which is enjoyable in itself.

I've also done a few hard gardening sessions.  The poor garden has suffered with the super hot weather and particularly with us being away not doing any watering.  But now that I've mowed, weeded, pruned and swept it all looks so much neater and tidier, if still a little crispy around the edges.

We did a big spring clean just a few months ago so the house is pretty good, but I've still managed to find things to tidy, work clothes to wash and mend, just generally stuff to do.

When I think back to my younger self a few days of cleaning, tidying and organising would have seemed like torture but it is now one of my favourite January activities.  Somehow a good big cleaning session puts me in the right frame of mind to get stuck into a year of work.  Having everything clean and organised makes me feel calm about the challenges to come.  All in all I know that by the time I hit the office next Monday I will feel refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to get stuck into the year ahead and happy about the clean and tidy house I know I have waiting for me at the end of the day.

Do you do a new year's tidy - or am I heading into crazy cleaning lady land?

The game that could add 10 years to your life

I am home.  Home, such a wonderful place.  I love to travel, to go to new places, see new and different things, but every time I travel it just makes me even happier to come to my lovely home.  The familiar and comfortable bed and pillow, the shower that is just right, having everything on hand.  It is actually kind of relaxing to just hang out, doing the washing and ironing (of which there was mountains) and cook a simple meal.  Perfect.

We are, however, horribly jet lagged.  Right now I'm powering through, but I can feel the tiredness at the back of my brain and yet I suspect I will have another night where I wake bright eyed at 1am.  This will be a long week.

So as I'm not yet firing on all cylinders, today's blog is brought to you by a TED talk.  For those of you who aren't familiar with the TED concept, it is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design.  At the TED conferences and TEDx events fascinating thinkers and doers are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes or less).  They cover every topic you can possibly imagine.  Just check the TED website to see the variety.

But the talk I want to link you to is by Jane McGonigal on the game that could add 10 years to your life.  It is about engaging in a fun way in activities that promote well being.  One of those activities is exactly what this blog is about, thinking about positive stuff.  It is a great talk, really something worth thinking about, so if you have a spare 20 minutes, I highly recommend watching it or if you don't look at some pictures of baby animals (then watch the talk so you understand why!).

http://www.ted.com/talks/jane_mcgonigal_the_game_that_can_give_you_10_extra_years_of_life.html

Enjoy!

Home Time

I've had the most fantastic two weeks away discovering Vietnam and Cambodia.  They are both such fascinating and wonderful countries.  Despite dark and devastating pasts, the people seemed so friendly and welcoming to visitors.  The scenery was beautiful and the food amazing.

But one of the things I most love about a holiday, a different country and a change of scenery is how appreciative of home it makes you.

The comfort of your own bed, you own bathroom and different clothes other than what you can cram in a pack.  The joy of being able to drink water from the tap or wash your toothbrush under it.  And the familiar things like weetbix for breakfast, a cup of plain old ordinary tea, even just being able to grab the right note out of your wallet without having to do a close examination.

Even cooking your own dinner or doing the laundry is fun after you have been away (even if that wears off pretty quickly).

But the best part of being home - the people.  Reconnecting with my loved ones.  Now that is what being home is all about.

Spring cleaning

Cleaning - possibly not everyone's idea of a great Sunday. But today I attacked my house with a vengeance. Pretty much every surface has been cleaned - dusted, vacuumed, degreased, scrubbed, wiped, etc.

I did all that stuff you put off, vacuuming out the airducts, cleaning the oven, dusting the hard to reach places. It is a good workout! My arms and back are really telling me I've worked hard.

But now I sit back, in my lovely clean house with such a feeling of satisfaction. It is the best.