A Touch of Tuscany

Earlier this year my parents moved house. 

They bought a bungalow, which despite needing work to update 

has a lovely, homely feel to it. 

Funny how some houses just feel like that...

For the first time ever they also have a FLAT garden. 

They have spent these last days of Summer creating a place to

 sit outside the newly built conservatory (another first).

The colours are bright and immediately conjure up memories of hot countries. 

I absolutely LOVE the bright yellow pallet table and would like one myself 

(HINT)!! ;-)

You can't see but the table has castors on it for ease.

Inspiring yes?
An easy DIY design for next year?
XX

Kindness

Kindness is the act or the state of being kind, being marked by good and charitable  behavior, pleasant disposition, and concern for others. 

It is known as a virtue, and recognized as a value in many cultures and religions. 

Research has shown that acts of kindness does not only benefit receivers of the kind act, but also the giver, as a result of the release of neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of contentment and relaxation when such acts are committed.

(Wikipedia)

I experienced the most random act of kindness yesterday.

Feeling Wholly Thankful.

XX

Noticing

Feeling Bleh after going to bed with a headache which was so awful it stopped me sleeping.

Pounding this morning but once Mr.L had got some tablets, I picked up this afternoon.

Comforting Chocolate!

I am not good at sitting still and relaxing so ended up mooching round the house and noticing things that make me smile.

It made me mindful that this is what home is for, rest & relaxation.

Here's some of what I noticed.

Brightly coloured herbs & spices in my lovingly restored cupboard.

I paste invitations in the back...

Snoopy for Olly's doggy treats ;-)

Mr.L & I bought this for our first home - LOVE!

Pound shop Buddah bought for Daddy from the kids - I used to take them to the pound shop at Christmas and they would go in by themselves to buy family presents. 

Such fun to see what they had bought. Memories, *sigh*.

Little birdy from 'C' (aka best friend ever!) brightening up the hallway.

Love the juxtaposition of these books - my Son's old Lemony Snicket books 

and his current reads! (Note to self - buy him number 7)!

Crazy Wall in my Son's room, some of which we did together.

 If I stop to look I see something new every time!

Bedside & VODKA!! Teenagers! Abigail Ahern Letter A

Memories hung with simple twine & pegs in A's room.

This was my bookcase when I was a baby - now in A's room - 

decorated by her when she was 8 - really love this and hope she keeps it :-)

Baby present - still hung! After all these years.

 Fishes from a dear friend swimming in the bathroom!

Cosy bed with the patchwork made over hours and hours by my lovely Mama - 

We are lucky to have a few and I would never part with them.

Makes a Home...

& The World go round!

Wishing all a Happy Weekend!

XX

Bargain Boots

 I LOVE boots and wear them from September through to April.

 I always look after my footwear and have even spent more than the actual cost of the shoes/boots/sandals having them resoled and re-heeled.

This pair were a bargain whilst looking for sandals in June! 

70% off - always swayed by boots - forget the sandals!!

So here they are! 

May be able to wear to my friend's Cowboy & Indian Wedding next year too :-)

I think they'll go with anything.

Share your Autumn purchases with me!

XX

Welcoming Autumn...

...with a Melt Candle in (one of) my favourite scent :-)

- Saddle, rich woods and spices.

All Melt candles have little beads on a silver wire wrapped around them 

with a few words to encapsulate the scent.

"As the wind swept over the saddle,

it caught it's richness and warmth,

turned it into a 1000 different fragrances 
and scented the world".

Wishing you all an Awesome Autumn.....

XX

MD Formulations Review

As promised, I said I would report back about how I went on with 

MD Formulations Anti Blemish Solution Kit.

I have been really good and washed my face EVERY night

 (I know, I know, dirty mare!)

The Face Wash leaves skin squeaky clean - it said you would have a mild temporary tingling sensation - it stings - still. I have some left and will use it up.

Glycare Lotion applied after cleansing, again it said temporary tingling. Stings - still!

Hydrate Moisturiser - I had to use quite a bit of this product as my skin was thirsty and so it was gone much quicker than everything else, plus it was a minute bottle to start with.

Moisture Defence Eye Cream - lovely product, sank in nicely. Need.To.Use.More.I.Am.44!

Sun Protector - I  like the lightness of this product, didn't seem to block pores or cause me any more problems which is what happened over Summer. May buy this again.

Clearing Complex - Stings!! LOL!. Only need to use a small amount and I only use in the evening as it does say that if it is too strong use once daily.

The bottom line is that this kit did what I wanted it to. 

My skin is definitely clearer and smoother. 

But, I have learnt that at my age this was too strong for my skin - it was thirsty! 

It was stingy!

I will use it up though, don't like waste :-)

Would I use MD Formulations again?

Yes, definitely, just not this kit.

Now I'm off back to my skincare of choice Dermalogica.

My local college is open again and I can buy there slightly cheaper than elsewhere :-)

What's your skincare of choice?

XX

My Friend's Home

 Just to show where I take off to chill! 

To listen, feel, smell, peruse, read, talk, eat, drink & sleep!

The most restful place.....

 

          Imagine collecting these on a bike ride at the road side....

we enjoyed, nuts, figs & blackberries too!

Love the simplicity of this outdoor shower - super rustic!

  Steed for the week...nice to just meander along the many canals, 

drinking in my surroundings thinking of nada!

Meet April! She's a Coton de Tuléar - not to be confused with a Bichon!

How could I leave out this little face? X

Happy, happy weekend!

XX