tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51348267334372508352024-03-19T06:16:09.044+02:00Roses and RustThis blog is a record of things, mostly decor-related, that I find interesting or inspiring. It is also an escape from my slightly chaotic life as a mother of 4 boys. Thanks for visitingSharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.comBlogger321125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-62449431423555268132018-01-21T21:18:00.001+02:002018-01-21T21:18:43.291+02:00Dealing with the Drought - Stylishly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_n4uXZRhg_lvlEOAmVeKq4StJrN6BU9pqvJCdeE5nK2IXiL0N2q_yYRnVIsHTDFAkUe2yc8t9Er1jySyix9_OM6oPwwmrnuMbrJ3xjlZz7zd5Kk1ToehsZLEgUaBapb0R1D4IPLGFQU/s1600/water-rationing-cape-town-696x495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="696" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_n4uXZRhg_lvlEOAmVeKq4StJrN6BU9pqvJCdeE5nK2IXiL0N2q_yYRnVIsHTDFAkUe2yc8t9Er1jySyix9_OM6oPwwmrnuMbrJ3xjlZz7zd5Kk1ToehsZLEgUaBapb0R1D4IPLGFQU/s640/water-rationing-cape-town-696x495.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As my local readers already know, Cape Town is in the grip of the worst drought in over a century, with less than 10% of it's usable water remaining for its residents. If and when we reach day zero, we will have our taps turned off completely and have to queue for our daily allocation of water which is a way of life almost inconceivable to many of us. </div>
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If we are reduced to a daily allowance of 25 litres per person, our morning routines will start to resemble this Degas painting, so lets get prepared people!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bTEgTe4lGLRpNfPgzxEwGJcUqwLPkCGnPvcJI7-36zN0-0b_2K-85GtKF_aFIZrRC49BM35tUvxYbyc8y9wuVB3711js3HYvbaqCz-FQ6Lx27sv_ymO6ikoLQCZzHUQtNnoQau02Rfg/s1600/DT1047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1129" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bTEgTe4lGLRpNfPgzxEwGJcUqwLPkCGnPvcJI7-36zN0-0b_2K-85GtKF_aFIZrRC49BM35tUvxYbyc8y9wuVB3711js3HYvbaqCz-FQ6Lx27sv_ymO6ikoLQCZzHUQtNnoQau02Rfg/s640/DT1047.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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Being a glass half full type of person, I have decided not to dwell on the negative, but to try to make living with the bare minimum of water as stylish as possible. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bx2sCDGvNOLGz_lM4mq54Wg7kqGszAAK3-4XX09yDSgjcRWE78nCJGDqkjv0gM3w6LV5QZeFvLK2MM0lQBPXNQT55QD7o5hdJsW1vZPjSTIgZZT-HubO6LLMtIYupRYEBpJ-fGoX1N0/s1600/o-GLASS-WATER-HALF-FULL-facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bx2sCDGvNOLGz_lM4mq54Wg7kqGszAAK3-4XX09yDSgjcRWE78nCJGDqkjv0gM3w6LV5QZeFvLK2MM0lQBPXNQT55QD7o5hdJsW1vZPjSTIgZZT-HubO6LLMtIYupRYEBpJ-fGoX1N0/s640/o-GLASS-WATER-HALF-FULL-facebook.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We have all got used to the buckets filled with grey water lined up in our loo's to flush when necessary. Instead of the ugly, plastic buckets, why not use these more stylish enamel ones?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM165QjgBf8Pf9zhNVAuvxpMuTCB-RP2NRYMHzAyTrxPDs6kRrhykg5RKc9-ymTWzPZo_XUJQWyxaT_8x-Gm4AlUZfy3hELQLXVlvoVQlVdEEO-pK_LTDwRnbx3ctrk-wYDbwTJ2_F9tY/s1600/528b513e190c1-zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="792" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM165QjgBf8Pf9zhNVAuvxpMuTCB-RP2NRYMHzAyTrxPDs6kRrhykg5RKc9-ymTWzPZo_XUJQWyxaT_8x-Gm4AlUZfy3hELQLXVlvoVQlVdEEO-pK_LTDwRnbx3ctrk-wYDbwTJ2_F9tY/s640/528b513e190c1-zoom.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>
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Even better, try and find one with a lid, especially if you have toddlers in the house...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDxLiHNB5tUVoLOCs1jBn5VL2-TnbPMljNrfcR74XlpbVkL01rb69iDscJi_CXxLb1bjaT5gXei9jeAf_ZaA5ZdJBiZ5iAVDdknqH5V8UAWiG9SgnB2zzKuaJPzZkO53-CopsnZe6Zc4/s1600/pg31927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDxLiHNB5tUVoLOCs1jBn5VL2-TnbPMljNrfcR74XlpbVkL01rb69iDscJi_CXxLb1bjaT5gXei9jeAf_ZaA5ZdJBiZ5iAVDdknqH5V8UAWiG9SgnB2zzKuaJPzZkO53-CopsnZe6Zc4/s640/pg31927.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Instead of washing hands after using the loo, supply some hand sanitiser instead. I like this simply packaged one from from Charlotte Rhys.</div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfiuu41J6seVXxdkYECMmE6rT336nB4iLPfEZ-Om8sXI6mOE-8uQp057IwjDSUojCFAtqREOreFosCdSSbXW94NUqHTG_w5GDtXPkgp8Gqt1C1XRxd_LDj7d2f7jpa6ff1ilX8ycbLO4/s1600/300ml_cr_waterless_hand_sanitiser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfiuu41J6seVXxdkYECMmE6rT336nB4iLPfEZ-Om8sXI6mOE-8uQp057IwjDSUojCFAtqREOreFosCdSSbXW94NUqHTG_w5GDtXPkgp8Gqt1C1XRxd_LDj7d2f7jpa6ff1ilX8ycbLO4/s640/300ml_cr_waterless_hand_sanitiser.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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....or buy an inexpensive version in bulk and decant it into a stylish glass spray bottle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEEaTMTf9sMxTKEOt1-a8aqDPoO_5iWTP1ImUivfPB_57mKzhg7kx70Gq7Hr6E0ppTuJ1GI0L_xhbTmINvDeKPVNRiklf2dMnl482D0Y5oaI39OZ2jZ9P3v5BUJZmmUuv2D_WBcACLOc/s1600/Empty-Amber-Glass-Spray-Bottles-with-Labels-2-Pack-16oz-Refillable-Container-for-Essential-Oils-Cleaning-Products-or-Aromatherapy-_1586144_90eb1314c91261c2f697177cc2b11fad_t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="252" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEEaTMTf9sMxTKEOt1-a8aqDPoO_5iWTP1ImUivfPB_57mKzhg7kx70Gq7Hr6E0ppTuJ1GI0L_xhbTmINvDeKPVNRiklf2dMnl482D0Y5oaI39OZ2jZ9P3v5BUJZmmUuv2D_WBcACLOc/s640/Empty-Amber-Glass-Spray-Bottles-with-Labels-2-Pack-16oz-Refillable-Container-for-Essential-Oils-Cleaning-Products-or-Aromatherapy-_1586144_90eb1314c91261c2f697177cc2b11fad_t.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
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Opt for putting your bath towels in the sun every day to dry out - you will need to wash them less often as the sun kills bacteria. Find yourself an attractive free standing towel rail to put in a sunny corner of your bedroom or bathroom....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlcLKmWBdlYGUF968BflrcqwAq6HkfersWr86KVe0jQVWXRHi_cVOhBWRi2m5VowTPA33tVPK6Z81kXUUrg2xtRizIjPDxri_jQZDTeBb3F-iic6G27qs__cY2VDUMkm3Cj-pibqw7gQ/s1600/t399-antique-cream-freestanding-towel-rail-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlcLKmWBdlYGUF968BflrcqwAq6HkfersWr86KVe0jQVWXRHi_cVOhBWRi2m5VowTPA33tVPK6Z81kXUUrg2xtRizIjPDxri_jQZDTeBb3F-iic6G27qs__cY2VDUMkm3Cj-pibqw7gQ/s640/t399-antique-cream-freestanding-towel-rail-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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...or move it out into the garden during the day</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvErHxKEYBFX-R7uWuWO7fjTCTRN4kTC2q4NXIOG11PLKSs3gi1LQ2sfs5GuTvZNlHi2IUMhsi9ydPYUuve_nedVxk4Mo_3kFy76MkOEdV7Hmb6mIiwBGj1R9brXvHBgKQJDSwUQYSao/s1600/%2524_75.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="244" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvErHxKEYBFX-R7uWuWO7fjTCTRN4kTC2q4NXIOG11PLKSs3gi1LQ2sfs5GuTvZNlHi2IUMhsi9ydPYUuve_nedVxk4Mo_3kFy76MkOEdV7Hmb6mIiwBGj1R9brXvHBgKQJDSwUQYSao/s640/%2524_75.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Use an enamel basin for washing in your bathroom so the water doesn't disappear down the drain. Instead, redistribute it for flushing the loo or in your garden. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQabPZge200NLKoxIIC8I12SKI-cWxZUvE9E7N6FNFXivyeaKFEcDMPmy0_i0R74cO64Y81fGHx6MH-cidFI-drZSOkmo8YLqn6Fx7JoxMb-UlOOO-vAUnC-rfdTjOqxTvg_bwrAETyu8/s1600/enamel-basin-25458-lifestyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="390" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQabPZge200NLKoxIIC8I12SKI-cWxZUvE9E7N6FNFXivyeaKFEcDMPmy0_i0R74cO64Y81fGHx6MH-cidFI-drZSOkmo8YLqn6Fx7JoxMb-UlOOO-vAUnC-rfdTjOqxTvg_bwrAETyu8/s640/enamel-basin-25458-lifestyle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you can find an old enamel jug as well, even better. If we get to the point of having no water coming out of our taps, a jug like this filled with water for washing will look much better than any plastic container.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8ng-IQvtxLun1T1vxAYc5yGpH3csXsOfPIJjccRHKhMms4PsiUtfoZ0ilxG8MWjSypRqRiPIcMjocpsOFuPfQLVoFO6hYIdJAzN3eXHGornp_eaoNTysw0N72fazkI8ngfybE_kUYyc/s1600/fcbae66922b5e132bcc68e5eb0973e6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8ng-IQvtxLun1T1vxAYc5yGpH3csXsOfPIJjccRHKhMms4PsiUtfoZ0ilxG8MWjSypRqRiPIcMjocpsOFuPfQLVoFO6hYIdJAzN3eXHGornp_eaoNTysw0N72fazkI8ngfybE_kUYyc/s640/fcbae66922b5e132bcc68e5eb0973e6a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Use a glass of water for teeth brushing, leaving a little to rinse the toothbrush, instead of a running tap.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBeyD19kn5ji4ngEjO2brg1FZY3MDB7bJtmk1ukf4H88xzq98PnDA3_XL2RXzhlivBIREOYNnphwb_-P9YC5hOjTdmTuTNzSwRYdln_jEFXZTK_jMeGdlsXLzV8nJn9Bh1Xn-VWbVlTk/s1600/c534d3b2695bfaa69ed69bde660b50bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="564" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBeyD19kn5ji4ngEjO2brg1FZY3MDB7bJtmk1ukf4H88xzq98PnDA3_XL2RXzhlivBIREOYNnphwb_-P9YC5hOjTdmTuTNzSwRYdln_jEFXZTK_jMeGdlsXLzV8nJn9Bh1Xn-VWbVlTk/s640/c534d3b2695bfaa69ed69bde660b50bf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Wash you hair less often, use a dry shampoo for inbetween days and invest in a stylish hat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggod9alZ3UjCh3olWRq0iV63j0tVowAlGUOAAomBWFtism3y8dW_vi4eGwoh95QsmwaZixFU83WZMMCSWFccU0rlDizStpFCZE7WUx9tyDC-HuLVl5D_YVDep1mmxeKKqpA-Lxg62TiPs/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="644" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggod9alZ3UjCh3olWRq0iV63j0tVowAlGUOAAomBWFtism3y8dW_vi4eGwoh95QsmwaZixFU83WZMMCSWFccU0rlDizStpFCZE7WUx9tyDC-HuLVl5D_YVDep1mmxeKKqpA-Lxg62TiPs/s640/Capture.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Instead of washing your face with water, use Micellar Water to cleanse, no rinsing required.</div>
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In the kitchen, fill a handsome water dispenser like this one with drinking water and place it on your counter.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvkvxZgcrzYVjCpA1hopR-3h1LR-GygWUrNPnuwY8KyGAMyGp9RZq2HfGnGzhfypJgT8Zqfkz45jHJlCyjDJkuaHF4qJAL1NOKnEVejWKaJQpnhbhL8up3gHhsdSg2KehIvyFLGsqA-A/s1600/picture20151127101903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvkvxZgcrzYVjCpA1hopR-3h1LR-GygWUrNPnuwY8KyGAMyGp9RZq2HfGnGzhfypJgT8Zqfkz45jHJlCyjDJkuaHF4qJAL1NOKnEVejWKaJQpnhbhL8up3gHhsdSg2KehIvyFLGsqA-A/s640/picture20151127101903.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Instead of using ice, keep these reuable whisky rocks in your freezer to cool down your drink.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGP6bGfbJawSEcyaCN5VYIxjnSXGVXENq3cq_YnLu1kwagMCk068ns89JbcShs0-ioyfiA5xjcp6vg49MzYOKIbMmIfaXFBvAa_QQOxJwj4vowi0yZEzcruwJJyiFVSBcblQe1jHgCLAY/s1600/otherpicture320131213153528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGP6bGfbJawSEcyaCN5VYIxjnSXGVXENq3cq_YnLu1kwagMCk068ns89JbcShs0-ioyfiA5xjcp6vg49MzYOKIbMmIfaXFBvAa_QQOxJwj4vowi0yZEzcruwJJyiFVSBcblQe1jHgCLAY/s640/otherpicture320131213153528.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Use a basin inside your sink for washing your dishes. It makes it a lot easier to collect your grey water.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnis-I-l3wZkwR0uFMFE8b6r_UghlfjEaUdYYy6KPyjUzWG3VLyoiIb-jqueuDa4dWMx7JANTbdEIEBHetw42rOkMLvg1VSiPPzMfqazYHv6LJZyR2FUT9X77KWpEbeYS1QEjA2dwlM8/s1600/69e3983187360974183ee5a7ee99116d--rustic-bathrooms-wash-tub-sink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="236" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnis-I-l3wZkwR0uFMFE8b6r_UghlfjEaUdYYy6KPyjUzWG3VLyoiIb-jqueuDa4dWMx7JANTbdEIEBHetw42rOkMLvg1VSiPPzMfqazYHv6LJZyR2FUT9X77KWpEbeYS1QEjA2dwlM8/s640/69e3983187360974183ee5a7ee99116d--rustic-bathrooms-wash-tub-sink.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Did you perhaps get one of those silver napkin rings inscribed with your name when you were christened. Now is the time to get them out of the archives. Reuse your napkins for a few meals before you wash them. More enviro-friendly than using paper napkins. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgeAsIIjJQAHrfH0LPtDgBgJOkvqliNEpe4HZv2cGez_odFz_afKv9BMIlX-AAj5olAJfBh1zINWNyrl9Jw2_l8TN7wWe0wVdZn0rmHY4UpkSKLjRc6PKZiOzTRf1t67k6vO2HBk_oT4/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="237" height="575" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgeAsIIjJQAHrfH0LPtDgBgJOkvqliNEpe4HZv2cGez_odFz_afKv9BMIlX-AAj5olAJfBh1zINWNyrl9Jw2_l8TN7wWe0wVdZn0rmHY4UpkSKLjRc6PKZiOzTRf1t67k6vO2HBk_oT4/s640/images.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Steam your veggies instead of boiling them - it uses much less water and is healthier.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwqMy0EQ3AwWtgq1IJk3H2tKSVBtEyMgEh8Qsj6dIwQ-UYc8DgoFV0kN1wYc7RghF2NSpCslSs4HhCWYWv3gJMOEy4Yv7m9qLZvb3rFNkQUu9tcR1qK_L6e0eIwUg1PIdRYDsM_DeAQM/s1600/picture20170421150825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwqMy0EQ3AwWtgq1IJk3H2tKSVBtEyMgEh8Qsj6dIwQ-UYc8DgoFV0kN1wYc7RghF2NSpCslSs4HhCWYWv3gJMOEy4Yv7m9qLZvb3rFNkQUu9tcR1qK_L6e0eIwUg1PIdRYDsM_DeAQM/s640/picture20170421150825.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now some ideas for your garden... if your rainwater tank is in a highly visible position, perhaps disguise it with trellising, latte or bamboo. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDgQGH-hZ4xx1mDI5kbAVAlElcQ1boNGMcGYoSeE5oh5MMvzXteaNDFcBFQ3qHQLWs2IHQ8TX31lknNoE40PbDhEUWPTcM9vakLEFvPIuXfqSte7ytKES8ltXDxKLK9rJJXd2MtsseZc/s1600/2098b7b18328503226c0b0dfe8719185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDgQGH-hZ4xx1mDI5kbAVAlElcQ1boNGMcGYoSeE5oh5MMvzXteaNDFcBFQ3qHQLWs2IHQ8TX31lknNoE40PbDhEUWPTcM9vakLEFvPIuXfqSte7ytKES8ltXDxKLK9rJJXd2MtsseZc/s640/2098b7b18328503226c0b0dfe8719185.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJPVApkaGDhcjOTBoExhA5i4HIyL3H5sDrNutqf72ilO7VXegWPassvVg2jMbLB9vBivHNlExjE9d8xKf8tIn9VIX7BivuO1GPDK459Rz0qDEALs2MnRKklqNeDQwlbP0GBOW3mPSzF8/s1600/a6b93f1d0a8dd07a673fd66bdea0b14a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="564" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJPVApkaGDhcjOTBoExhA5i4HIyL3H5sDrNutqf72ilO7VXegWPassvVg2jMbLB9vBivHNlExjE9d8xKf8tIn9VIX7BivuO1GPDK459Rz0qDEALs2MnRKklqNeDQwlbP0GBOW3mPSzF8/s640/a6b93f1d0a8dd07a673fd66bdea0b14a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKq5KYYfhw7_XzYV3ug82tGn5BiM_j39mqifYOZVH8pSgT5z4DA-gAONE1mmJCHYSRB-e7eTCT2nWrxtYeuk-s-3roIbKMsVcx4RAIVG49TUCITsiE_ayunR5MxyZzqAKysBfgO6Hpgw/s1600/a0021fd56253275bb495f088eee6cfb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="426" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKq5KYYfhw7_XzYV3ug82tGn5BiM_j39mqifYOZVH8pSgT5z4DA-gAONE1mmJCHYSRB-e7eTCT2nWrxtYeuk-s-3roIbKMsVcx4RAIVG49TUCITsiE_ayunR5MxyZzqAKysBfgO6Hpgw/s640/a0021fd56253275bb495f088eee6cfb4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Place a good looking galvanised watering can just outside your door for any grey water destined for the garden. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKQ6NnpSndLATuZMBRXEj4nxlM6IdDzMBBSSRRFzwB363HwppVqefm5MzS0zWXD4FX-3whDYPl4mCmoHd1mR4OQRpVg3uI9oaDL3y17Q815Z4u0nRKN8ZLCVypIso1cBoiqN3V5-KBnM/s1600/81wm1jLIHhL._SX524_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="524" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKQ6NnpSndLATuZMBRXEj4nxlM6IdDzMBBSSRRFzwB363HwppVqefm5MzS0zWXD4FX-3whDYPl4mCmoHd1mR4OQRpVg3uI9oaDL3y17Q815Z4u0nRKN8ZLCVypIso1cBoiqN3V5-KBnM/s640/81wm1jLIHhL._SX524_.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Collect your fruit and veg skins, tea leaves and other suitable waste in an attractive compost container. Regularly add them to your compost heap - compost rich soil retains moisture much better.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuEAkN5fGaGdOSytKPJNiF-2V5PH6acp4OYZXykWUmtu7ErkJDEJcRsJ_aDsL56DpGOfjroDwPEzA_FuBPu_ev5UocTacAJ4liV62qdDAcQ3z-1I0y_TkafLGocf-hgXu78TgIRXsuVk/s1600/picture20150729101030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuEAkN5fGaGdOSytKPJNiF-2V5PH6acp4OYZXykWUmtu7ErkJDEJcRsJ_aDsL56DpGOfjroDwPEzA_FuBPu_ev5UocTacAJ4liV62qdDAcQ3z-1I0y_TkafLGocf-hgXu78TgIRXsuVk/s640/picture20150729101030.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Plant only drought tolerant plants like lavendar, succulents and olive trees and replace lawn with gravel or pavers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0b3GW_HoHyPOEnBwcx6zDZo8L16MRwCSoVNf2kaArEHWpfnLc-O5QzusH1cersD9Hdbhijd0Ks62YTjZqfOu-XHMEIfWmPsdl3DAT_ijDxapezRpnRGMU1GQHWV8xSxOyWengbAAj6kI/s1600/b51a0afa03cb7bfa6bd3c9ba7633ad4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0b3GW_HoHyPOEnBwcx6zDZo8L16MRwCSoVNf2kaArEHWpfnLc-O5QzusH1cersD9Hdbhijd0Ks62YTjZqfOu-XHMEIfWmPsdl3DAT_ijDxapezRpnRGMU1GQHWV8xSxOyWengbAAj6kI/s640/b51a0afa03cb7bfa6bd3c9ba7633ad4b.jpg" width="502" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcHLpJN5ifjO6yYz_UkMaVmCDdM4DwGk5_HOdlvkmsvW4t_cV-JHhdPyqTwzFv6rVmbx7dLK2SC_fvrytVlDI7TgW9Rcrh5LvbCpNcnMd1raXxBqws-aecpVTHcqEPqBLFaVPXLt6FM8/s1600/2f6c185aa63da88c1ce0c58a33e877ac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcHLpJN5ifjO6yYz_UkMaVmCDdM4DwGk5_HOdlvkmsvW4t_cV-JHhdPyqTwzFv6rVmbx7dLK2SC_fvrytVlDI7TgW9Rcrh5LvbCpNcnMd1raXxBqws-aecpVTHcqEPqBLFaVPXLt6FM8/s640/2f6c185aa63da88c1ce0c58a33e877ac.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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or, dare I say it, how about some artificial turf - you will never have a brown lawn again!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UKzhV7_YGO5TSP0jymvxrj3BjLqCvg5oxKtq3aeC6MBC0FgcSQx89Bsef7yIutlNhM6ksy8aqiqQ-ClceJsMua_uLVjWcA9dez0nuniR8HfWA49d-SVyTvPfOVY3ui3bbss91j0ZM00/s1600/9e33d221407559648d6a96696f400dc4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UKzhV7_YGO5TSP0jymvxrj3BjLqCvg5oxKtq3aeC6MBC0FgcSQx89Bsef7yIutlNhM6ksy8aqiqQ-ClceJsMua_uLVjWcA9dez0nuniR8HfWA49d-SVyTvPfOVY3ui3bbss91j0ZM00/s640/9e33d221407559648d6a96696f400dc4.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pdZH-vEDeDTMvtXVjv7w-F8HseiRk3TbxFT-Sn148ZiFChNooAReHQVRYR27ODZVuw9p2KcLRrb7ig-uP-PnMUTwyQn8aCXjFJtRw175ZhJvKB6jDjK9336a91v80zdttvk14Q3dsQE/s1600/a096b8c97da2e2375f54689ed3cd3430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="564" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pdZH-vEDeDTMvtXVjv7w-F8HseiRk3TbxFT-Sn148ZiFChNooAReHQVRYR27ODZVuw9p2KcLRrb7ig-uP-PnMUTwyQn8aCXjFJtRw175ZhJvKB6jDjK9336a91v80zdttvk14Q3dsQE/s640/a096b8c97da2e2375f54689ed3cd3430.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finally, Capetonians, you have never had a better reason to drink less water and more wine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeo9e7XYPdCDgHJc1ndndLE8eT9-OW-T5qkZ5Wvieqc3QCvQQiPEo8QBaswo2k990AekZLsh79QEoFVq5O2Cg6oNrEdGScZLHZf0yCIXsSc5Ve-60J-kt2X8OfWtKLiHY2VPheI4Ook5U/s1600/23-wine.w710.h473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="710" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeo9e7XYPdCDgHJc1ndndLE8eT9-OW-T5qkZ5Wvieqc3QCvQQiPEo8QBaswo2k990AekZLsh79QEoFVq5O2Cg6oNrEdGScZLHZf0yCIXsSc5Ve-60J-kt2X8OfWtKLiHY2VPheI4Ook5U/s640/23-wine.w710.h473.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So there you are - my tips for staying stylish sans water!</div>
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Till next time</div>
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Sharon x</div>
Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-1518746636477123922017-12-22T12:27:00.001+02:002017-12-22T12:27:28.022+02:00Christmas <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneWj32T8kUBFCE6LSzdp50KChUEiNazlZDVvmZ8AT8gzpOAp487iH13AfjR-fkNz52HvdLHsA1UWFCTIz15oKpGa73M4FuNxsV1aUOTG4B03AqNESGMmy9NzRQ2gH9cuMdbcAN4mfAV0/s1600/DSC_0344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneWj32T8kUBFCE6LSzdp50KChUEiNazlZDVvmZ8AT8gzpOAp487iH13AfjR-fkNz52HvdLHsA1UWFCTIz15oKpGa73M4FuNxsV1aUOTG4B03AqNESGMmy9NzRQ2gH9cuMdbcAN4mfAV0/s640/DSC_0344.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Apologies for my long absence... I hope there are still some of you out there reading this! I've realised that blogging regularly requires quite a bit of discipline and sadly, I'm not as disciplined as I'd like to be. I somehow got out of the habit and struggled to get back into it. I have missed it though so am going to make it a New Year resolution to blog more regularly. On second thoughts, that's a bad idea - I'm useless at sticking to New Year resolutions. Let's just say I'll be trying much harder from now on. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplG80tnD6GdyvVH9xLni9ukjXxuuDPfeMklz1n8R-59j99R8yi6kBTLPzyVOWxRzOiL3DdOJ4_tnwZcMqIEQMI3dK7DZGh_9u1nKgjLUYuhVW75gqcCyf0Cs7h6TI1S6Y0Cybmm-VBic/s1600/DSC_0005+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1193" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplG80tnD6GdyvVH9xLni9ukjXxuuDPfeMklz1n8R-59j99R8yi6kBTLPzyVOWxRzOiL3DdOJ4_tnwZcMqIEQMI3dK7DZGh_9u1nKgjLUYuhVW75gqcCyf0Cs7h6TI1S6Y0Cybmm-VBic/s640/DSC_0005+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have been quite restrained with my Christmas decorations this year. I find that every year I tend to put out less and less stuff. I also include much less colour, tending to stick to the natural and neutral with touches of gold and silver. When my kids were young they were drawn to the bright and shiny, and the decorations were all red and green. I found this photo, below, from about 8 years ago. I haven't used this wreath for many years now, but am hanging onto it because hopefully one day I'll have some grandchildren that will appreciate it! (It might just disintegrate before then)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NrAxUJmO51qsPZ8FVln0b3qE6m0Spz5N5bqGrzafc2Zr0N_R3qfK40izYIopJatrNgeMVYIV7mWLaqbZqxD37_fPpgCR9BkG10djCPRCinAL2JVgTjQdkQiAZ0zYiEHtFvUwq7mowQM/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NrAxUJmO51qsPZ8FVln0b3qE6m0Spz5N5bqGrzafc2Zr0N_R3qfK40izYIopJatrNgeMVYIV7mWLaqbZqxD37_fPpgCR9BkG10djCPRCinAL2JVgTjQdkQiAZ0zYiEHtFvUwq7mowQM/s640/034.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now that the boys are all teenagers and older, they don't really notice things like Christmas decorations. That would involve turning their heads away from the PlayStation and that's not going to happen! The upside is that I can indulge my own ideas without interference. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mNnbBlsz-31KzJgWU8yHAxqvVreHrLlN3WNPAZz-oB2VD4Op649-SiHwNdV2xLTDqP3K4cjaDkDKtU21rmJB0AgM84-TKJ5rEx1ap0fCIuAp2ggUJrfUVmg_ir5XJ2QxE6SB4PkgPNQ/s1600/DSC_0003+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1600" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mNnbBlsz-31KzJgWU8yHAxqvVreHrLlN3WNPAZz-oB2VD4Op649-SiHwNdV2xLTDqP3K4cjaDkDKtU21rmJB0AgM84-TKJ5rEx1ap0fCIuAp2ggUJrfUVmg_ir5XJ2QxE6SB4PkgPNQ/s640/DSC_0003+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This scene above my mantel feels a bit like a white Christmas. In those blazing hot summer days here in Cape Town I imagine myself lying in the snow somewhere freezing. My friend, Jacqui, just spent some time at the Ice Hotel in Sweden. I was as green as a Christmas tree with envy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0gxRD9DA-g8VP5YWiEUIlsCKJ8xi1jsjU2sQ5bWOijT58YczEu-Ykh3md9WhRtIGiaF6zdJAD7YoicvUbxfiLDfsDbN4Wk9A5ZmVbp65QgKqYSjewosa8ZUjjrOBhy7tvRd0JbYd1Ic/s1600/DSC_0004+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0gxRD9DA-g8VP5YWiEUIlsCKJ8xi1jsjU2sQ5bWOijT58YczEu-Ykh3md9WhRtIGiaF6zdJAD7YoicvUbxfiLDfsDbN4Wk9A5ZmVbp65QgKqYSjewosa8ZUjjrOBhy7tvRd0JbYd1Ic/s640/DSC_0004+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The boys' Christmas sacks are out waiting to be filled by Father Christmas. They might have lost a bit of interest in the Christmas decorations but they certainly haven't lost interest in the gifts! They are stuffed with newspaper for now, and might not look quite as abundant on Christmas morning. (What was I thinking making such huge Christmas stockings!?!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoA02xHKFzlrnGB8OZYjVOgBLv152OODCLcz34zTBYeaTHIxWzBw2d9dEZLgMGb6I6TE3ueiTbRAjl_pdaxKRK4RumcDCnVqII-pr02zNL0BwXWMkkVlAVi-LGYiX-F1V1R4I-kT-H3Q/s1600/DSC_0345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoA02xHKFzlrnGB8OZYjVOgBLv152OODCLcz34zTBYeaTHIxWzBw2d9dEZLgMGb6I6TE3ueiTbRAjl_pdaxKRK4RumcDCnVqII-pr02zNL0BwXWMkkVlAVi-LGYiX-F1V1R4I-kT-H3Q/s640/DSC_0345.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As usual other peoples ideas are always much better than mine. Here are some pictures found on the web which really appealed because of their simplicity....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHY-_t7q5OdxnpwRtdjfLRIrf85V0ZZoCGlsJGtuYR4OxVPNnOm1Z0cMfuh8czf_HjnVYUOox3q8LrvYbfnyvrScEh3r0TjmXGomFlerYXT0ryFVDoKwob_VSC2qQ0VugNta2mIyqDy8/s1600/pinecones-mantle-1209-de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="360" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHY-_t7q5OdxnpwRtdjfLRIrf85V0ZZoCGlsJGtuYR4OxVPNnOm1Z0cMfuh8czf_HjnVYUOox3q8LrvYbfnyvrScEh3r0TjmXGomFlerYXT0ryFVDoKwob_VSC2qQ0VugNta2mIyqDy8/s640/pinecones-mantle-1209-de.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Frosted pine cones in silver containers under a cloche, so easy and so effective...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOO6YuiOfSvZccbegPiZdgkfHx9O9990Ns48zHJiJ12GmPyHJIxnHHYvUBS-1GObwY9cTq6BGm5hZ7kSWuDOyB9lfTIEgpXFHezeuWjGE3HGmxTZ9eU2sFQgMjPLNwWQDDMqgKMbw7lQ/s1600/Decor+from+ipad11+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOO6YuiOfSvZccbegPiZdgkfHx9O9990Ns48zHJiJ12GmPyHJIxnHHYvUBS-1GObwY9cTq6BGm5hZ7kSWuDOyB9lfTIEgpXFHezeuWjGE3HGmxTZ9eU2sFQgMjPLNwWQDDMqgKMbw7lQ/s640/Decor+from+ipad11+032.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Tea lights in pretty holders and a pine branch...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBsMLaYBLR2IJNJb5QgpIiIEbl_A3TEpdxkr5d8EK2iM7aLjYWPHQyloixWgldKsVGGzb7s7jqTypJ6WtsjZA9luuTWiOqeTw-2C9X-NWkKK1HjyuBJ88Zv826fmnY1-TpAUksBQb3Pg/s1600/tumblr_lw7u0jdMU91qa0kxuo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBsMLaYBLR2IJNJb5QgpIiIEbl_A3TEpdxkr5d8EK2iM7aLjYWPHQyloixWgldKsVGGzb7s7jqTypJ6WtsjZA9luuTWiOqeTw-2C9X-NWkKK1HjyuBJ88Zv826fmnY1-TpAUksBQb3Pg/s640/tumblr_lw7u0jdMU91qa0kxuo1_500.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Baubles in a rustic urn....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uvLADLN3z0Q4PHQbIt26KtdJSgFaYyzULgjuGj78A-ZW4x5dTfw11TXpPcpcbrCpbukgEITryuu_cgxz7OV3e4AsWE7acFlqpWqlL3v3VeTesiTpzOJOit-vJXx2ACE7ngD42eLh82Q/s1600/tumblr_lw7u1xT4hp1qa0kxuo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uvLADLN3z0Q4PHQbIt26KtdJSgFaYyzULgjuGj78A-ZW4x5dTfw11TXpPcpcbrCpbukgEITryuu_cgxz7OV3e4AsWE7acFlqpWqlL3v3VeTesiTpzOJOit-vJXx2ACE7ngD42eLh82Q/s640/tumblr_lw7u1xT4hp1qa0kxuo1_500.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Wooden beads and white birds in a tree....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFFQr5UDV0ZiuwEXycBriNLl_zd-eDeZKduLhpyybmRfgaOcfqPgi_2W7iJy6L-Ppfii2smTd7aaWmesmy_z2BAPRXVMqAcycKhB_jsf_tLgelgu_l9vOUX-bW6G46GrEy8LaR_E2sgY/s1600/via+sabon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="500" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFFQr5UDV0ZiuwEXycBriNLl_zd-eDeZKduLhpyybmRfgaOcfqPgi_2W7iJy6L-Ppfii2smTd7aaWmesmy_z2BAPRXVMqAcycKhB_jsf_tLgelgu_l9vOUX-bW6G46GrEy8LaR_E2sgY/s640/via+sabon2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Fairy lights under a cloche....</div>
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<img height="640" src="https://i.pinimg.com/236x/c0/3f/66/c03f6661a2422b3447e8881df887f3d2--driftwood-christmas-tree-christmas-tree-ideas.jpg" width="273" /></div>
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I think these trees made out of drift wood are a lot more suited to a South African Christmas than the traditional fir tree. Especially in drought-ridden Cape Town at the moment with our parched gardens, we should be able to find a lot of dead wood lying around!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicggmBvV8YiC6xodu8TakTM8PBlRvN86awoNkzYvIleG5ZcDIn4XDsYcX0tee3K2mXmk8tc5mP-radEPtZUal-W8r37fKZup1808K5zG7HImyzaolLdhY4Z6kBm34CQYngnI14LT8aEJg/s1600/xmas+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicggmBvV8YiC6xodu8TakTM8PBlRvN86awoNkzYvIleG5ZcDIn4XDsYcX0tee3K2mXmk8tc5mP-radEPtZUal-W8r37fKZup1808K5zG7HImyzaolLdhY4Z6kBm34CQYngnI14LT8aEJg/s640/xmas+001.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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How about paper trees? The boys could use their school books. It would probably be the best use they would make of them all year!</div>
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<img alt="." src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/85/f5/7c/85f57c8d7e34696d376363a83f06a460.jpg" /></div>
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Love this idea.... just simple foliage in a silver vessel. I could use my silver trophies. I have quite a good collection, not through any sporting or academic prowess, just excellent shopping skills!</div>
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<img alt="Fresh olive branch wreath with gold bells - neutral, fresh Christmas" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/77/78/87/777887717fdddcc8190216ad8e2099ab.jpg" /></div>
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And finally, a wreath made from an olive branch and some Christmas bells. </div>
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On that note, wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas filled with peace, love and laughter.</div>
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Till next time (and there is going to be a next time, I promise)....</div>
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Sharon x</div>
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For some more Christmas ideas, visit my Pinterest page <a href="https://za.pinterest.com/shanleejohnson/christmas/">here</a>.<br />
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<br />Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-1238649621352327492017-08-13T17:52:00.002+02:002017-08-13T17:52:59.741+02:00Have you Heard of Hygge?<div style="text-align: center;">
Pronounced "hueguh", hygge is a Danish word, loosely translated as cosiness, togetherness, conviviality, comfort and contentment. The Afrikaans word "geselligheid" is a good description.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gwQ0LXIgmT41yYuaM6A_UGGjMEwZB05pieon6c_skZ4n0zj_iZ6jk9bP9kgr5m8f6g0CQGABuSCRh6rGJkVlOGYi6T8lLesUKrMYJurOvH6QvZoioNSselu3hI4UNSbZvWdC7cfD4BM/s1600/IMG_2846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gwQ0LXIgmT41yYuaM6A_UGGjMEwZB05pieon6c_skZ4n0zj_iZ6jk9bP9kgr5m8f6g0CQGABuSCRh6rGJkVlOGYi6T8lLesUKrMYJurOvH6QvZoioNSselu3hI4UNSbZvWdC7cfD4BM/s640/IMG_2846.JPG" width="510" /></a></div>
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The Danes are one of the happiest nations on earth so perhaps it's worth paying attention to the concept of hygge. While I don't believe that anyone can be in a state of perpetual happiness (unless you are smoking something which might come with its own set of problems), I do think a state of general contentment with moments of pure happiness is worth pursuing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGMrDUjmimYXrEiYk6bTrvCMZ-vYjRJRzRY6aFLD7d2p6TkbC4ttXSrWAkR16bRXDMV4Gh8psJtofyl5XF2hJnSNaRiZ9fWovHrrdsZejCci-DKOzcFWnwrekfn6RI94oxdT2gRQPzMM/s1600/via+simplypix2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="500" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGMrDUjmimYXrEiYk6bTrvCMZ-vYjRJRzRY6aFLD7d2p6TkbC4ttXSrWAkR16bRXDMV4Gh8psJtofyl5XF2hJnSNaRiZ9fWovHrrdsZejCci-DKOzcFWnwrekfn6RI94oxdT2gRQPzMM/s640/via+simplypix2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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So how do we create hygge in our homes? </div>
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It's not about doing specific things, eating specific food or having a particular style of decor. It is more about creating an atmosphere of comfort and contentment that makes you feel happy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLWp2Iv6kkp1Xr8wC47nkvchkzM-oN7BGkfgSrwDmBwXUn4Lmx2-TSmIfwwT3BJhl5bJsfkphW7jAzuTbEo5KNCwxUZ-2fXKD3bDH7HcRNB8Iz_m0JmoDjN43iZuwvLHj3GA8y0c6d2k/s1600/NewbyTeas_Silken_Pyramids_Masala_Chai_Autumn_RGB-675x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="675" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLWp2Iv6kkp1Xr8wC47nkvchkzM-oN7BGkfgSrwDmBwXUn4Lmx2-TSmIfwwT3BJhl5bJsfkphW7jAzuTbEo5KNCwxUZ-2fXKD3bDH7HcRNB8Iz_m0JmoDjN43iZuwvLHj3GA8y0c6d2k/s640/NewbyTeas_Silken_Pyramids_Masala_Chai_Autumn_RGB-675x450.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It tends to be associated more with winter - think fires, blankets, candles and hot drinks....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6155o7AjAZ4_MjKz6DL09HSADB2b-MwPyttnyEmKWms9W0IX0jLaIMCb5oUJ5N1HF2M4cMExsFoRI7q_astI-h0tF6why34kPNFMzfXze7Myw75vm7_1gmGpoDaM0X4YKSPg7pbDHIw/s1600/via+crush+cul+de+sac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="394" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6155o7AjAZ4_MjKz6DL09HSADB2b-MwPyttnyEmKWms9W0IX0jLaIMCb5oUJ5N1HF2M4cMExsFoRI7q_astI-h0tF6why34kPNFMzfXze7Myw75vm7_1gmGpoDaM0X4YKSPg7pbDHIw/s640/via+crush+cul+de+sac.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
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but is certainly attainable on summer as well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPlaIoIQK6BWSZj7HdvfJua4YDvTgaLIZaho4Kz-S08DSQov6VzsXm-BKhWjqXpNEIcIqWhKPIe-0Ir-5-JYvnwRFq7Vlt4DgbAciL5lbQRG47xwEP4H3BSQNFHLtV6R3612fZb8Q-uM/s1600/beach+hammock+via+simplypix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPlaIoIQK6BWSZj7HdvfJua4YDvTgaLIZaho4Kz-S08DSQov6VzsXm-BKhWjqXpNEIcIqWhKPIe-0Ir-5-JYvnwRFq7Vlt4DgbAciL5lbQRG47xwEP4H3BSQNFHLtV6R3612fZb8Q-uM/s640/beach+hammock+via+simplypix.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
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It is indulgent, but not decandent....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiK2qXCmkFyb1RGfe3qvw4xHgvH-H8ivwxCPzoyJzqti2IcIpD4V7WV3hvzGmYrbNl2YyFHpgqXOvNkSoCBhxcyXLxFFH3xPE33OohQloX0NRBGPlV0NZoP1pfCjwKmRdLPGuWcr85Kkc/s1600/rustic+table+setting+via+crush+cul+de+sac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="499" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiK2qXCmkFyb1RGfe3qvw4xHgvH-H8ivwxCPzoyJzqti2IcIpD4V7WV3hvzGmYrbNl2YyFHpgqXOvNkSoCBhxcyXLxFFH3xPE33OohQloX0NRBGPlV0NZoP1pfCjwKmRdLPGuWcr85Kkc/s640/rustic+table+setting+via+crush+cul+de+sac.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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...it is about togetherness with family or friends...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIHF3NquDr2t-J6Ws96B-dLGD0t6o8a0cwacB3co4fq02BPu6iwCvHTvqwWKvm3U7bUhkjzWJPCL4xTUfUy21h4H8oqqbUDkPbSgpSjN1KCWf-fv0iHTLZBMB2365Z2EjPoqKzGpy1F0/s1600/gallery-1474645189-gettyimages-643821287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="980" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIHF3NquDr2t-J6Ws96B-dLGD0t6o8a0cwacB3co4fq02BPu6iwCvHTvqwWKvm3U7bUhkjzWJPCL4xTUfUy21h4H8oqqbUDkPbSgpSjN1KCWf-fv0iHTLZBMB2365Z2EjPoqKzGpy1F0/s640/gallery-1474645189-gettyimages-643821287.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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but is equally achievable on one's own with a good book, a puppy and a glass of red...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsSymB8ylj1GKvrG3EOgaMV_0KY5U_feq2iMkuxcn7mWUHK0kIDMJcLdBhQw640F9jNIjc-qH3TUCSiuihonuCmf0tnoZGvvbF6TTI3dKQChRAx36Sms4KqpxtGC2KTc96m9uMFlGEUQ/s1600/gallery-1474645083-gettyimages-142020838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="980" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsSymB8ylj1GKvrG3EOgaMV_0KY5U_feq2iMkuxcn7mWUHK0kIDMJcLdBhQw640F9jNIjc-qH3TUCSiuihonuCmf0tnoZGvvbF6TTI3dKQChRAx36Sms4KqpxtGC2KTc96m9uMFlGEUQ/s640/gallery-1474645083-gettyimages-142020838.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It is about casual entertaining, no pomp and ceremony and no need for perfection. Its about inviting your friends over without worrying about your house being a bit untidy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPredpDYXIm7jucSdsi9J7y0_eP64mWhztY39P0q_2oC8d1vXLraZ5rxIKEFu94Ziv4Au1aM5INRy2o1LS9-epf0jwa06oSoPx1P51c1d_bToM8sRN_s5NFN7rU4B-KdxrUob7gCvLuSc/s1600/via+tovves+samesurium3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPredpDYXIm7jucSdsi9J7y0_eP64mWhztY39P0q_2oC8d1vXLraZ5rxIKEFu94Ziv4Au1aM5INRy2o1LS9-epf0jwa06oSoPx1P51c1d_bToM8sRN_s5NFN7rU4B-KdxrUob7gCvLuSc/s640/via+tovves+samesurium3.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
It's about lighting candles...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCn7lHXozQK2ulpxeMN0_xJT6NwVb_npEqX1adLJyiZZ_XXEvOBmr90cyaYblUlujKylIf6Ot5tE0C5nB__2BJ0V5EltOFs0nGrTdtgeNcxiz0tma9NAHWYeGHB8rbefBBId2Uhc9N4BY/s1600/c9beacf2a5de7a7f9ccaf6a8b7ca713b--christmas-room-decorations-cosy-winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="514" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCn7lHXozQK2ulpxeMN0_xJT6NwVb_npEqX1adLJyiZZ_XXEvOBmr90cyaYblUlujKylIf6Ot5tE0C5nB__2BJ0V5EltOFs0nGrTdtgeNcxiz0tma9NAHWYeGHB8rbefBBId2Uhc9N4BY/s640/c9beacf2a5de7a7f9ccaf6a8b7ca713b--christmas-room-decorations-cosy-winter.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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bringing out the board games...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS50oZ_Fwtd5wSEqHUV09-9QA2WO7l0yRllWTVW9VCADoRmhdPqur4v-iM5Q_bOvzWwKNt_bhITFR6-2kEu8WR0AMprUoUM4FaHuI4DnA617ZuokB9vE153Q0pXCUUyQdl67_FBKspGoI/s1600/gallery-1474645487-gettyimages-535739279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="980" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS50oZ_Fwtd5wSEqHUV09-9QA2WO7l0yRllWTVW9VCADoRmhdPqur4v-iM5Q_bOvzWwKNt_bhITFR6-2kEu8WR0AMprUoUM4FaHuI4DnA617ZuokB9vE153Q0pXCUUyQdl67_FBKspGoI/s640/gallery-1474645487-gettyimages-535739279.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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cosy blankets ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTOKUn1qmxurAX7yt8T9e0aQH-tfzxAIJGFlDhhSb5TICe3HRRqxEJ7-j-QG_IepHK7KEBiq5OKxRUE68B8SFiIrWZyhjeJs7gcsHrRRvoe-RqmV_aiUeSGtShKnVLa2gIoNqf3CZYKs/s1600/IMG_1500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTOKUn1qmxurAX7yt8T9e0aQH-tfzxAIJGFlDhhSb5TICe3HRRqxEJ7-j-QG_IepHK7KEBiq5OKxRUE68B8SFiIrWZyhjeJs7gcsHrRRvoe-RqmV_aiUeSGtShKnVLa2gIoNqf3CZYKs/s640/IMG_1500.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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comfort food....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBX65P_xVJSSIVSNe11-OJiskMAP9OfL7-JdZP4h4hRQmcwFT_UwlmA8Zt4H_Ir25Hu2lM2oalBTTlzcWb24Hvp-7JsR2roiMOh6-3krbjHMUHabiA0Mz2RkT9AXODslU825tpQLttvzI/s1600/via+cakestands+and+buttondowns4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBX65P_xVJSSIVSNe11-OJiskMAP9OfL7-JdZP4h4hRQmcwFT_UwlmA8Zt4H_Ir25Hu2lM2oalBTTlzcWb24Hvp-7JsR2roiMOh6-3krbjHMUHabiA0Mz2RkT9AXODslU825tpQLttvzI/s640/via+cakestands+and+buttondowns4.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
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and warm drinks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJi7GQAouKb2b8xvYmqfz_OXigjl7ZNmY49-3S1wCq514Th7GaURZ3_4-HZGFrFTePSZhHxpTezeeyniuQkGbLrAq-8tDU5bRyHuQwSWLA3xSNqFHHB47xjCw3DhzF0HI5G5lpWbdVYOI/s1600/landscape-1474637955-gettyimages-168012808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="980" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJi7GQAouKb2b8xvYmqfz_OXigjl7ZNmY49-3S1wCq514Th7GaURZ3_4-HZGFrFTePSZhHxpTezeeyniuQkGbLrAq-8tDU5bRyHuQwSWLA3xSNqFHHB47xjCw3DhzF0HI5G5lpWbdVYOI/s640/landscape-1474637955-gettyimages-168012808.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's not limited to home either. A picnic on the beach is very hygge...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZCZ7ILFEbSTFPqAlnceRVaJhAvdJxgrjllEv-XXXovG77EZUJLphYTTxoyGhkRgxyVDYG-_rWTW7OIUU5Zq7QR9qhr3MnSnB-jJ2rOGxbOA1uJEriDv7iRQ4nD9TftTCQceci0lp6Vw/s1600/106267af9498c34ea77a336171e9e1f8--picnic-parties-dinner-parties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="547" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZCZ7ILFEbSTFPqAlnceRVaJhAvdJxgrjllEv-XXXovG77EZUJLphYTTxoyGhkRgxyVDYG-_rWTW7OIUU5Zq7QR9qhr3MnSnB-jJ2rOGxbOA1uJEriDv7iRQ4nD9TftTCQceci0lp6Vw/s640/106267af9498c34ea77a336171e9e1f8--picnic-parties-dinner-parties.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...so is meeting a friend for coffee and conversation.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0wydLRbR68yNX2AqLTgglafLppvaZnQe2ck4EYnQSfrGR-4fo_r0tWBU9HUxYm8mUcvI50Pl2Fcmjm3LSp0LgFWbDwisr6T-FlnPwUtenuI5mZO-9hEjp1F2WU5zXh8HiwZ7iPiXIf0/s1600/7-20-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="469" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0wydLRbR68yNX2AqLTgglafLppvaZnQe2ck4EYnQSfrGR-4fo_r0tWBU9HUxYm8mUcvI50Pl2Fcmjm3LSp0LgFWbDwisr6T-FlnPwUtenuI5mZO-9hEjp1F2WU5zXh8HiwZ7iPiXIf0/s640/7-20-17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
It is about slow food...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRYCLwMS742jiRbVnO7FZuao-01bsAPj6ffvbmwKff2SyCzPMy22dElXgnWfH87Wd85lAQ6CbP5B8MOROMyeD2FyvoJB-WWlNxeaih8MaFj6kVDrYBUr2EKrYJGH9E-g0RV5p1Zo7crc/s1600/1392874860174.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="616" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRYCLwMS742jiRbVnO7FZuao-01bsAPj6ffvbmwKff2SyCzPMy22dElXgnWfH87Wd85lAQ6CbP5B8MOROMyeD2FyvoJB-WWlNxeaih8MaFj6kVDrYBUr2EKrYJGH9E-g0RV5p1Zo7crc/s640/1392874860174.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
and fresh flowers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48Mw4jPxaFrVcZkzVJH_oWYh_JB6p2G72eVRIW7iLlMQ8Dc3FA5WpuAJqztjs7XF5ewCI0tiOzQKK3Y0QBY3ZdYFzJABQGHumA_YvL9vrWP0WRFclzQjPz1iFhLQlM9y49Ya2APbuvIQ/s1600/66ca7cfaabd1931f0753aa18f89738bf--spring-flowers-bouquet-buy-flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="474" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48Mw4jPxaFrVcZkzVJH_oWYh_JB6p2G72eVRIW7iLlMQ8Dc3FA5WpuAJqztjs7XF5ewCI0tiOzQKK3Y0QBY3ZdYFzJABQGHumA_YvL9vrWP0WRFclzQjPz1iFhLQlM9y49Ya2APbuvIQ/s640/66ca7cfaabd1931f0753aa18f89738bf--spring-flowers-bouquet-buy-flowers.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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It is about talking rather than texting and books, rather than TV...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5tY6l8iSE1YM_ytDeJU8ra-Z_2uu3iykOEuozxOpNlGcgH7uRMsHCclTNxGZHnaRjs-BnKukzBz0cTiLOOya1oTrin0AQVL271ZOWzM6n4yGm0TQM5Q5r7N0y1zQnDfWyfE6UudjDVg/s1600/via+livingbloggen.blogspot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="485" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5tY6l8iSE1YM_ytDeJU8ra-Z_2uu3iykOEuozxOpNlGcgH7uRMsHCclTNxGZHnaRjs-BnKukzBz0cTiLOOya1oTrin0AQVL271ZOWzM6n4yGm0TQM5Q5r7N0y1zQnDfWyfE6UudjDVg/s640/via+livingbloggen.blogspot.jpg" width="484" /></a></div>
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It's about knitting, not networking. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xXqYe1tGOfUx34ATqMqId0OM9_PsUHWgLBX_mZ5p6Krf58IhDs3DmSD_9MF1FIFKRcjT9W89ZQyGv6a8DHAWPCfcvlUkyIPfGM5FzrhNa3zZDE8b3saNEH87ZMjhtjDZ8XmZec1Milk/s1600/via+a+positively+beautiful+blog7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="494" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xXqYe1tGOfUx34ATqMqId0OM9_PsUHWgLBX_mZ5p6Krf58IhDs3DmSD_9MF1FIFKRcjT9W89ZQyGv6a8DHAWPCfcvlUkyIPfGM5FzrhNa3zZDE8b3saNEH87ZMjhtjDZ8XmZec1Milk/s640/via+a+positively+beautiful+blog7.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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Its about creating family rituals and living in the moment.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nopgYcjBcYt-W_TLN4RWvj7tEe937QguaUeHPTyKzzI57Gut7iZjFQJdRb1X7mPjyvoqCspF-hsU1URTQ4W7Q6VufCi4ZyxMaHuHnzpZr36JOJ3F02aGLAsjv8K6C0gY0YOPiR5ey68/s1600/from+Ipad+887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="498" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nopgYcjBcYt-W_TLN4RWvj7tEe937QguaUeHPTyKzzI57Gut7iZjFQJdRb1X7mPjyvoqCspF-hsU1URTQ4W7Q6VufCi4ZyxMaHuHnzpZr36JOJ3F02aGLAsjv8K6C0gY0YOPiR5ey68/s640/from+Ipad+887.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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...its about hot baths...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbELoyU_KPOF2mnKHp3DxaI9ZBhLfc8_LYB8aYrsvN_FSTHsheuR_Y0elRaFbAiO2WKvJ4dHBeTAOMAcgGNvb3D3hnILLUHqpq24-ghR7IQTGKcJ_fqFEF0Yj0k9j5MyjXqSlSbU8ke-Q/s1600/IMG_2352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbELoyU_KPOF2mnKHp3DxaI9ZBhLfc8_LYB8aYrsvN_FSTHsheuR_Y0elRaFbAiO2WKvJ4dHBeTAOMAcgGNvb3D3hnILLUHqpq24-ghR7IQTGKcJ_fqFEF0Yj0k9j5MyjXqSlSbU8ke-Q/s640/IMG_2352.JPG" width="412" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
and snuggly babies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dM60NarV2d3sqqro78IN_q16S1F2qDcF1QSC5Ck_Pslvy3h2YndvTFL90WNkEMU4utAvP-dXR6dTsB6amKJ7opoAUOQCNYAnRdmczzlGx1vt8IzA5BNlSSqaP6dBZy3r4Gl4xRjkTuY/s1600/tumblr_mwcaiiLb2X1rnchxso1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dM60NarV2d3sqqro78IN_q16S1F2qDcF1QSC5Ck_Pslvy3h2YndvTFL90WNkEMU4utAvP-dXR6dTsB6amKJ7opoAUOQCNYAnRdmczzlGx1vt8IzA5BNlSSqaP6dBZy3r4Gl4xRjkTuY/s640/tumblr_mwcaiiLb2X1rnchxso1_500.jpg" width="590" /></a></div>
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And it's about love and laughter.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3zGDgy5Zsa7m_VbEdZY8ozEYlrLPAH2s3S70tPh9dRXPi77xkB4u6LzDgrV9zV4xYYZKy0prcKpoqpA3KAMRokjo8DVJOMhyXV1pqvD6bWrtAb9YqrK2DVvHjN2gDUUtQBt4qt2n5p8/s1600/IMG_2220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="734" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3zGDgy5Zsa7m_VbEdZY8ozEYlrLPAH2s3S70tPh9dRXPi77xkB4u6LzDgrV9zV4xYYZKy0prcKpoqpA3KAMRokjo8DVJOMhyXV1pqvD6bWrtAb9YqrK2DVvHjN2gDUUtQBt4qt2n5p8/s640/IMG_2220.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
So why not introduce some hygge into your life? I'm definitely going to bring some into mine. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Till next time</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sharon x</div>
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Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-8368586629596172912017-07-12T11:04:00.002+02:002017-07-12T11:04:52.540+02:00The Gen on Gin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have just come back from a relaxing week in Hermanus with 2 of our boys where we did some fun stuff for them and then rewarded ourselves with some fun stuff for us like wine tasting, craft beer and gin tasting. I hadn't been gin tasting before. It was an interesting experience. It was recommended that I try the gin neat first, I won't do that again in a hurry - it was like drinking fire water! Although I have just started watching the TV series "The Durrells" and Mrs Durrell drank neat gin from a bone china teacup. She needed it though, with 4 unmanageable children! I have 4 children too... maybe I need to give it another try.</div>
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Gin definitely seems to be the drink of the moment. I'm not complaining... there is nothing quite like a lunchtime gin and tonic sitting in the sun with a beautiful view. I was in the Knysna area recently and ordered a G&T at the Brenton Blu Hotel. It came in a beautiful glass like a cross between a wine glass and a brandy snifter.</div>
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My sister, who is more hip and happening than I, tells me this is the new way of drinking gin. It also came with just one ice cube, very large and round, bigger than a golf ball. </div>
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I thought it looked absolutely beautiful and I was tempted to rush out and buy myself some of these special ice-trays, but then when I tilted my glass for the final sip of my gin, the ice ball cracked the side of the glass! So if you get some of these, make sure your glasses are up to the challenge.</div>
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While not strictly gin, I recently discovered the best thing to come out of South Africa since Nelson Mandela! The Duchess Virgin Gin and Tonic. I have introduced it to all my friends so now it's time to share my discovery with the rest of the world.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtgq8oS9OhEsITBjRLrEMGcPZyCl2YfvN4V6j6mPKLAeANm-TFMU4hFTR-jJWwQgHfUlMIB3KN4D6in4XwqjI2FOT8OC1S9wnNiyZEVqlWVGFoxNt9uzDZfc3C52CRhhILG9VBfxlNcI/s1600/19029689_2003351376565803_8745827564145157586_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtgq8oS9OhEsITBjRLrEMGcPZyCl2YfvN4V6j6mPKLAeANm-TFMU4hFTR-jJWwQgHfUlMIB3KN4D6in4XwqjI2FOT8OC1S9wnNiyZEVqlWVGFoxNt9uzDZfc3C52CRhhILG9VBfxlNcI/s640/19029689_2003351376565803_8745827564145157586_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It has no alcohol content and ... wait for it ... zero calories! It tastes so like gin and tonic that you have to keep reminding yourself that you are not drinking alcohol. It's the perfect lunch time or sundowner drink if you have to drive home afterwards, or if you need to be productive post drinks, or if you are trying to restrict your calorie intake, or just because it tastes delicious. BTW, the folks at Duchess are not paying me for this, but they really should because I am doing a great selling job! Although my one friend, Jacqui, after tasting hers, said " Mmmmm, very nice, if I could just add a bit of gin, it would be perfect!"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9JMZtOlufw97tL8-mv1zs4Sal3hfRQ_mcJgp6pgDKqmKhYuE20ebNHRKPUlmkWaEbn6HCpYsybNgyTxrfpLGC0LPO1CismIUOxF5dWba3FhTiWC65XbOxPnxAAa9cXautBzR8ZBWEzo/s1600/Capture+3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="903" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9JMZtOlufw97tL8-mv1zs4Sal3hfRQ_mcJgp6pgDKqmKhYuE20ebNHRKPUlmkWaEbn6HCpYsybNgyTxrfpLGC0LPO1CismIUOxF5dWba3FhTiWC65XbOxPnxAAa9cXautBzR8ZBWEzo/s640/Capture+3.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It should ideally be poured into a glass with some ice and lemon, or whatever else you like to accompany your G & T, but since the packaging is so elegant, you would be forgiven for taking it along on a picnic and drinking it straight out of the bottle.</div>
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The <a href="http://www.theduchess.co.za/">website</a> list of stockists seem to be based only in South Africa (although there is one little marker in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean - the Virgin Islands perhaps?) So if you can't get The Duchess Virgin Gin & Tonic in your country, it's just another reason to visit ours!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevekJNxXEsUzNT4GMcwhEH8yr0H1-yX0QZVljPOWMUPlWHp7JmTaFlcIFlgrf9N1z9mAsZFypVYHIvfJ00bsBJgMNn5L5fcn3_pZJquAgLch5Wn8Ur-wKhyu-DWCEwte6tOLMRmWUk8A/s1600/Capture5.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="845" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevekJNxXEsUzNT4GMcwhEH8yr0H1-yX0QZVljPOWMUPlWHp7JmTaFlcIFlgrf9N1z9mAsZFypVYHIvfJ00bsBJgMNn5L5fcn3_pZJquAgLch5Wn8Ur-wKhyu-DWCEwte6tOLMRmWUk8A/s640/Capture5.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Of course, there is nothing quite like the real thing. The local gin's I have tried and love are <a href="https://www.inverroche.co.za/">Inverroche</a>, <a href="http://hopeonhopkins.co.za/">Hope</a> and <a href="http://www.citrusgin.co.za/">ClemenGold</a>. The Inveroroche Verdant is my favourite. It has a delicate floral, herbal flavour that is very appealing. I'm not so keen on the Rooibos one. I've only tried the Hope Salt River Gin which I really like, still need to try the others, and the ClemenGold had me with the packaging, so pretty, and the gin with its citrus and cinnamon undertones, is delicious. If there are any other distilleries out there, let me know. I'm always happy to have a reason to try a new gin!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bQ9ymN8Qdewnj86DmceRT3OIFURxzAYJHzA4e4iHa8CdX99ZvFoiJ_TdJGwDKJo3fQMTKwYnQOlUqg-HqMo82bS2Yw5CaH1y3n7rnaEVCCPtI6vyAODXNp3hvq4AxwZXnPeMuF7IkMg/s1600/Capture10.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="702" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bQ9ymN8Qdewnj86DmceRT3OIFURxzAYJHzA4e4iHa8CdX99ZvFoiJ_TdJGwDKJo3fQMTKwYnQOlUqg-HqMo82bS2Yw5CaH1y3n7rnaEVCCPtI6vyAODXNp3hvq4AxwZXnPeMuF7IkMg/s640/Capture10.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Of course when you are serving gin or drinks to your guests, a beautifully styled drinks tray or bar trolley will be much appreciated. A least, by people like me (PLM's). My husband probably wouldn't notice. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslSeN119Tp2u1FFfLLnqdbXO26KGDt7XF1dV1MC7lVPKITGsZJ1jLNIe0GTnKgcv8eGNotuJQK3yqEF2WPAe0wHsKmwml1DrBk-GjS1VtARz_idem7nmy1hvfAWBqG2AdYqSoQfITlvs/s1600/drink+serving+idea+via+charming+spaces+on+roses+and+rust+blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="746" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslSeN119Tp2u1FFfLLnqdbXO26KGDt7XF1dV1MC7lVPKITGsZJ1jLNIe0GTnKgcv8eGNotuJQK3yqEF2WPAe0wHsKmwml1DrBk-GjS1VtARz_idem7nmy1hvfAWBqG2AdYqSoQfITlvs/s640/drink+serving+idea+via+charming+spaces+on+roses+and+rust+blog.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love this artful arrangement that <a href="https://www.facebook.com/www.netdecor.co.za/posts/1294644247310981">NetDecor </a> recently brought to our attention. You can shop <a href="http://www.netdecor.co.za/">here</a> to acquire all the bits and pieces to put this together. </div>
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Depending on your style and taste, here are some other ideas to inspire you. You could go for an abundant and opulent look like these....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4KRxKtfCS05Ok-81m97hB6qI5vIEp38arlF6bJNNNdLlcSJ5EpGDXjt3xA34jP5WNy7Km8GZQIfAQUjJlyNCDzCZseBIK3cm3UClCaI8njMSvbQ0ohxh8MV1Rs-rTYAGQv1K8CtVtEE/s1600/6eb065f9c8a360958a53a283cecfa541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4KRxKtfCS05Ok-81m97hB6qI5vIEp38arlF6bJNNNdLlcSJ5EpGDXjt3xA34jP5WNy7Km8GZQIfAQUjJlyNCDzCZseBIK3cm3UClCaI8njMSvbQ0ohxh8MV1Rs-rTYAGQv1K8CtVtEE/s640/6eb065f9c8a360958a53a283cecfa541.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCwSKuH9WBDI_hGYaIZMQAbbPUkse2vU5m7WGvUN1ij6_FjuclJ1rdBy2_Pwnr8SKfci5AFv6IJJwGddZG4_A8IGhFpSDKdELKOmA_rnpveqHAIMPjdxeuzjiWXS__CVk-MklngsgP6U/s1600/0774148ebe5f11d1e6c4687fb3a399e9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="500" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCwSKuH9WBDI_hGYaIZMQAbbPUkse2vU5m7WGvUN1ij6_FjuclJ1rdBy2_Pwnr8SKfci5AFv6IJJwGddZG4_A8IGhFpSDKdELKOmA_rnpveqHAIMPjdxeuzjiWXS__CVk-MklngsgP6U/s640/0774148ebe5f11d1e6c4687fb3a399e9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39USj8R0FKEIOlteUq3ZK4f4wJF5Kj7OQZigljxsDtdra_q6ykGU1FwpUuS3bSJ4qSGHONzXijhC1psEwbTw5Em-ZVOFXMYhl-NJkHmHYT9Hgmy5f_c0Jf1hQycXVaYyL-3yoJ1j3SSg/s1600/bunny+williams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39USj8R0FKEIOlteUq3ZK4f4wJF5Kj7OQZigljxsDtdra_q6ykGU1FwpUuS3bSJ4qSGHONzXijhC1psEwbTw5Em-ZVOFXMYhl-NJkHmHYT9Hgmy5f_c0Jf1hQycXVaYyL-3yoJ1j3SSg/s640/bunny+williams.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrwUEnLsMH7nMVeZsB42xwniwbTBLOU1YFg6viZdD0f2KpKQFYqCh92Xcg4UCIW4i5_h8654SP-9fcu-FscsGo1MOL7V-rizdU-zRsihAkQlsv99fFuQT8pBQzZJTXjzW3VVyaTr-XRc/s1600/a8a6b1b45d7276cb06e19bcd02e30166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrwUEnLsMH7nMVeZsB42xwniwbTBLOU1YFg6viZdD0f2KpKQFYqCh92Xcg4UCIW4i5_h8654SP-9fcu-FscsGo1MOL7V-rizdU-zRsihAkQlsv99fFuQT8pBQzZJTXjzW3VVyaTr-XRc/s640/a8a6b1b45d7276cb06e19bcd02e30166.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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...or for something simple and stylish.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2chWIqtC6yotmZXvgrXMyAv9tpjU4IwZ7EtPLI99cf67_0o1KEN0wm-HjW-UWz065xj7VXzPCL6hDdi4Ejm-lvQdolY0FN7_GK1vykirYjjOjYGbc9BgRubqLCn8jMqXz3ZlL76CGzdM/s1600/65a1d9b31867301d9672cb0e1e2dda67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2chWIqtC6yotmZXvgrXMyAv9tpjU4IwZ7EtPLI99cf67_0o1KEN0wm-HjW-UWz065xj7VXzPCL6hDdi4Ejm-lvQdolY0FN7_GK1vykirYjjOjYGbc9BgRubqLCn8jMqXz3ZlL76CGzdM/s640/65a1d9b31867301d9672cb0e1e2dda67.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzotFp1KyKqT0esCQpzGE_J5gOdZ4KC5PnFx0BdQqsxBv1Vcp_bTIAOJtnjw3-_EnhSYWKR8aAxTrkKLLT_djRZuIWzy0wKLOSxieqHingRX8ozgVPb6bzMCAooZURasZ4zmY0dD54wU/s1600/0629196dd4f966ff01146017d1152614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="564" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzotFp1KyKqT0esCQpzGE_J5gOdZ4KC5PnFx0BdQqsxBv1Vcp_bTIAOJtnjw3-_EnhSYWKR8aAxTrkKLLT_djRZuIWzy0wKLOSxieqHingRX8ozgVPb6bzMCAooZURasZ4zmY0dD54wU/s640/0629196dd4f966ff01146017d1152614.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62B9btXeOzKZ_i2IVbsbclj0ZZ6mZPgmIdgdqjmSaTDrQRQE_IeCF2-ckOioMH-TUVnF6mDczHXSXdn1FxE65bnWn2umYSkXhpBw7kofHY6J98umhImF5BEhl9UcQv2W9KOdY4CZumpc/s1600/c949f3dfb5dff9f34f44a1eb77080e41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62B9btXeOzKZ_i2IVbsbclj0ZZ6mZPgmIdgdqjmSaTDrQRQE_IeCF2-ckOioMH-TUVnF6mDczHXSXdn1FxE65bnWn2umYSkXhpBw7kofHY6J98umhImF5BEhl9UcQv2W9KOdY4CZumpc/s640/c949f3dfb5dff9f34f44a1eb77080e41.jpg" width="404" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSAbTEL-M66BH_2VJ8fZ-UHeoBsU0YebMnhpuJrCm8AxuyBYQQFtgkjaDvm9DJJduuAupUah-04bczYLQfx7YLBT-Km0orlXfpBaunc6Q95_nQsNYAOhLHqqLRqNITrRuzwaNnEoAcdc/s1600/kelly+wearstler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSAbTEL-M66BH_2VJ8fZ-UHeoBsU0YebMnhpuJrCm8AxuyBYQQFtgkjaDvm9DJJduuAupUah-04bczYLQfx7YLBT-Km0orlXfpBaunc6Q95_nQsNYAOhLHqqLRqNITrRuzwaNnEoAcdc/s640/kelly+wearstler.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Maybe a beachy look for the summer months....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMLeakb6zj8DohiwLyLAbRHXx2vf0kA_h7x9R0Q8rALEbaoqr4-7aEZCJZ-a9T47z4GIbJueYDdySWZq8bz-jYHRQxS2lOqc0mEI1Pz5ol-iE4myFs13wBKDNuuxL4njEofAlw-DnINs/s1600/f29994f0b6c8c7feb378d58f13272c04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMLeakb6zj8DohiwLyLAbRHXx2vf0kA_h7x9R0Q8rALEbaoqr4-7aEZCJZ-a9T47z4GIbJueYDdySWZq8bz-jYHRQxS2lOqc0mEI1Pz5ol-iE4myFs13wBKDNuuxL4njEofAlw-DnINs/s640/f29994f0b6c8c7feb378d58f13272c04.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1w7oj3XkL6TUWGPt_v_xb3_PcyHi3idoqro0t3ju-tRSeIIlcIThhUuahCaBA5C5H_COaj56ffxlaB6pFOZqUuAtZE56zRdmRE2NuZQH16bL0BKSM43-w3MrDQub1i1ESCee90eH9Ass/s1600/e81d6da0e754eeb6284022584bff940d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1w7oj3XkL6TUWGPt_v_xb3_PcyHi3idoqro0t3ju-tRSeIIlcIThhUuahCaBA5C5H_COaj56ffxlaB6pFOZqUuAtZE56zRdmRE2NuZQH16bL0BKSM43-w3MrDQub1i1ESCee90eH9Ass/s640/e81d6da0e754eeb6284022584bff940d.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlC2cgWdv8TjD4cXIgAwK0yV9YFl2_BQ_jfhtvv9V7XUfZGPNa98IBj29oYZOi1-CN-NUiS3Y_xoPmOTYodH3BLLPZF0racKd7y_PxRO8xExH1q5HI66dcVfgHV0PONaap9oXz3ThpoA/s1600/3ecc013b0575f281af135d38bca4a41c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlC2cgWdv8TjD4cXIgAwK0yV9YFl2_BQ_jfhtvv9V7XUfZGPNa98IBj29oYZOi1-CN-NUiS3Y_xoPmOTYodH3BLLPZF0racKd7y_PxRO8xExH1q5HI66dcVfgHV0PONaap9oXz3ThpoA/s640/3ecc013b0575f281af135d38bca4a41c.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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...or something more tropical for outdoor entertaining.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYkB0JufGsn2yv_tXwg_xhrIQ8WnsUQa2aFXTFbxzM6Ib9ijT6cW2J-TT0qYBfXwQ9QcIl1_lpjtWLxO24C4HrXMmqBgSb6GVq4x3pZqkLuhVygpx1osNRZlYiCVh9I_V1bbPvvar9Uk/s1600/aee7597e574b0ef96fe22ff10c4418fe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYkB0JufGsn2yv_tXwg_xhrIQ8WnsUQa2aFXTFbxzM6Ib9ijT6cW2J-TT0qYBfXwQ9QcIl1_lpjtWLxO24C4HrXMmqBgSb6GVq4x3pZqkLuhVygpx1osNRZlYiCVh9I_V1bbPvvar9Uk/s640/aee7597e574b0ef96fe22ff10c4418fe.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIGUuVUoe26m_DyPnYNqV1ywBU1_oKdc_aEhYdLZBB0ND_UFUfZKPFn5sxK4-jwmHGUvyuWgZi6qyR7sxm9_ebSuMxfm-k2RYP4xxpB7M38C8b8elSh_SFoI907MJ1weq8MzYOQuG7Vc/s1600/via+country+living.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIGUuVUoe26m_DyPnYNqV1ywBU1_oKdc_aEhYdLZBB0ND_UFUfZKPFn5sxK4-jwmHGUvyuWgZi6qyR7sxm9_ebSuMxfm-k2RYP4xxpB7M38C8b8elSh_SFoI907MJ1weq8MzYOQuG7Vc/s640/via+country+living.jpg" width="556" /></a></div>
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A male dominated get together might require a more masculine feel...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzALSjJhUynkggxkc2A2Oip2zpwt7JtfqMG96SY_YxdsgnYtoeEZbgG5sNYXvuHJOTZuvxj5CjWMCsBuB9ODz4FYZSKx9y1WjSSxzNyfD394XdgciBNLdvFLdEA3G9KbACm_4xnEijBo0/s1600/robert+brown+interior+design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzALSjJhUynkggxkc2A2Oip2zpwt7JtfqMG96SY_YxdsgnYtoeEZbgG5sNYXvuHJOTZuvxj5CjWMCsBuB9ODz4FYZSKx9y1WjSSxzNyfD394XdgciBNLdvFLdEA3G9KbACm_4xnEijBo0/s640/robert+brown+interior+design.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7wl2Jerx0C9uN4FsIeIa6cdqGBn6KvtjgqZP2UZS6cYTQKD-eM_wN1z1dWRoIrdwdTZIPB4qiK3hU5FHk7G5MR2BjMl9UHbKJWqt1TgjQ8oR50y5trLsAHsnInr0L_aq1HpZkb9V87M/s1600/5170879541c4bd1ea04acc91dfeeafe7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7wl2Jerx0C9uN4FsIeIa6cdqGBn6KvtjgqZP2UZS6cYTQKD-eM_wN1z1dWRoIrdwdTZIPB4qiK3hU5FHk7G5MR2BjMl9UHbKJWqt1TgjQ8oR50y5trLsAHsnInr0L_aq1HpZkb9V87M/s640/5170879541c4bd1ea04acc91dfeeafe7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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...and traditionalists will probably want to use decanters and crystal.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKhfC4sMnh_Ti1_C90bWTQx-bfJMAFX4xaoIyRpUQsuO6hyphenhyphensGgjxS5VuWgXtWc9hHwmhc0bCKP8SyrztYTpAyzNfLajBfZShfBZcRausZxIbSiyc61oHIaDbvL9ImY2DYTYZnIpYkVf0/s1600/4595d60d0880afa3b4b8fd151cf2a47a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKhfC4sMnh_Ti1_C90bWTQx-bfJMAFX4xaoIyRpUQsuO6hyphenhyphensGgjxS5VuWgXtWc9hHwmhc0bCKP8SyrztYTpAyzNfLajBfZShfBZcRausZxIbSiyc61oHIaDbvL9ImY2DYTYZnIpYkVf0/s640/4595d60d0880afa3b4b8fd151cf2a47a.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeNvfV02sj-l7JQnj4MTH6aJdEqBn3ajTk2-id2DRGT8GEDTH3_J_UenG_fi7M4OIvg8ax9bCL1HZOfPBhI2MT70Bu6FKMmO-kOL4cMOINehnSqqU9P4l5UNizjdR14L7xGiVTFoIX7c/s1600/df99b3033773c28765e74db786b066e2--drinks-trolley-bar-mix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeNvfV02sj-l7JQnj4MTH6aJdEqBn3ajTk2-id2DRGT8GEDTH3_J_UenG_fi7M4OIvg8ax9bCL1HZOfPBhI2MT70Bu6FKMmO-kOL4cMOINehnSqqU9P4l5UNizjdR14L7xGiVTFoIX7c/s640/df99b3033773c28765e74db786b066e2--drinks-trolley-bar-mix.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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A tiered bar cart is useful if space is tight.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpl6vmCkUeRmjCBM-P7QDBU5VNcpsKVTPg71fVK0V9uNyf9yXVonbydBap4Eud-3lmvYUYbLkPAbImbvSkOsKZKxyTyAUsW3g-FaLAT3v_7vuyHm5qEQktbIIQLa6Bl__jY3eePBYAyo/s1600/ee37aaf3b681df492e6fc136558316e6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpl6vmCkUeRmjCBM-P7QDBU5VNcpsKVTPg71fVK0V9uNyf9yXVonbydBap4Eud-3lmvYUYbLkPAbImbvSkOsKZKxyTyAUsW3g-FaLAT3v_7vuyHm5qEQktbIIQLa6Bl__jY3eePBYAyo/s640/ee37aaf3b681df492e6fc136558316e6.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPARv4JTF0GyOuQLarV1QR5809ojuezdjJiOzjosgMfZTMBxL2ko_WUsbgr3xz_YwA48J6XvH-vjSBASGC6AqHpsp4WE5e7zKdgqfXRoWagVFyIjM7w5lihu7pIvqg890bPlJxtL8xD4/s1600/96f44f04803f83a82677e68cc4e11e04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPARv4JTF0GyOuQLarV1QR5809ojuezdjJiOzjosgMfZTMBxL2ko_WUsbgr3xz_YwA48J6XvH-vjSBASGC6AqHpsp4WE5e7zKdgqfXRoWagVFyIjM7w5lihu7pIvqg890bPlJxtL8xD4/s640/96f44f04803f83a82677e68cc4e11e04.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Whatever your style...</div>
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your guests will appreciate the extra mile...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDn_rXtLfJ4Rjl4hdHK90CsLJajOEOPm5gKjxAJDVyzEsVbz0hn9anXqEZd5HF3bTwhXI7vEZpa-bHPDjiUEvnWqdueI__WQ6leNw9SiTw5zLv7TaUhtwdpiaJG5muQzo8BgR7uA5B_Kc/s1600/470df9c07ebff7ed6e3f5c7e7b8985e9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDn_rXtLfJ4Rjl4hdHK90CsLJajOEOPm5gKjxAJDVyzEsVbz0hn9anXqEZd5HF3bTwhXI7vEZpa-bHPDjiUEvnWqdueI__WQ6leNw9SiTw5zLv7TaUhtwdpiaJG5muQzo8BgR7uA5B_Kc/s640/470df9c07ebff7ed6e3f5c7e7b8985e9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Happy entertaining!</div>
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Till next time</div>
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Sharon x</div>
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Images via Pinterest</div>
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Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-57023965270277322142017-06-07T13:52:00.000+02:002017-06-07T13:52:31.565+02:00Rainy Day Ramblings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJbNr0zWIG7d0QDn6yaQUeucaaMUpv6RwtaJ3cBqz5eSCEc0liIEdr22hq3n11exvEZVBhUe72Ijuu8lNPfOacpIKu8hSfB_eGkw4DWvpFKAeeIAHO0bqu2b-13SDPunUML4xolcSMxc/s1600/1647_original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJbNr0zWIG7d0QDn6yaQUeucaaMUpv6RwtaJ3cBqz5eSCEc0liIEdr22hq3n11exvEZVBhUe72Ijuu8lNPfOacpIKu8hSfB_eGkw4DWvpFKAeeIAHO0bqu2b-13SDPunUML4xolcSMxc/s640/1647_original.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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We have battened down our hatches here during the worst storm Cape Town has seen in 30 years.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1IHd7W1vbHuRxPPb4iQ6J4wEURJ7X4FtRVtFiiWOuHGaJU_56BdThCD0qg73C0D6NnI8pOmeUf6uU1fJ8XJxFi7eFUY0ovB87RBaJ-dI-VnZ3ud7u7sxcKzdm7AyWkgayCRdW74EETY/s1600/74367d5195794d2d8d2b875387ea0995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="627" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1IHd7W1vbHuRxPPb4iQ6J4wEURJ7X4FtRVtFiiWOuHGaJU_56BdThCD0qg73C0D6NnI8pOmeUf6uU1fJ8XJxFi7eFUY0ovB87RBaJ-dI-VnZ3ud7u7sxcKzdm7AyWkgayCRdW74EETY/s640/74367d5195794d2d8d2b875387ea0995.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo via News 24</div>
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Schools and universities have closed for the day and given that my boys are all writing exams, I'm pleased to report that they are using the unexpected free day in the most productive way! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rLoxwNxKkQ0dJZBMEqQ7FYYb2Dwp7gTw9pf3eZ-8a1NPrfDJbPSdPKRRjP_34L3HHNaoVysycKMkMQ4y894sKeB9Xvp88oRvUWYfJuXtk_BGBMiyZtzx2N5vv32GVaGb8SnT17QundY/s1600/Photo+2017-06-07%252C+8+44+06+AM+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rLoxwNxKkQ0dJZBMEqQ7FYYb2Dwp7gTw9pf3eZ-8a1NPrfDJbPSdPKRRjP_34L3HHNaoVysycKMkMQ4y894sKeB9Xvp88oRvUWYfJuXtk_BGBMiyZtzx2N5vv32GVaGb8SnT17QundY/s640/Photo+2017-06-07%252C+8+44+06+AM+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-Ir7Q9VKKf8ptoXDBVanMcXJS_zkkCHZgdmV-T40ywOsRCqjJKm5raXP1cVHuCbeG9UzTVAn4x7qmwiMlWZr0z6VZRRwoeFl2GnwkhC8hIvyq7vEH_SGHC7uaJZ9tumDPyaFv2qsaKk/s1600/Photo+2017-06-07%252C+8+52+46+AM+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1195" data-original-width="896" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-Ir7Q9VKKf8ptoXDBVanMcXJS_zkkCHZgdmV-T40ywOsRCqjJKm5raXP1cVHuCbeG9UzTVAn4x7qmwiMlWZr0z6VZRRwoeFl2GnwkhC8hIvyq7vEH_SGHC7uaJZ9tumDPyaFv2qsaKk/s640/Photo+2017-06-07%252C+8+52+46+AM+%25282%2529.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Since I'm going nowhere today, it seems like a good opportunity to escape from the real world for a little while and become immersed in some beautiful interiors instead. Two homes really caught my eye and I thought I should show them to you too as you might also be looking for an escape on a rainy day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNO3ybnuie8gGJhgtOC5NYePj7Dl_Re-ymSLf64loWZ-q32kaQnUkZZ1b-I__liXIQeZJi-m1eDnKTEE0bFSW2X5bQHq0dAwgYKfY4gK0pIFZvgAVpl4cKCRRjiis3OeFS8qhM5kbRAU/s1600/1650_original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNO3ybnuie8gGJhgtOC5NYePj7Dl_Re-ymSLf64loWZ-q32kaQnUkZZ1b-I__liXIQeZJi-m1eDnKTEE0bFSW2X5bQHq0dAwgYKfY4gK0pIFZvgAVpl4cKCRRjiis3OeFS8qhM5kbRAU/s640/1650_original.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The first is in the Karoo, near Barrydale and is owned by a former director of Woolworths who wanted to escape the rat race and is leading what seems like an idyllic existence on his farm. </div>
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It is a large house, simply designed with 4 bedrooms and bathrooms and an enormous sitting room and kitchen.</div>
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Everything used in the construction was made locally and the effect is that the house completely blends into its surrounding landscape. </div>
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The plaster is a mixture of mud and lime giving it the distinctive ochre shade.</div>
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Old Oregon pine doors and windows were all salvaged from demolished buildings in the Karoo area. The floors are made of polished cement which keep the house cool in the hot Karoo summer.</div>
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While I am definitely not wishing the rain away as we need it so badly, I am imagining lounging in that sunny spot right there!</div>
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The second home belongs to architect, Simon McCullagh. Tucked away in a quite cul de sac in Constantia, surrounded by oak trees and next to a greenbelt, you could imagine you are living in the countryside.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggn9UMFS4Q4AbI1awI8k1nLN_bkyyH_C1Hmqh7_tKMMpzelUic1p5ciXv59EZYBMN5jPGkuCgKdOkF8DQAUhTWWW97yl8xFXNPSQpUKXJXvLTPsXZrf0QusemhIagQVH1VV6kTDr0xY9E/s1600/proj01_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="461" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggn9UMFS4Q4AbI1awI8k1nLN_bkyyH_C1Hmqh7_tKMMpzelUic1p5ciXv59EZYBMN5jPGkuCgKdOkF8DQAUhTWWW97yl8xFXNPSQpUKXJXvLTPsXZrf0QusemhIagQVH1VV6kTDr0xY9E/s640/proj01_01.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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The house is designed as a modern version of an old cape barn.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IsJarLWCWgpaZZDD6Hw57Os_JrMvv_M-wZ4YnmH1g9eedF750IpwYBz_zkENo20K4nQlh33JpYGRoX-TMkY7mqRRFXTpiCS6v6CkTs_eLfnPYpI13jvFCaRxHeJuXWVe1DYq9MhBpCc/s1600/proj01_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="461" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IsJarLWCWgpaZZDD6Hw57Os_JrMvv_M-wZ4YnmH1g9eedF750IpwYBz_zkENo20K4nQlh33JpYGRoX-TMkY7mqRRFXTpiCS6v6CkTs_eLfnPYpI13jvFCaRxHeJuXWVe1DYq9MhBpCc/s640/proj01_02.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKVfccqDbK8v3gUB7zVYTpyhjegmaBTQjrIN9w3EVzx0K1eF6dxBUAgxEgPyKYsPwL2csj7XiGkLj7QEtgtX8aULoZz-e8APGSFcRtU0F_Agq2_0sErZjGDrVJflMjzpWWJ_89uKkCLQ/s1600/proj01_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="461" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKVfccqDbK8v3gUB7zVYTpyhjegmaBTQjrIN9w3EVzx0K1eF6dxBUAgxEgPyKYsPwL2csj7XiGkLj7QEtgtX8aULoZz-e8APGSFcRtU0F_Agq2_0sErZjGDrVJflMjzpWWJ_89uKkCLQ/s640/proj01_03.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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I love the double volume living area with exposed trusses and thatch roof.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rYgt7t3gWbSTdIIK_pZVhV6rmj2eqIQDU3h-mgIUDinxQTSWJihvaEty1ArkMrG-1jJJEAn_2VKY40zGvz4UB1U0EV4O5Di503p89jnSmSwxUobw31bYQhCmAtokJ7R6cLRvUsxnkBc/s1600/proj01_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="461" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rYgt7t3gWbSTdIIK_pZVhV6rmj2eqIQDU3h-mgIUDinxQTSWJihvaEty1ArkMrG-1jJJEAn_2VKY40zGvz4UB1U0EV4O5Di503p89jnSmSwxUobw31bYQhCmAtokJ7R6cLRvUsxnkBc/s640/proj01_05.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsfmZOLanja-Dp-g6DjPuqZ6_odR7Y61prdkkDkuN_oA_n0dKpezGVXjD_hYsvF1Bp5GrwdJ6QIrDW8ClbToQhppnwhyriHtEBgbBIpNwFfEeGeaxDZLbTkBpMNtaBF2LGYjCMPucLWQ/s1600/proj01_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="461" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsfmZOLanja-Dp-g6DjPuqZ6_odR7Y61prdkkDkuN_oA_n0dKpezGVXjD_hYsvF1Bp5GrwdJ6QIrDW8ClbToQhppnwhyriHtEBgbBIpNwFfEeGeaxDZLbTkBpMNtaBF2LGYjCMPucLWQ/s640/proj01_06.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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The dining area is so appealing with the large table and flow out into the garden - perfect for a good lunch or dinner party.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHL6SGXghuNE0LIBJ2SovvnVpo69Oub2NTzIZPredhpTrcqlzoxhcUcFgfE3CEv5O-24jMQbJEWBiwNnPCJ7OzcwR5P-tQwpICzChVCBw2hNFVeSfgD0WZST_EjfGwkbesEHcIIrmddA/s1600/proj01_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="461" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHL6SGXghuNE0LIBJ2SovvnVpo69Oub2NTzIZPredhpTrcqlzoxhcUcFgfE3CEv5O-24jMQbJEWBiwNnPCJ7OzcwR5P-tQwpICzChVCBw2hNFVeSfgD0WZST_EjfGwkbesEHcIIrmddA/s640/proj01_07.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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The home is furnished and fitted with a good mix of old and new.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDejL_KviOWcNWT3be2-dEc6eAoAngk1gkZ219aln-nMOq_8h1smyXnj8QrYUaXC4S52pR4j7Tx0avZ_TaGdhOo5jOdNmnBgTeT3cgFT8dLyhLwxMK6BwZa4uEElvtvDSTUl0vHgh3tU/s1600/proj01_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="461" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDejL_KviOWcNWT3be2-dEc6eAoAngk1gkZ219aln-nMOq_8h1smyXnj8QrYUaXC4S52pR4j7Tx0avZ_TaGdhOo5jOdNmnBgTeT3cgFT8dLyhLwxMK6BwZa4uEElvtvDSTUl0vHgh3tU/s640/proj01_08.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlzidpd95WcU5uDaIrLIFE8t3KB1XvNr6qI5FwwQmlmhdybV48IMaIz0tvGDjMjPvrbib2q1YRKg12khJZVaQHGva3j6vDKjNFDGTclEV-VdZdT248bL0yOVnKMxDkgvjnuRHW456ngo/s1600/proj01_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="461" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlzidpd95WcU5uDaIrLIFE8t3KB1XvNr6qI5FwwQmlmhdybV48IMaIz0tvGDjMjPvrbib2q1YRKg12khJZVaQHGva3j6vDKjNFDGTclEV-VdZdT248bL0yOVnKMxDkgvjnuRHW456ngo/s640/proj01_04.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgup3kll1QSw_i_f2vfFXZac1ZDg4HseY8cLrgJ7JNpfuObK8Wgju06aRDGeN__ucmPB9Vd_DS9ctSuyaAaoCcJoaMwzYWs6K_JahseoTzU7rivIQ6gBCKl0qVlVKHqMtg08kdEF0s0M_8/s1600/proj01_09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="461" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgup3kll1QSw_i_f2vfFXZac1ZDg4HseY8cLrgJ7JNpfuObK8Wgju06aRDGeN__ucmPB9Vd_DS9ctSuyaAaoCcJoaMwzYWs6K_JahseoTzU7rivIQ6gBCKl0qVlVKHqMtg08kdEF0s0M_8/s640/proj01_09.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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I also love the simple design of the pool surrounded by lush lawn.</div>
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So there you go - hope you enjoyed.</div>
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If you're in Cape Town and surrounds, please stay warm and safe.</div>
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Till next time</div>
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Sharon x</div>
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Images via <a href="https://www.visi.co.za/like-nowhere-else-on-earth/">here</a> and <a href="http://www.simonmccullagh.com/proj01.php">here</a>Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-66963472181435593002017-05-27T12:33:00.000+02:002017-05-27T12:33:31.054+02:00Magazine Worthy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I do spend a fair amount of time browsing the internet looking at decor blogs, pinterest pages, instagram feeds and tumblr. However, nothing beats coming home with the latest interior decorating magazine, pouring myself a cup of coffee or, more likely a glass of wine, and settling in for a good read. I tend to mostly buy the local South African mags because they are affordable and because they are as good as any global publications imho. Each one offers something different to their readers. The Conde Nast House and Garden always features quite high end beautiful homes, while the Garden and Home houses tend to be more within the reach of the (wo)man in the street. like me (not to be confused with street woman which is a whole other thing entirely!). Then there is the House and Leisure mag where many of the homes are too contemporary for my taste, but there are a few exceptions and I do enjoy the leisure section. The other one I buy from time to time is the Home mag which is for great for DIY and fixer upper enthusiasts. I used to be one of those but have become too <strike>lazy</strike> busy. I do enjoy seeing how clever people can be, especially on a limited budget. </div>
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Two homes featured recently really appealed to me. The first from <a href="http://www.houseandgarden.co.za/home/country-club/">House and Garden</a> mag...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahcmk7YRaUwkBLJ5rTnoXSXXwodU82mrl_USGwL74fD_jyzZgfuuEunub13vD6nEUr499klu3LkQSOOPRRxE8QLM2HueHzgT-uKH62kkb_8QjXTAMlAxdAzYPm5i7s5zyhlpstCPtUTY/s1600/53215094HGGRANT004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahcmk7YRaUwkBLJ5rTnoXSXXwodU82mrl_USGwL74fD_jyzZgfuuEunub13vD6nEUr499klu3LkQSOOPRRxE8QLM2HueHzgT-uKH62kkb_8QjXTAMlAxdAzYPm5i7s5zyhlpstCPtUTY/s640/53215094HGGRANT004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Based in Joburg, this home is owned by antique dealer, Ashley Judge and her husband, The first thing one notices is the absence of colour. The walls throughout are white and the floors are pale, which is the perfect backdrop for the dark and quite imposing antique pieces that are used abundantly. In another setting they might seem austere, but here they blend perfectly with the inviting decor.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4NuNpHwwbQK7V37L2zIzk571CBSFD4PivCfqCqTcV2NtydbDIEq8jx-CBZb5aE794sE-d5FwVMQorYsYV3qS8Y8TJV7i-wJpti3zHQt5ybYCtJvsPVgueYqjOdsYwKv3ZyKbFcjKSdk/s1600/53340674HGGRANT014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4NuNpHwwbQK7V37L2zIzk571CBSFD4PivCfqCqTcV2NtydbDIEq8jx-CBZb5aE794sE-d5FwVMQorYsYV3qS8Y8TJV7i-wJpti3zHQt5ybYCtJvsPVgueYqjOdsYwKv3ZyKbFcjKSdk/s640/53340674HGGRANT014.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The antique dining table below has a beautiful worn and weathered patina that is offset by elegant slip covered chairs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHBnxogGqTzoCqKxXZsFHD0gLW5fQr441PDBrAeHwG2b80puT9AwuTQHzGMxY8p6z3EWOnrJRGLjYBGqWDkRoCaTv4g3QCQJwf8ebwPBFw7sp6U9ueFzXmX9LV2CVNNIIT0q2Uxzngzg/s1600/53352388HGGRANT020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHBnxogGqTzoCqKxXZsFHD0gLW5fQr441PDBrAeHwG2b80puT9AwuTQHzGMxY8p6z3EWOnrJRGLjYBGqWDkRoCaTv4g3QCQJwf8ebwPBFw7sp6U9ueFzXmX9LV2CVNNIIT0q2Uxzngzg/s640/53352388HGGRANT020.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGZ7gDuVcP6CcPU9B0qspy4hJa4WeuTgUc29MdXHK9WP_e76IGf9k-YbwaAbFxoSfe9E4m-KWz2XwmZZ2CoR-4kVWrNUInMPDDrLDZ0VAZlFT8sQVlbYVXO4lUttjMfQTpATFij-1PnI/s1600/53379136HGGRANT038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGZ7gDuVcP6CcPU9B0qspy4hJa4WeuTgUc29MdXHK9WP_e76IGf9k-YbwaAbFxoSfe9E4m-KWz2XwmZZ2CoR-4kVWrNUInMPDDrLDZ0VAZlFT8sQVlbYVXO4lUttjMfQTpATFij-1PnI/s640/53379136HGGRANT038.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>
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The main bedroom is simply furnished, but inviting with layered textures and interesting details.</div>
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The wine cellar is full of character.</div>
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It's hard to believe you are in the middle of a city with this outlook. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EjAnWwLJa3g8d_S2MlYlkb-O2o8aGriW1pzZKhV90q_v_Kb5c82AAt7xh9X_0R-SkrS5q4dzkSsnjeM1RKjyfne-pILJMTbG_cmZsq6g6wMTiDVzyzMIb5QJW9iH6139nJ_20rzfibA/s1600/53332555HGGRANT013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EjAnWwLJa3g8d_S2MlYlkb-O2o8aGriW1pzZKhV90q_v_Kb5c82AAt7xh9X_0R-SkrS5q4dzkSsnjeM1RKjyfne-pILJMTbG_cmZsq6g6wMTiDVzyzMIb5QJW9iH6139nJ_20rzfibA/s640/53332555HGGRANT013.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>
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The second home is featured in the <a href="http://www.gardenandhome.co.za/decor/makeovers/restored-cape-town-home/">SA Garden and Home</a> mag. It is based in Cape Town and owned by Charlie Hayward. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmstXx3k1qXL81W_WmFdhIpqozxAvlF754SMnMt72KS2EqRyyAZeumd8CBzqVT6dxbse65qQQ03dwFyrQ66gnBii2Gq14fon18iQ0-sXhseA6PxiFIFA64SF8CceiLG8sb7GNyPDc908/s1600/FEBstjames02gh-682x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmstXx3k1qXL81W_WmFdhIpqozxAvlF754SMnMt72KS2EqRyyAZeumd8CBzqVT6dxbse65qQQ03dwFyrQ66gnBii2Gq14fon18iQ0-sXhseA6PxiFIFA64SF8CceiLG8sb7GNyPDc908/s640/FEBstjames02gh-682x1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #464646; font-family: inherit;">The home is full of beautiful period features, like the pressed ceilings, that were kept intact during the renovation. The wooden floors were painted white to lighten the interior, and the doors and windows, a pale grey.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8doY9_-IbSkrA6aD-I5mVGEdNvud72rDHgVsZI1VormmkgXhRMLXfvd5wa7lr2vbueS6-pPY2L7xIaWw3-TY4mzrKBW-1GT63x9XuAXk75hFDdxAnqQejNX1UMnlQfR98JjpW7zKYvgU/s1600/FEBstjames13_B_gh-682x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8doY9_-IbSkrA6aD-I5mVGEdNvud72rDHgVsZI1VormmkgXhRMLXfvd5wa7lr2vbueS6-pPY2L7xIaWw3-TY4mzrKBW-1GT63x9XuAXk75hFDdxAnqQejNX1UMnlQfR98JjpW7zKYvgU/s640/FEBstjames13_B_gh-682x1024.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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The living room, dining room and kitchen all flow into one another, making for easy living.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0AC078RDKVlmuGQXOMJjCGS7PYWH08DBDfGurEyxvDrIsG5oPhVzhxT3q_Oe7nnD5aUMjLytcLbrVLiehlKUAswxEfq5NOGAQRYjNMiWOsj3HL_YDXV3s9lsn8u5f5Oidyw1J9qr_7s/s1600/FEBstjames05gh-682x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0AC078RDKVlmuGQXOMJjCGS7PYWH08DBDfGurEyxvDrIsG5oPhVzhxT3q_Oe7nnD5aUMjLytcLbrVLiehlKUAswxEfq5NOGAQRYjNMiWOsj3HL_YDXV3s9lsn8u5f5Oidyw1J9qr_7s/s640/FEBstjames05gh-682x1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The kitchen was designed by the owner and the use of plaster and cement gives it a rustic French feel. A wood burning stove makes it a cosy place to be in the cold winter months.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTIXb531A2m3IDXI_wfJjwPuKXXsCQ39p6lYR7LYwctYxKQ4bBMe7AGggGZaUaEzh_4xh-0k-FjqtyGLkfAr3-oIvjZok3UyeVPpqWquKJ1qtElA_Yr1n2kk0wkNXrznJM8pSXggMyjk/s1600/FEBstjames10gh-682x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTIXb531A2m3IDXI_wfJjwPuKXXsCQ39p6lYR7LYwctYxKQ4bBMe7AGggGZaUaEzh_4xh-0k-FjqtyGLkfAr3-oIvjZok3UyeVPpqWquKJ1qtElA_Yr1n2kk0wkNXrznJM8pSXggMyjk/s640/FEBstjames10gh-682x1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAmLrxP6xDTJHSc_T-qghoMaPS4fGdrsTgQ1Gw59HnSuGMrTjOhwgX6UvCJJzhHO-bkgGkBMpAckwWMzgaa8YkF2sEBezjwhvML7uUyd0fTBOwKO7M21c_nlawKKbS0hjDkfuEd7CfNc/s1600/FEBstjames09gh-682x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAmLrxP6xDTJHSc_T-qghoMaPS4fGdrsTgQ1Gw59HnSuGMrTjOhwgX6UvCJJzhHO-bkgGkBMpAckwWMzgaa8YkF2sEBezjwhvML7uUyd0fTBOwKO7M21c_nlawKKbS0hjDkfuEd7CfNc/s640/FEBstjames09gh-682x1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The dining room is elegant and spacious enough to entertain lots of friends and family.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgWHQyekGhS8K1s5p-u9SmXPWSWh4mYIrmzJqe2hlUb3fjq_rh2B3q3eR2uUH0twxaU0wpDT08LqvtlBKTnIcZs4tPIJfA9u2K-WHWBV5O-swUmDex1nd32nC5d1pf9eyTVKW28SYyFo/s1600/FEBstjames06gh-682x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgWHQyekGhS8K1s5p-u9SmXPWSWh4mYIrmzJqe2hlUb3fjq_rh2B3q3eR2uUH0twxaU0wpDT08LqvtlBKTnIcZs4tPIJfA9u2K-WHWBV5O-swUmDex1nd32nC5d1pf9eyTVKW28SYyFo/s640/FEBstjames06gh-682x1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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In winter, a fire is lit and in summer the doors to the beautiful courtyard are opened to let in the sound of trickling water from the fountain and the scent of lavender. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPWKAzqA05xn_I6gabmZC5SPzwyt6TszUIWbbp5SaLlho9Yk8c13wKOwrfgYFIsPuJXijWUcVO3oLk4Dp4IGLp0zr7M6F_MsLn1cBlDZIMsklppQkFenZQTvIhunOnd2afeHFYwWl4cc/s1600/FEBstjames25gh-682x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPWKAzqA05xn_I6gabmZC5SPzwyt6TszUIWbbp5SaLlho9Yk8c13wKOwrfgYFIsPuJXijWUcVO3oLk4Dp4IGLp0zr7M6F_MsLn1cBlDZIMsklppQkFenZQTvIhunOnd2afeHFYwWl4cc/s640/FEBstjames25gh-682x1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpttZeyUJcz5TPqCdcVwZKq7ZMGVLMe_1BWHytLHGzJb2hQv3n1G0kzbNSua8s69tSwO683mYXqGHBEl5weVCq0LPbM8q7_IPK5IHwO5rXLACMkKHSNnMW7vcve91n5Y9jcbvdK807JKg/s1600/FEBstjames08gh-682x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpttZeyUJcz5TPqCdcVwZKq7ZMGVLMe_1BWHytLHGzJb2hQv3n1G0kzbNSua8s69tSwO683mYXqGHBEl5weVCq0LPbM8q7_IPK5IHwO5rXLACMkKHSNnMW7vcve91n5Y9jcbvdK807JKg/s640/FEBstjames08gh-682x1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXpir17VDxiGtFZOnTG-TSJv0sT7EhMEZuw63BXkPV3Sp4zBcIKCThHE7uxmdvw_7Latefk7iPPg4-leWC5vNAqj23o3hjYmbKVnNwz5hmUtQMsZrAvqhWMD0Y5I2O_VrBYFKyqOjQfg/s1600/FEBstjames11gh-682x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXpir17VDxiGtFZOnTG-TSJv0sT7EhMEZuw63BXkPV3Sp4zBcIKCThHE7uxmdvw_7Latefk7iPPg4-leWC5vNAqj23o3hjYmbKVnNwz5hmUtQMsZrAvqhWMD0Y5I2O_VrBYFKyqOjQfg/s640/FEBstjames11gh-682x1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Finally, the beautiful bedroom is straight out of a romantic French movie with its ornate bed, crystal chandelier and linen clad chaise longue. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RDwntvUSlPMf4V2DJnJCxX61x6auybqxKmPB43GcARs2h0_twYY1c8reC1xsKRDtRG4ml6CV9iHqYLWZ48SRFmw6OWeO4YL0akt3YAyijFTNYVWUZpXySwE4dON7f6NMAchg6zjdiJY/s1600/FEBstjames12gh-682x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RDwntvUSlPMf4V2DJnJCxX61x6auybqxKmPB43GcARs2h0_twYY1c8reC1xsKRDtRG4ml6CV9iHqYLWZ48SRFmw6OWeO4YL0akt3YAyijFTNYVWUZpXySwE4dON7f6NMAchg6zjdiJY/s640/FEBstjames12gh-682x1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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So, why not go a treat yourself to a new decor mag - you won't regret it! </div>
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Till next time</div>
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Sharon x</div>
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<br />Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-66158813528404932142017-05-13T13:43:00.001+02:002017-05-13T13:43:34.474+02:00A Watch to Want....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehOYnc_nRgK5orLyB7i865quoJXN7Z1hQtN9RGuraOluIk21OLopRmc2kkX_TM-xqb-H0XZFKlY9-vpR3gNb6JPmDM69N7hBhMwbFLXmHPYQgUmPnsTCnyf8umCxPxydh5TUEJREZ1nM/s1600/DSC_0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehOYnc_nRgK5orLyB7i865quoJXN7Z1hQtN9RGuraOluIk21OLopRmc2kkX_TM-xqb-H0XZFKlY9-vpR3gNb6JPmDM69N7hBhMwbFLXmHPYQgUmPnsTCnyf8umCxPxydh5TUEJREZ1nM/s640/DSC_0534.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="JA" style="font-family: "MS Mincho",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: "Segoe UI Symbol"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-font-family: "Segoe UI Symbol";">♪</span><span lang="JA" style="font-family: "Segoe UI Symbol",sans-serif; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span><span lang="JA" style="font-family: "MS Mincho",serif; mso-ascii-font-family: "Segoe UI Symbol"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-font-family: "Segoe UI Symbol";">♫</span><span lang="JA" style="font-family: "Segoe UI Symbol",sans-serif; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span><span style="font-family: "HP Simplified",sans-serif;">If
I was you, I'd wanna be me, too </span><span lang="JA">♪</span><span lang="JA" style="font-family: "Segoe UI Symbol",sans-serif; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span><span lang="JA">♫</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI Symbol",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Segoe UI Symbol"; mso-fareast-language: KO;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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.....and I'll tell you why....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28mbQ2W7STNUVR2kEpwTBA27S_CdJqaKVFV4HkFVxqNprPMAN7iNFS3goVgElfkbUPTQzv1XBvUKe_w1HUQyO9W63HnGfcuyVLITMkIcZhMzBvDH6dF-xyF-HywpNtIW77WghAUBQLGM/s1600/DSC_0538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28mbQ2W7STNUVR2kEpwTBA27S_CdJqaKVFV4HkFVxqNprPMAN7iNFS3goVgElfkbUPTQzv1XBvUKe_w1HUQyO9W63HnGfcuyVLITMkIcZhMzBvDH6dF-xyF-HywpNtIW77WghAUBQLGM/s640/DSC_0538.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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....because the kind folks at Daniel Wellington sent me a watch!....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrA5zMPMNcCGEqGKcTS60AxWmunFXwVgZKBqVq7Gwd0_V7Zb5xd4KYpaPeZmOkgDyQWwX04730GuzOzSmwNClhNc7I_cFZuVRdJGmsjyye3DShDTyMLBskss1rRKDqEmj29B_Iqh9J8k/s1600/DSC_0542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrA5zMPMNcCGEqGKcTS60AxWmunFXwVgZKBqVq7Gwd0_V7Zb5xd4KYpaPeZmOkgDyQWwX04730GuzOzSmwNClhNc7I_cFZuVRdJGmsjyye3DShDTyMLBskss1rRKDqEmj29B_Iqh9J8k/s640/DSC_0542.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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....because apparently I am a person of influence.... who knew.? My kids certainly don't think so. But I am happy that Daniel Wellington does because I am a big fan of their watches. This is the second one I own. I blogged about the first one <a href="http://rosesandrustblogger.blogspot.co.za/2016/07/about-time-daniel-wellington.html">here</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeDVizjhv685wuw4Tfl1LESmiPDxP5VB3WFxmeran4sbqqd9F_LhGwNCMQgG6QyX_TB4cFK3ohmxcDQPYUw7tLFebhAyIqEFTKWJWfPug0WvYKgeh5E3qiLyq-R5aWE404H_dfOLpC6I/s1600/DSC_0546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeDVizjhv685wuw4Tfl1LESmiPDxP5VB3WFxmeran4sbqqd9F_LhGwNCMQgG6QyX_TB4cFK3ohmxcDQPYUw7tLFebhAyIqEFTKWJWfPug0WvYKgeh5E3qiLyq-R5aWE404H_dfOLpC6I/s640/DSC_0546.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As a blogger, I get a lot of requests from various companies to advertise their products and I mostly decline. Either because the product is <strike>ugly</strike> not very nice, of no interest to me or my readers or just plain boring, like lawn fertilizer. But when I get offered something of beauty, which I know you, my readers might also like and when there is a benefit to you, like the discount that I'm going to offer you later, I say bring it on!</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The watch I chose from Daniel Wellington is the <a href="https://www.danielwellington.com/za/dw-watch-men-classic-durham-40mm">Classic 40mm Durham </a>. It is from the Men's range because I wanted the bigger face. The strap is a beautiful distressed tan colour. It has that worn and weathered look that I love. Perfect with your favourite jeans and leather boots, it looks like it could be an heirloom piece, handed down from your grandad, yet at the same time, very much on trend.</span></div>
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I chose the silver surround, but you might prefer the rose gold. There is also a choice of leather straps, including black and dark brown.</div>
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They currently have a <a href="https://www.danielwellington.com/za/">Mother's Day promotion</a> where you get a complimentary heart charm with your leather watch. </div>
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So why not spoil your mom or wife this Mother's Day. It couldn't be easier. Shop <a href="https://www.danielwellington.com/za/">online</a> or visit your nearest <a href="https://www.danielwellington.com/za/storelocator/index/index/">stockist</a>. If you use the <b>DISCOUNT CODE</b> "<b>ROSES</b>" you will receive a 15% discount. The offer is valid until the end of May, so don't delay! </div>
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Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful moms out there.</div>
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Till next time</div>
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Sharon x</div>
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<br />Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-65097813409704050822017-04-29T11:27:00.000+02:002017-04-29T11:27:43.892+02:00Autumn is in the Air<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1T8tCvQvOOLf4IGCwCCVfT1gRJIW8maX1B5F6TCN8Avbj_NPjtX-qqPCFQmg7e0K8RUMZMPQ5cRuest51YYN96ScLIgFroCnLPO_6XETZmYcut-szdROOl8SElIqfsi5L3QtUrhdxCM/s1600/establishments682x512_25697527_longhouse_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1T8tCvQvOOLf4IGCwCCVfT1gRJIW8maX1B5F6TCN8Avbj_NPjtX-qqPCFQmg7e0K8RUMZMPQ5cRuest51YYN96ScLIgFroCnLPO_6XETZmYcut-szdROOl8SElIqfsi5L3QtUrhdxCM/s640/establishments682x512_25697527_longhouse_11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm so pleased that Autumn is here. I find that the older I get the less I can tolerate the heat of summer. Autumn suits me so much better. I love the cooler, still days and look forward to the slight chill of the evening air. This morning I gathered a whole bunch of fallen leaves from my plain tree and displayed them under a cloche.</div>
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This combined with an Autumn-coloured beagle on a chair - Autumn decorating done and dusted, Although I am lusting after the <a href="http://www.netdecor.co.za/Accessories/Objets-dArt/Gold-Oak-Leaf-Bowl">oak leaf bowl</a> from NetDecor.</div>
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I came across a picture of this patio above ("stoep" if you're South African), and it reminded me of Autumn. I love the introduction of the terracotta shades mixed with the grey and stone, the weathered wood and wicker, and the succulents which add a little injection of colour. </div>
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On further investigation, I discover that it is the handiwork of Charlottte Daneel (above) of whom I have long been an admirer. I first met her many years ago when I went on an outing with some girlfriends to Le Grange in Franschhoek which she then owned. There was a talk by Gary Searle of St Leger and Viney fame, on caring for linen, which included a lucky draw, the prize being a set of exquisite linen, and I won. Yay! We had lunch on the stoep of the shop which was hosted by Charlotte and I was so impressed by her effortless style. I decided that when I grow up I want to be just like her. </div>
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Since leaving Franschhoek, she has obtained a number of properties in the Karoo which is apparently very close to her heart. Having grown up in the Karoo myself, I feel the same way. Maybe Charlotte and I are soul sisters. This particular property is called Langhuis (Longhouse in English) and it is in the quaint Karoo town of Graaff-Reinett. It is available to rent through <a href="http://www.perfecthideaways.co.za/Details/Longhouse#">Perfect Hideaways</a>.</div>
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I love everything about Charlotte's design style. Rustic and casual, with little touches of refinement, and mostly neutrals with lots of texture. </div>
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How could you not feel relaxed, spending a holiday in these environs?</div>
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The bedrooms are dressed in calming neutrals and layers of cozy texture. </div>
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Succulents feature in almost every room and are the perfect touch in this semi-desert Karoo environment. </div>
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The lush lawn contrasts with the Karoo landscape in the background. </div>
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I could very happily spend a weekend in these beautiful surroundings. Husband, are you listening?</div>
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That's all folks!</div>
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Till next time</div>
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Sharon x</div>
Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-14017690212019360852017-04-17T21:04:00.003+02:002017-04-17T21:04:20.813+02:00A Good Getaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have been somewhat absent from cyberspace for a while. It often happens during the holidays - I have more time but get less done! Which is not a bad thing really. We did celebrate a wedding anniversary and the twins had a birthday. It's hard to believe my babies are now 15! And when you share your home with 4 teenage boys, you need and deserve a night off every now and then so my husband and I skipped town and went to Franschhoek to celebrate our anniversary - 22 years. Newly weds compared to my parents' 63 years! </div>
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Our first stop was<a href="http://www.babylonstoren.com/"> Babylonstoren</a> for lunch. I absolutely love this place. The lunch was delicious and healthy which was just as well because we pigged out at dinner! More about that later....</div>
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Quite a few of our friends are at a similar life stage to us, nearing an empty nest and wondering, when their children leave home, if they will still find common ground with their spouses. One thing my husband and I will always have in common is wine, so wine tasting seemed to be a good way to spend the afternoon. The first stop was <a href="http://www.ricketybridge.com/">Rickety Bridge</a>, then <a href="http://www.dieudonnevineyards.com/">Dieu Donne</a> where the views were beautiful and we met group of Belgian tourists and a very entertaining young Finnish doctor who was travelling around South Africa. I didn't take any pictures sadly - too busy tasting wine with our new friends! </div>
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We then checked in at our guest house, <a href="http://www.leschambres.co.za/%E2%80%8E">Les Chambres</a> which I can definitely recommend. This was our bedroom and bathroom...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigddfZ1ODiuP-iPdnPcfgAGM8IqzJPT9gYiHi-c-bcpD3jk4jglSjLxNy7kY0kTQ9E2ckb48qm5n4zGQKDAlYx41ChLam5n4HlTB8SPixujlnasegi2vUjLa_-k4ycBb6Ttlu-ix9u2VQ/s1600/Delft_fs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigddfZ1ODiuP-iPdnPcfgAGM8IqzJPT9gYiHi-c-bcpD3jk4jglSjLxNy7kY0kTQ9E2ckb48qm5n4zGQKDAlYx41ChLam5n4HlTB8SPixujlnasegi2vUjLa_-k4ycBb6Ttlu-ix9u2VQ/s640/Delft_fs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXezBwW9my7lyh73vW237_msX4I036PafoEDDSsl0B8m7RvHWcgQx8psVDt2dsAcnPLK-HtgsCxBNyStJ7XuEMWxN0ULxaEhIGV2EDGWvqAoLfNGcNCam5Rhp3AFBVC8ZvNkSJ4Udzg38/s1600/Bath_fs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXezBwW9my7lyh73vW237_msX4I036PafoEDDSsl0B8m7RvHWcgQx8psVDt2dsAcnPLK-HtgsCxBNyStJ7XuEMWxN0ULxaEhIGV2EDGWvqAoLfNGcNCam5Rhp3AFBVC8ZvNkSJ4Udzg38/s640/Bath_fs.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The other bedrooms looked just as pretty...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYoPm0VCz78kSTL3AAaxyqp3aw0evC803n59rvZHTPkWOD25LKHwrA1as7q1EOEhj0A5g1vD4jhG8caE61LewbWYKnYc4hElzyz31U70bVUnV4OH6XwSx9BE6Pa8yzRhgKvSzQERnHv8/s1600/Rose_fs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYoPm0VCz78kSTL3AAaxyqp3aw0evC803n59rvZHTPkWOD25LKHwrA1as7q1EOEhj0A5g1vD4jhG8caE61LewbWYKnYc4hElzyz31U70bVUnV4OH6XwSx9BE6Pa8yzRhgKvSzQERnHv8/s640/Rose_fs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtylDhIno15a8PbkcSij_SbjBue0pR0cFBiofkQuPy7vwsoqLMGVzJRnqfsplL2h9PxlBvTK7MWbiJqU3W5nLYC-MJ3U5kkwRxjBuRRYbPqeraz5oIVdasA6MIa9q8uyD-3q75nCzeev0/s1600/Stone_fs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtylDhIno15a8PbkcSij_SbjBue0pR0cFBiofkQuPy7vwsoqLMGVzJRnqfsplL2h9PxlBvTK7MWbiJqU3W5nLYC-MJ3U5kkwRxjBuRRYbPqeraz5oIVdasA6MIa9q8uyD-3q75nCzeev0/s640/Stone_fs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi39ipxc4CjQur0pG4K-anqnp6ZJAdmLG_iprfs2JqTG8gyBgOkUOQJ1Qk-zJdBB0fA_nK4-VaLf5bYHSmKMLGOHDMPTkZvrVBG4_6peQSfT6Lnd32_xrf3bqpUZ41rjs70ABi5JwLAs8/s1600/bath2_fs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi39ipxc4CjQur0pG4K-anqnp6ZJAdmLG_iprfs2JqTG8gyBgOkUOQJ1Qk-zJdBB0fA_nK4-VaLf5bYHSmKMLGOHDMPTkZvrVBG4_6peQSfT6Lnd32_xrf3bqpUZ41rjs70ABi5JwLAs8/s640/bath2_fs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Furnished in a way that is more homely than "hotelly"....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tSrW1SNNMe5zSh9GrCubfMNjhmeNGJKzjKG3ItmUJiibsAet0DIMTPei2YSLo7wDjwkIGGxF_lbq8KCu7v7SvOlyrBxuAhZoFiuo8NnTKqcCwro0Sztldh0nyU8DcxfTXdqH5r8LIBw/s1600/lounge_fs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tSrW1SNNMe5zSh9GrCubfMNjhmeNGJKzjKG3ItmUJiibsAet0DIMTPei2YSLo7wDjwkIGGxF_lbq8KCu7v7SvOlyrBxuAhZoFiuo8NnTKqcCwro0Sztldh0nyU8DcxfTXdqH5r8LIBw/s640/lounge_fs.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Breakfast was served out here next to the beautiful fountain. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRZbh6Y_4BD3QQNXPUZ4JrRK40agDhwI6JdA77cusb8p7vh1OwY07rgg_3HqNbCQ2r8FWBoSkrJSF5hVBxEBpduQwWSLxP0D7F6k3D2MHGqD_dV33u7gaWmqN5mdQxhjfWj8A4ihiR-A/s1600/BreakfastPond_fs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRZbh6Y_4BD3QQNXPUZ4JrRK40agDhwI6JdA77cusb8p7vh1OwY07rgg_3HqNbCQ2r8FWBoSkrJSF5hVBxEBpduQwWSLxP0D7F6k3D2MHGqD_dV33u7gaWmqN5mdQxhjfWj8A4ihiR-A/s640/BreakfastPond_fs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The dinner venue where we over-indulged was <a href="http://www.lebonvivant.co.za/">Bon Vivant</a>. The food was really excellent and we had some more delicious wine. The name of the restaurant means "good living" and we felt compelled to live up to the name. </div>
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The next morning we wandered around the market that takes place every Saturday, stopped for a coffee and, of course, no trip to Franschhoek would be complete without a visit to <a href="http://www.masquerade.co.za/">Masquerade</a>, my favourite shop. It could well become yours too, even if you don't go to Franschhoek because you can shop <a href="https://www.masquerade.co.za/shop/">online</a>! You're welcome!.</div>
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So, all in all, a good getaway and some happy memories to get us through the winter.</div>
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Till next time</div>
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Sharon xx</div>
<br />Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-50659943073170240752017-03-05T11:31:00.001+02:002017-03-05T11:31:48.135+02:00I've been framed!<div style="text-align: center;">
The saying goes that "you are only as good as the company you keep". Well I must be pretty amazing based on the excellent company I keep! And, luckily for you, I'm going to introduce you to two of these talented friends.</div>
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The first is Sonette Wilson of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Frame-Worx-1799490883647058/">FrameWorx</a>. Sonette runs her framing business from her home based in in Cape Town's southern suburbs. She is one of those people who has the kind of effortless style that we all hanker after and her good taste extends to her framing skills. She will listen to what you think you would like, while at the same time making suggestions of her own that you will soon realise are far better than what you had in mind! She recently framed my protea painting in a simple white box frame and I couldn't be happier. </div>
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It has brought the painting to life and given it a finished look that was previously lacking.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnhVcd3leeDoc5M-k5nN6naaTeHHH8EL6ddLI3ta2VVvu-oTxPtwFg7Rv0VzkIsqY8CFq4aj5FyZSY5Uthy_151kDahQw3dklYkwVY_FAWDg_hscDJQ_nya5eeNdkL9-k8FbzR5H5a9c/s1600/DSC04101+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnhVcd3leeDoc5M-k5nN6naaTeHHH8EL6ddLI3ta2VVvu-oTxPtwFg7Rv0VzkIsqY8CFq4aj5FyZSY5Uthy_151kDahQw3dklYkwVY_FAWDg_hscDJQ_nya5eeNdkL9-k8FbzR5H5a9c/s640/DSC04101+%25284%2529.JPG" width="628" /></a></div>
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She has a range of frames, both plain and ornate, depending on your needs. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RCTYM_9wy0VyQhdwGaCK8qIzbuFO3rPHH-jv7pw5tagJEBEbR_V47_cLgahKTIrHVFjO5Cv5X4mnfBzvjhfozgCtS585sRwsNk0tUF5ImLQSBhKb8pum1Ul0Ij5kiLSD6HCU8QYeZbw/s1600/16601599_1799506400312173_5229984717775708539_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RCTYM_9wy0VyQhdwGaCK8qIzbuFO3rPHH-jv7pw5tagJEBEbR_V47_cLgahKTIrHVFjO5Cv5X4mnfBzvjhfozgCtS585sRwsNk0tUF5ImLQSBhKb8pum1Ul0Ij5kiLSD6HCU8QYeZbw/s640/16601599_1799506400312173_5229984717775708539_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here a white frame and white mounting allow the painting to do all the talking.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDa5UA4BhtfVeCF6f4ZnFWAtsRGJ0GYzucbU8l1OWtrJxwo5epgiy9Le3DOlWnD-Pcf2MgNaNj_K6Au_3kUZiyd5VfXNCe1cc5c2wim9v_KZyFmv0cu2IqUBLUiRiPcPJyWDUJV_NnDUY/s1600/16603134_1800307513565395_5535032432547529869_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDa5UA4BhtfVeCF6f4ZnFWAtsRGJ0GYzucbU8l1OWtrJxwo5epgiy9Le3DOlWnD-Pcf2MgNaNj_K6Au_3kUZiyd5VfXNCe1cc5c2wim9v_KZyFmv0cu2IqUBLUiRiPcPJyWDUJV_NnDUY/s640/16603134_1800307513565395_5535032432547529869_n.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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She also does fabulous mirrors as in the example below....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XZY_6ML5QKqlz8jcofoBzVF3krOB9biwOfgPRZl_GBUB3BvQJk7Qb7SWvAxLllBsCL9ZEb99EC_L5ngTvoOfljXrLHwgZewitQLB9MlxSpX3uaF-m7-shZTNy4Z6OjpliAK0oksXrlI/s1600/IMG_2470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XZY_6ML5QKqlz8jcofoBzVF3krOB9biwOfgPRZl_GBUB3BvQJk7Qb7SWvAxLllBsCL9ZEb99EC_L5ngTvoOfljXrLHwgZewitQLB9MlxSpX3uaF-m7-shZTNy4Z6OjpliAK0oksXrlI/s640/IMG_2470.JPG" width="490" /></a></div>
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.....and is often asked to frame memorabilia or special items for clients. Here she has framed a little statue of Ganesh, the Hindu God of Good Fortune. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegC90wPEZrb4DdX9sHi3jqC_m_XYqVQB8k4y0-tlB35pBm08xbNnabAsbq-DrLPHetvOEIvRwWCTR2SkCeAZrVPqGUkOKXg9nEC4N67zNexFn58ipWWSAOFkYr89JuMSSPl3m3qFIboE/s1600/Sonette%2527s+framing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegC90wPEZrb4DdX9sHi3jqC_m_XYqVQB8k4y0-tlB35pBm08xbNnabAsbq-DrLPHetvOEIvRwWCTR2SkCeAZrVPqGUkOKXg9nEC4N67zNexFn58ipWWSAOFkYr89JuMSSPl3m3qFIboE/s640/Sonette%2527s+framing.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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She recently framed a painting done by an artist friend of mine who I am also going to introduce to you. </div>
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The process....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPwlsXEW3cXglFqMisBXQ0sSvWnRIoLDFzJGSUEBYSF6_EydpF1Dl9Nzyd-kzR8cVtdVPhX3LIFS2AUE3yrnxzImXWAJLowiuBYWhsVrqO7Pe1P65N7yN21QMGZDva5H3B5sZR-lKME4/s1600/IMG_2473+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPwlsXEW3cXglFqMisBXQ0sSvWnRIoLDFzJGSUEBYSF6_EydpF1Dl9Nzyd-kzR8cVtdVPhX3LIFS2AUE3yrnxzImXWAJLowiuBYWhsVrqO7Pe1P65N7yN21QMGZDva5H3B5sZR-lKME4/s640/IMG_2473+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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...and the beautiful end result!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVgLKMvtWFKf3s520zyWn4rlgd_EOEWxSBf-C98bYaluUgrxa3d6qz6IhiswvczlusyHnrE9gAcGDVUUmmkicG3Yw5fZE9K0qQWCE8EC6I4BVNPIg4qKPPYEg3sOH3tZWJPOT7Yu-7d8/s1600/16864888_10155128912230337_8638902638970349718_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVgLKMvtWFKf3s520zyWn4rlgd_EOEWxSBf-C98bYaluUgrxa3d6qz6IhiswvczlusyHnrE9gAcGDVUUmmkicG3Yw5fZE9K0qQWCE8EC6I4BVNPIg4qKPPYEg3sOH3tZWJPOT7Yu-7d8/s640/16864888_10155128912230337_8638902638970349718_n.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
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So please contact Sonette for all your framing needs via her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/Frame-Worx-1799490883647058/about/?ref=page_internal">Facebook page</a>. </div>
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The painting above was done by my most talented friend, Trish Mitchell. I actually met Trish at art class and we clicked instantly. We love many of the same things and she is also a Francophile, which instantly elevates her in my book! Trish has been painting for many years but has only recently decided to turn "professional". Long overdue IMHO! </div>
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She has the most wonderful eye for colour and beauty and has a particular love for painting flowers....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bPaFJyfQGja0g_HlqxM9yOz3iZGLq9fsYNUUCKyc-KMt5hzU5l2MGLAcrG7q7BlPsbDAhAyOQX7mF8arTnZsO4P_BSBMr-R-3AF2E8hqMgcped8dY1YUP3naAj91eR8BQL5KnJti7E0/s1600/hydrangeas-in-a-silver-jug-oil-painting-e1485847639712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bPaFJyfQGja0g_HlqxM9yOz3iZGLq9fsYNUUCKyc-KMt5hzU5l2MGLAcrG7q7BlPsbDAhAyOQX7mF8arTnZsO4P_BSBMr-R-3AF2E8hqMgcped8dY1YUP3naAj91eR8BQL5KnJti7E0/s640/hydrangeas-in-a-silver-jug-oil-painting-e1485847639712.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtFXiOXltWO9phvtQnEc_XZIROAxyhSXk7EuLaZH54YVOeNnE5zhZJp-ydLjijc7ylgkeJ5RtzU_ntzdZRa_b_VNgZNASiA13NKMxhZN06uXGGpOdn97e372CuMJhetmA2gdixtEzXGw/s1600/roses-in-a-mason-jar-oil-painting-e1485846573250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtFXiOXltWO9phvtQnEc_XZIROAxyhSXk7EuLaZH54YVOeNnE5zhZJp-ydLjijc7ylgkeJ5RtzU_ntzdZRa_b_VNgZNASiA13NKMxhZN06uXGGpOdn97e372CuMJhetmA2gdixtEzXGw/s640/roses-in-a-mason-jar-oil-painting-e1485846573250.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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...but can turn her hand to anything really, from people....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLfzGiuBEdLPJ3bgJ99XqIiMeAeILW1eUhNyRpaxjkmvejiJpjlg8dC_zPIjgHb9o-6mfJVhFViqQ7tqKeHzMakVcI0nYhdQXANssYzSL6LHl51MnT_fIsGsPDkF-ffTozgqrkOlmLds/s1600/Little-girl-on-beach-oil-painting-trishannmitchell-e1485846883892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLfzGiuBEdLPJ3bgJ99XqIiMeAeILW1eUhNyRpaxjkmvejiJpjlg8dC_zPIjgHb9o-6mfJVhFViqQ7tqKeHzMakVcI0nYhdQXANssYzSL6LHl51MnT_fIsGsPDkF-ffTozgqrkOlmLds/s640/Little-girl-on-beach-oil-painting-trishannmitchell-e1485846883892.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
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...to still lives...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1Ruo5xrvsV2y0K3qd-AREjkt4i3UJ8rp2lKx_iukOqkiphzYkorjSJpGzGCXkft7bBCy-gnc7gwg78vhP9aHMVuTH4FNCGwfDICrRCUGoXIUhuZLT5sFsqpvr51vi5TXt1KlCUQa2Ds/s1600/pears-on-a-plate-oil-painting-trishannmitchell-e1485846737516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1Ruo5xrvsV2y0K3qd-AREjkt4i3UJ8rp2lKx_iukOqkiphzYkorjSJpGzGCXkft7bBCy-gnc7gwg78vhP9aHMVuTH4FNCGwfDICrRCUGoXIUhuZLT5sFsqpvr51vi5TXt1KlCUQa2Ds/s640/pears-on-a-plate-oil-painting-trishannmitchell-e1485846737516.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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...to landscapes...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFNElo_FVZQnNUEOSQeUkv4cOYn3NtXQIvFyw1EbRUXqjU9J8F62P1g4DdAa57BzTK6_MkNw8_pfXEYlio7J0FRzwyg-3Ssx9q0XiK0TYB3UEg8MixR9fkzlbslrRWPpA1_S0iCxEK9k/s1600/punting-on-the-cam-oil-painting-e1485846511298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFNElo_FVZQnNUEOSQeUkv4cOYn3NtXQIvFyw1EbRUXqjU9J8F62P1g4DdAa57BzTK6_MkNw8_pfXEYlio7J0FRzwyg-3Ssx9q0XiK0TYB3UEg8MixR9fkzlbslrRWPpA1_S0iCxEK9k/s640/punting-on-the-cam-oil-painting-e1485846511298.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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...and wildlife!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyO5MVi1juVFUb6k9H0Hth-2eHMNg_i-viPWO7haMjIPcubNvSlWJB-_HFodu09Dza07s8e9I83Mu2RgUA1lC7AF8U0z055MNJPGqP3Zo1IW6px96IS7LHNtpi7c1yVFCxZru2SV3LjA/s1600/swans-on-a-lake-oil-painting-e1485846423334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyO5MVi1juVFUb6k9H0Hth-2eHMNg_i-viPWO7haMjIPcubNvSlWJB-_HFodu09Dza07s8e9I83Mu2RgUA1lC7AF8U0z055MNJPGqP3Zo1IW6px96IS7LHNtpi7c1yVFCxZru2SV3LjA/s640/swans-on-a-lake-oil-painting-e1485846423334.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJya8jjSyJfk-ecFWFOhIaHuJy-hzhVy9OtU3m0UoyyqGxPNm98mQxYw4fmMGwq8B8X63rXoalfXIJRfHDJdfCEKbk3RzsM410k46LKwhN9XvTT8SGMLGGPBqLsxTeEwmzKOBiqwQkuko/s1600/wild-dogs-oil-painting-trishannmitchell-e1485842441857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJya8jjSyJfk-ecFWFOhIaHuJy-hzhVy9OtU3m0UoyyqGxPNm98mQxYw4fmMGwq8B8X63rXoalfXIJRfHDJdfCEKbk3RzsM410k46LKwhN9XvTT8SGMLGGPBqLsxTeEwmzKOBiqwQkuko/s640/wild-dogs-oil-painting-trishannmitchell-e1485842441857.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Her artworks are <u>real</u> works of art! Trish has a website <a href="http://trishannmitchell.com/">here</a> and a blog <a href="http://trishannmitchell.com/the-beauty-i-love-blog/">here</a>. </div>
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So I have made it really easy for you, just contact <a href="http://trishannmitchell.com/contact/">Trish</a> to aquire one of her beautiful oil paintings and then get in touch with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/Frame-Worx-1799490883647058/about/?ref=page_internal">Sonette</a> for your framing and you are all sorted!</div>
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You're welcome!</div>
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Till next time</div>
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Sharon x</div>
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Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-33047650912229235232017-02-12T17:18:00.001+02:002017-02-12T17:18:49.960+02:00Pondering the Persian<div style="text-align: center;">
After my last blog post where I declared my eldest son to be my favourite because he shed a few tears in the movie "Lion", my second born felt he would like to make a play for the position of favourite. "I have been moved to tears too by something I watched on TV," he declared. My heart started to beat a little faster - maybe I have raised another son who is in touch with his emotions after all. What, I wondered, had he seen to cause his eyes to well up? Well it seems that it was when some very well known soccer player missed a crucial goal during the Euro 2016 final. The player in question cried and so did my son! "These are the moments that matter, Mom," he said. Gotta love boys!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbmIM5xSabm12phrDwcR_nBFfgbtryRrSTmgkOITB0rNOoRnEyQV6cMh2M7HMS3GT7RLch3GjVZ2ED0JueAs7a9_a-PVl2p9HhcFoOuRFZuqb_sqzLhlKJlO2_AXLxefbRjWuuyeF53c/s1600/3f23d0318fdaadbf1363be289b0781a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbmIM5xSabm12phrDwcR_nBFfgbtryRrSTmgkOITB0rNOoRnEyQV6cMh2M7HMS3GT7RLch3GjVZ2ED0JueAs7a9_a-PVl2p9HhcFoOuRFZuqb_sqzLhlKJlO2_AXLxefbRjWuuyeF53c/s640/3f23d0318fdaadbf1363be289b0781a2.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
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In this post, I thought a would debate the merits of Persian and Oriental rugs in today's decorating scene. I had coffee at a friend's home recently and she had a Persian rug in her dining room that she had decided she was going to sell and replace with something a bit more contemporary. Her dining room is beautifully and simply decorated in shades of grey and I thought the deep red Persian added a beautiful touch to her room, but I can also understand why she wanted a change. I think we associate Persian's with our parents or even grandparent's homes. I certainly grew up in a home full of them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMOCJ0cuQjy6ixt-czuI1auABzHlZ_ZqxE-Rbz_YhS5oizPhs404Uy7RpqSDY0r2EWLpg4SYu2g5qvalnD01JK-8GNJrKXrxEahfFcDg6gtoHosHDPo2-SB9awEnmRZfaXkBrsG6frdM/s1600/25aca3391bdfdcf6d8c9c73cceccb033+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMOCJ0cuQjy6ixt-czuI1auABzHlZ_ZqxE-Rbz_YhS5oizPhs404Uy7RpqSDY0r2EWLpg4SYu2g5qvalnD01JK-8GNJrKXrxEahfFcDg6gtoHosHDPo2-SB9awEnmRZfaXkBrsG6frdM/s640/25aca3391bdfdcf6d8c9c73cceccb033+%25281%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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But do they have a place in decorating today? I think it depends on how we use them. I waded through picture upon picture on Pinterest and other sites and saved the ones that I liked and then analysed them. It seems that the common thread was that the Persian's look best when the accompanying furnishings and decor are pared down. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA69VNfHxNcqbuiFOAXSJJLke-BoIGy0AbthYYAAmGzgOWi4yV_76lX2RaA1JC2ig5r1zIKVqeejzgl1arXtvnN8YDxAoYw6w3h7GT4CtSY5YGnBQcXBH6KE41_P8oszeQopWsbdeSdbQ/s1600/7715Chris-Allan-Photog_opt-682x1024.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA69VNfHxNcqbuiFOAXSJJLke-BoIGy0AbthYYAAmGzgOWi4yV_76lX2RaA1JC2ig5r1zIKVqeejzgl1arXtvnN8YDxAoYw6w3h7GT4CtSY5YGnBQcXBH6KE41_P8oszeQopWsbdeSdbQ/s640/7715Chris-Allan-Photog_opt-682x1024.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Make them a centre piece and keep furnishings around them minimal and neutral. Don't crowd or clutter them because then they become what they were in granny's house. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoC5w0m4V5UDv5FPjGDzVXXAaXEY3z1SDceiexbpmEHq6Q0FEGPePiC_OCF5l9_-h26jwhWMULHFDxkq2L94GkAN00Sf6dUX7UqDltamvmSSc2AzYCavsxUdixyiRy4vRV5aF1mpYQuU/s1600/169e4fc853bf67bd9f8d7610caabba5e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoC5w0m4V5UDv5FPjGDzVXXAaXEY3z1SDceiexbpmEHq6Q0FEGPePiC_OCF5l9_-h26jwhWMULHFDxkq2L94GkAN00Sf6dUX7UqDltamvmSSc2AzYCavsxUdixyiRy4vRV5aF1mpYQuU/s640/169e4fc853bf67bd9f8d7610caabba5e.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
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Also don't limit them to entrance halls and living rooms. They can look beautiful in kitchens....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafXH1ozj8_0gSocq2_mAWLa2_B0-Dwvx_hWyIFZIsG_OmWyxpGcv9ObJG7ctO1vlrNcLo3DYitYGqRjxmYWURnEMf-q9t0pkyPmE8mou1TMhQI_qb7HSAUd8VeIR9ks2r_R-Bi9054CI/s1600/9b146d5808bb16d37ebb9ff9c3385dd7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafXH1ozj8_0gSocq2_mAWLa2_B0-Dwvx_hWyIFZIsG_OmWyxpGcv9ObJG7ctO1vlrNcLo3DYitYGqRjxmYWURnEMf-q9t0pkyPmE8mou1TMhQI_qb7HSAUd8VeIR9ks2r_R-Bi9054CI/s640/9b146d5808bb16d37ebb9ff9c3385dd7.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
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....bedrooms....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4x9wTMdla8KiJ0kkcjP3ANMhiX2YJElwxWRQ2D8rhxV5VsG7nUeDuPS_wmasXfELTiQRlJeB2YAg4PQVwVFwPn1v7-8MiU22PojvDHLR51jyRevHdPglTNDcmfb9LCHWnS0PKMkA57U/s1600/1a5ea27c3b83d726447fd42ea48a7c0d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4x9wTMdla8KiJ0kkcjP3ANMhiX2YJElwxWRQ2D8rhxV5VsG7nUeDuPS_wmasXfELTiQRlJeB2YAg4PQVwVFwPn1v7-8MiU22PojvDHLR51jyRevHdPglTNDcmfb9LCHWnS0PKMkA57U/s640/1a5ea27c3b83d726447fd42ea48a7c0d.jpg" width="510" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi8rWmMxYqyE7-ba3hdgNfA3YmPUHuaf45BSKAXhB3uaTjoMR1vrcqjygIpaI1EdSlPSXrN607rz8gDU0eMLIjfOOj3p7pgGFsJ8mlfd-Ve0GeXxXnxg5D-jVEpjbiz34UhbHmaNHHx0E/s1600/c6577b9905735e4e1b3d1a186e9cea54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi8rWmMxYqyE7-ba3hdgNfA3YmPUHuaf45BSKAXhB3uaTjoMR1vrcqjygIpaI1EdSlPSXrN607rz8gDU0eMLIjfOOj3p7pgGFsJ8mlfd-Ve0GeXxXnxg5D-jVEpjbiz34UhbHmaNHHx0E/s640/c6577b9905735e4e1b3d1a186e9cea54.jpg" width="474" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIThpomPD2QlQNTmJJskfRWk6GB5CifFs-eOjyCptL36qqgo2lZ_HcJhQkd6-eW6s2ZaKXeNj943tU0QtRPYu1uM7iA6g0t_xxJbHlDR19iZt9e_VKGT6vOcNWKQKejlB41hCRxJKx47I/s1600/ec7fb441a66203c87e8cb161d0198334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIThpomPD2QlQNTmJJskfRWk6GB5CifFs-eOjyCptL36qqgo2lZ_HcJhQkd6-eW6s2ZaKXeNj943tU0QtRPYu1uM7iA6g0t_xxJbHlDR19iZt9e_VKGT6vOcNWKQKejlB41hCRxJKx47I/s640/ec7fb441a66203c87e8cb161d0198334.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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...and even bathrooms!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_WP6fBvog3NUWq6YASCfQuVWxriJowJ5NERyF0UBYA0M7-UDrvDZbfZK03W5kpFetT5kZHkD8muP5Ms7NqQJjOFiAv4WDE4Tq5GjzWLC4J6-DWhsDdFYemwlEgaBAFkoeNxVa1rxBAg/s1600/759b88fe4f29799822f78e498af654af.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_WP6fBvog3NUWq6YASCfQuVWxriJowJ5NERyF0UBYA0M7-UDrvDZbfZK03W5kpFetT5kZHkD8muP5Ms7NqQJjOFiAv4WDE4Tq5GjzWLC4J6-DWhsDdFYemwlEgaBAFkoeNxVa1rxBAg/s640/759b88fe4f29799822f78e498af654af.jpg" width="424" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1nZF-Agv9dxihLGephmTKmw-IL8Z7Zyqu01YDlNmRUJR6wgRQMRBNWh8tAj3gpGMk7Gg9F_XwzvNgBHtTHk1bNvtkmOdngDkx2ynf0A9g6enlWrbNbYcE_7Bv0oBvtzMlyDIlI2Hq5o/s1600/0b39a8bbdd1fd8195d43c1c525a8d5d4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1nZF-Agv9dxihLGephmTKmw-IL8Z7Zyqu01YDlNmRUJR6wgRQMRBNWh8tAj3gpGMk7Gg9F_XwzvNgBHtTHk1bNvtkmOdngDkx2ynf0A9g6enlWrbNbYcE_7Bv0oBvtzMlyDIlI2Hq5o/s640/0b39a8bbdd1fd8195d43c1c525a8d5d4.jpg" width="552" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uaESET3nXIZL7wCoLXzkRqnLYTsozPpQdw0IepAO12geMj91mBHxZTXWAWPMBJjLU55i7Ed1cI3zO8BDwb2Lknrq2gL66huZJzE6-zYUxWteG3JUPlKFUkSR79bsp2Sd69vu1hNz_BE/s1600/e126b56dbcaa52ac6a25dce29f6a2dc6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uaESET3nXIZL7wCoLXzkRqnLYTsozPpQdw0IepAO12geMj91mBHxZTXWAWPMBJjLU55i7Ed1cI3zO8BDwb2Lknrq2gL66huZJzE6-zYUxWteG3JUPlKFUkSR79bsp2Sd69vu1hNz_BE/s640/e126b56dbcaa52ac6a25dce29f6a2dc6.jpg" width="424" /></a><br />
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So don't discard your Persian just yet. Rather use it in a new, more current way and fall in love with it all over again.<br />
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And if you are interested in my friends's Persian, contact me and I'll pass it on. Here is a pic.<br />
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Till next time</div>
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Sharon x</div>
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Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-40717442732558538742017-02-06T16:47:00.000+02:002017-02-06T16:47:39.408+02:00Desert Daydreaming<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKic7tgpuXgPHlOfCZxOJCxp0IdmOFwfyejzfCJHfZRA2ehr9flvl_16UwmnaxehSTqLnV4Rl0IWtePqc88Jf6qzG9r6BH-aYVweh-V1fxQzlsr46bPL2MR4Z79MkBfHDqtVkHOEatTgk/s1600/261_image_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKic7tgpuXgPHlOfCZxOJCxp0IdmOFwfyejzfCJHfZRA2ehr9flvl_16UwmnaxehSTqLnV4Rl0IWtePqc88Jf6qzG9r6BH-aYVweh-V1fxQzlsr46bPL2MR4Z79MkBfHDqtVkHOEatTgk/s640/261_image_16.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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My household is a cultural desert! A while back, I suggested at the family dinner table that we might like to go and see a musical. Well, my suggestion was met with deathly silence accompanied by a complete lack of eye contact from anyone, my husband included! You would think that I had suggested some sort of interactive, avant-guard fringe theatre rather than a harmless musical.</div>
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I have now learned to have less lofty cultural ambitions, but did recently suggest a family movie outing. This sounds a lot simpler than it is. With 4 teenage sons and a husband who all have slightly different movie tastes, it isn't easy to find anything with general appeal. But I pulled maternal rank and decided that we should go and see the movie <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion_(2016_film)">Lion</a>, partly because I'm just a little bit in love with Dev Patel and it seemed to be a good option for the whole family. The youngest relented only because we decided to go to the Labia Theatre and he <b>never sees anyone he knows at the Labia</b>!<br />
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What a beautiful movie. I cried bucket loads of tears. The rest of my family all said that they didn't cry, but when I declared them to be cold and heartless, my eldest confessed that he did shed a tear or two during the reunion scene. Even though he probably said it just to placate me, he is now officially my favourite!</div>
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So do yourself a favour and go and see Lion,. Nothing like a box of popcorn and a good cry.<br />
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Moving from cultural deserts to real ones.... I grew up in the Karoo which is a semi-desert area of South Africa and I still find those wide open spaces endlessly appealing.<br />
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While trawling the web looking for Karoo scenery, I came upon this place called Klipspringer near Calitzdorp in the Little Karoo. It is set high up in a mountainous area and has panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The homestead is off the grid and is built with stone from the area. So all very green and eco-friendly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhys6VQJpwVvt1PNKD5qAtWFZhm7bqk73E1OOnZMmBmJs1QOPYFGWX5cMSIRPo2dejsQ4DP8y0EdgklxNVdOfyNIXFsVaExiHZwN56RKhw-RxT4g0xoHpv3sVyouYvxk0sR6J_NJHhyphenhyphenJG0/s1600/261_image_17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhys6VQJpwVvt1PNKD5qAtWFZhm7bqk73E1OOnZMmBmJs1QOPYFGWX5cMSIRPo2dejsQ4DP8y0EdgklxNVdOfyNIXFsVaExiHZwN56RKhw-RxT4g0xoHpv3sVyouYvxk0sR6J_NJHhyphenhyphenJG0/s640/261_image_17.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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There is something decidedly peaceful about this view of...well....nothing. A good book, a nap, a dip in the pool, maybe a tall drink. Bliss!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRXJvfWq0G6jEy4WE5VgdGPbn5xiMa5OSTrA08WyqOeqMywCGrTETvopZmFilGfB0rrK7Mq_WmNpZ4L1AgVrzz8j9OVqeskOdqE-ABqxJhWHIWBwpY8UddzGUDZSfU789TK0Mo2XvGKQ/s1600/261_image_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRXJvfWq0G6jEy4WE5VgdGPbn5xiMa5OSTrA08WyqOeqMywCGrTETvopZmFilGfB0rrK7Mq_WmNpZ4L1AgVrzz8j9OVqeskOdqE-ABqxJhWHIWBwpY8UddzGUDZSfU789TK0Mo2XvGKQ/s640/261_image_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Having dinner out here on a balmy Karoo evening followed by some stargazing would be hard to beat. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6H9X0JL9g1DJADDiZXZe4wP1lPZoaGFkKNsD1Wq5Pu0UTfwyK4ypZdsJH_YUc7QYQXHg2w3x5a5biUuh3AQPMG40kd6OrtWKaj5phEktq-RjQ12-rl-BdU1l4-SO0ZGxgdpNKazEwSd8/s1600/261_image_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6H9X0JL9g1DJADDiZXZe4wP1lPZoaGFkKNsD1Wq5Pu0UTfwyK4ypZdsJH_YUc7QYQXHg2w3x5a5biUuh3AQPMG40kd6OrtWKaj5phEktq-RjQ12-rl-BdU1l4-SO0ZGxgdpNKazEwSd8/s640/261_image_4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOY-bI56NLZvV3jQhX3Uw6Udq7DlGjK9R5bOje_w0NDeX9ck_5m57lxqHLCnsfctrdwGNmm8kGQjB54b3I2Ie1GgLEk5I2NlOuaaOXuuTuOCEp4gDYdMIcIEkrlgPT8HIQQjpRt70BD1I/s1600/261_image_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOY-bI56NLZvV3jQhX3Uw6Udq7DlGjK9R5bOje_w0NDeX9ck_5m57lxqHLCnsfctrdwGNmm8kGQjB54b3I2Ie1GgLEk5I2NlOuaaOXuuTuOCEp4gDYdMIcIEkrlgPT8HIQQjpRt70BD1I/s640/261_image_8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The bedrooms have French doors to let the air flow through and their are views all around. </div>
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Stone walls and muted colour schemes blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuk5zz9No42s7dT8glhQyaAHC3d6VRMMY8OFc0ito9QNM2vTv7NkvKVBUG_Pajqg-W4xWaGqGgAjYnqQ4PCx7ROoIG3Z36w4gmhDTqWoiUrCm4-sHQwtC0A4PUyYYJNA8dwDn5SE7_7E/s1600/261_image_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuk5zz9No42s7dT8glhQyaAHC3d6VRMMY8OFc0ito9QNM2vTv7NkvKVBUG_Pajqg-W4xWaGqGgAjYnqQ4PCx7ROoIG3Z36w4gmhDTqWoiUrCm4-sHQwtC0A4PUyYYJNA8dwDn5SE7_7E/s640/261_image_10.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyY1hgLtznm_y5U-4nO7O74kH_HUnFw1MWb7TuwN7EpWgSTkm1BjSsZElFaakP388CA7omeietrWTshoxC-mLnRTovI_QJHzAN5hI-6QRy7e3rY7wwbyi3A6_WBAyOytKotLRcdaRn5c/s1600/261_image_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyY1hgLtznm_y5U-4nO7O74kH_HUnFw1MWb7TuwN7EpWgSTkm1BjSsZElFaakP388CA7omeietrWTshoxC-mLnRTovI_QJHzAN5hI-6QRy7e3rY7wwbyi3A6_WBAyOytKotLRcdaRn5c/s640/261_image_13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And you might spot some wildlife while sipping your G & T. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgru-rMBtDLF92fWlJ8kM48X3_JWjmja0Palq1M-l-nQaqa-mkhvRT-m32mazdml66z3dn90zY1SbtPtgg2OS2Noe9j1RaUF0f9or46VKRhqMZF1TTJWwIRGUkiNL1et6SdfMgZgnsLiQo/s1600/261_image_18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgru-rMBtDLF92fWlJ8kM48X3_JWjmja0Palq1M-l-nQaqa-mkhvRT-m32mazdml66z3dn90zY1SbtPtgg2OS2Noe9j1RaUF0f9or46VKRhqMZF1TTJWwIRGUkiNL1et6SdfMgZgnsLiQo/s640/261_image_18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The good news is that it is available for rent through <a href="http://www.perfecthideaways.co.za/Details/Klipspringer?Itemid=">Perfect Hideaways</a>.</div>
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So are you packing your bags yet?</div>
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Till next time</div>
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Sharon x</div>
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Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-54645120123787414352017-01-25T11:08:00.001+02:002017-01-25T11:08:21.145+02:00Simple and Spacious<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsxs5rHoRRph-gV02ys27oX3Bp5SHN7I6e6EbOaeNCUoKQu2Ck3ZrWlJhmLfnTOHtsmn6Mme_Sh3lBdmzjvKqbp5pqUA2e9T1mJOIdxVVe1VFUq5-o00sTKPCTZa5lcD6n5dQHH8pyXI/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsxs5rHoRRph-gV02ys27oX3Bp5SHN7I6e6EbOaeNCUoKQu2Ck3ZrWlJhmLfnTOHtsmn6Mme_Sh3lBdmzjvKqbp5pqUA2e9T1mJOIdxVVe1VFUq5-o00sTKPCTZa5lcD6n5dQHH8pyXI/s640/12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You might have gathered from my previous post that I have a yearning for simplicity. Along with that goes a need for a calm, restful environment and, for me, that means a lack of colour and lots of open space. I like colour, but in other people's homes - not so much in my own. I don't know why. I do have some bright colour in my home, but mostly in places where I don't hang out very much like the boys TV room and bedrooms. I like to surround myself with neutral, soothing tones that don't jar my senses in any way. I might be fooling myself that I could possibly have a calm restful, environment when I share it with 4 teenage boys but a girl can dream, can't she?</div>
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I came across this house while trawling the web and I was immediately drawn to it. It struck me that there was almost no colour in the house, not even art on the walls. Being an art lover and an amateur artist myself, I feel that I shouldn't like the lack of art, but I do! Shame on me!</div>
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This home is situated in McKinney, Texas, USA. It was only built in 2012, but the predominance of antique French doors and fixtures, make it feel that it has been around for a long time. The beautiful herringbone floor is made of tumbled marble.</div>
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The floor in the living room is antique, imported from Belgium. I love the fact that there is no excess furniture, which creates the sparse look that I am currently obsessed with, but the furniture that is there looks comfortable and inviting with the use of textures like velvet. So while it looks kind of bare, it doesn't look cold.</div>
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I think I might have been inclined to add some linen curtains to this music room. It could get a bit "echoey" otherwise. </div>
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The kitchen-living area is vast and also boasts the beautiful Belgian antique floor. The soaring beamed ceiling adds to the wonderfully spacious feeling. </div>
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Interestingly, there is only one chair in front of the TV in the corner. Imagine the fights that would cause in my house!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgxUxUhatZonBxSJeZycybGQxOhVahLgQBmb7XsLRyYtxWZdjSbGfsVtxo-e7gq1lYdd4n59gJi-wAznd1pCnKQxCTvi4P1iIAANempUJn0wUupYcChwYL3axvUp8ygbhCYzf6dikMAY/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgxUxUhatZonBxSJeZycybGQxOhVahLgQBmb7XsLRyYtxWZdjSbGfsVtxo-e7gq1lYdd4n59gJi-wAznd1pCnKQxCTvi4P1iIAANempUJn0wUupYcChwYL3axvUp8ygbhCYzf6dikMAY/s640/19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The home has an office for both him and her. Dad's above, mom's below. Love both! </div>
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One of my favourite rooms is the laundry room/butlers pantry. I'm not sure why because I definitely don't love laundry, but I might grow to love it if it meant hanging out in here!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicL614eka-KZdh6KrnI1iwnvTSZQ-MELdc2pRm7FBBWs0DXY3J3EbnzmpxdCAZrUJvKpJV5uCAIOLIduhebig-MfLmcxfXIpJOFeWCCmkwCbgJi7MWOJLWSopzyEzWG-0DL8QUPnvtunE/s1600/26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicL614eka-KZdh6KrnI1iwnvTSZQ-MELdc2pRm7FBBWs0DXY3J3EbnzmpxdCAZrUJvKpJV5uCAIOLIduhebig-MfLmcxfXIpJOFeWCCmkwCbgJi7MWOJLWSopzyEzWG-0DL8QUPnvtunE/s640/26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kRlqr8_ap3I3sJSy30z4pN6la2_yiDlNqK_RHmB26D8wgBThJIBosMs2cDSE8g84wzXHMTYyhzDilfuzlleFriBj4UDgFVW8GFL4Qjh8oX3wBxeMrYZXPjL_Cc4zcpswPewADH_DXJs/s1600/27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kRlqr8_ap3I3sJSy30z4pN6la2_yiDlNqK_RHmB26D8wgBThJIBosMs2cDSE8g84wzXHMTYyhzDilfuzlleFriBj4UDgFVW8GFL4Qjh8oX3wBxeMrYZXPjL_Cc4zcpswPewADH_DXJs/s640/27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The main bedroom is simple and spacious with doors leading out onto the garden. </div>
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Also a very spacious en-suite with slipper bath, lots of storage and his and hers vanity areas. Very nice.</div>
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The children's and guest bedrooms and bathrooms are upstairs. All are simply furnished in neutral tones. </div>
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A covered patio - perfect for entertaining outdoors.</div>
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The kitchen area also has a covered patio. A lovely spot to take a break inbetween cooking and laundry.</div>
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The garden is kept as simple as the interior with mostly just lawn and hedging. </div>
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And finally, the front facade of the house. </div>
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So there you go. I'd love to know what you think of this house with its sparse furnishings and lack of colour. </div>
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Till next time</div>
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Sharon x </div>
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Image source:<a href="http://2701majestic.homeis4sale.com/#"> here</a><br />
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<br />Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-81786613526027565842017-01-15T15:49:00.000+02:002017-01-15T15:49:37.614+02:00 A New Year<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"It's a new dawn. It's a new day. It's a new life. For me. And I'm feeling good" Well mostly.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3U7VYjcRZxO5Rm2wiVtOaIF4DR_9qAc3pG0NEEqdie2AHWC3HwF77xiqOYhkICpuKhlKvvRX_fIIsN2q3CVcULWg-ySn7NLVjKJluHx-f8JxiboncfJRDhXUXRFOsLo2s2qqxJq8F-4/s1600/via+hug2love.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3U7VYjcRZxO5Rm2wiVtOaIF4DR_9qAc3pG0NEEqdie2AHWC3HwF77xiqOYhkICpuKhlKvvRX_fIIsN2q3CVcULWg-ySn7NLVjKJluHx-f8JxiboncfJRDhXUXRFOsLo2s2qqxJq8F-4/s640/via+hug2love.com.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You might wonder why I'm a little slow in acknowledging the New Year, after all, we are two weeks into 2017 already. I will explain, but first of all, I'm pleased to report that my dogs survived their Christmas Eve chocolate eating incident completely unscathed. The New Year, however, brought a different set of problems with our older dog, Baxter, having to have an MRI which revealed a bulging disc at the top of his spine which required an op followed by a week in hospital. My husband hardly slept the whole time he was in hospital. I slept a bit, but only because I self-medicated with wine. The good news is that he is now back home and recovering slowly but I think we might have to harvest a kidney or two from the children to pay for it all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That's why I decided that I'm going to allocate the first 2 weeks of 2017 to the "<span style="background-color: white;">Annus Horribilis"</span> that was 2016. So my New Year officially started today. Happy New Year to you! Onward and upward! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As far as New Year's resolutions are concerned I have only one.... to SIMPLIFY... my home, my life and my mind. My children already think I'm simple-minded so I can tick that one off! My husband's resolution for this year is to try and earn more than our children can spend. I think mine might be more attainable!</span><br />
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I have started going from room to room and removing anything that I either don't use or don't love. I've emptied cupboards, carefully sorted through everything and put back only half of the contents. I've started taking everything off coffee tables, fireplace mantles and bookshelves and only putting back the bare minimum. Its amazing how those things shine more when they aren't surrounded by a whole lot of other things.<br />
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<img src="http://likeasaturday.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/simplify-quote.jpg" height="309" style="text-align: start;" width="400" /><br />
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I wouldn't call myself a hoarder by nature, but I am and always have been a collector. I have collected, amongst other things, white jugs, silver tea pots, bone chine tea cups and baskets of all shapes and sizes. My current obsession is <a href="http://wonkiware.co.za/">Wonkiware</a>.<br />
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Yet I have this compulsion to discard. Do you see the conflict here? I will never be a real minimalist, but I also don't like being bogged down by too much stuff. And when you are a collector, friends often give you gifts to add to your collection so there are the sentimental attachments to many of my things,<br />
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I have made the difficult and brave decision to part with my white jug collection. I will only keep 3 of the nicest and will tell the others that they have been loved and appreciated but their time has come to be enjoyed by someone else.<br />
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And so my mission continues.... I am not rushing the process too much. When I have time and am in the mood, I will clear out yet another draw or bookshelf and will regularly take a car load to my local charity shop. I am also gearing up for a car boot sale and I might or might not use the proceeds to add to my Wonkiware collection. Please try not to judge me.<br />
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Here are some beautifully simple interiors that have inspired me. Perhaps they will inspire you too....<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Till next time</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sharon x</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-72734750813333641842016-12-24T21:09:00.001+02:002016-12-24T21:09:09.983+02:00Christmas Wishes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltzRC4ORC92WY_kYerPPWhUUb5JPn7Nbrg_7e5Ot4g3M7O26nXNyjX1Xr5QPEztoj84dY_K5TTyK0Bi41vydIvd58T0eeT5Lvft6Q9OxxHjATshck9fB4QanZP94pvtgPWnFVqP21qI0/s1600/df00775bfd9afbb3ca4224d83a16883e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltzRC4ORC92WY_kYerPPWhUUb5JPn7Nbrg_7e5Ot4g3M7O26nXNyjX1Xr5QPEztoj84dY_K5TTyK0Bi41vydIvd58T0eeT5Lvft6Q9OxxHjATshck9fB4QanZP94pvtgPWnFVqP21qI0/s640/df00775bfd9afbb3ca4224d83a16883e.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Christmas came a bit early for some members of our family..... we arrived home after a lovely Christmas Eve dinner out to discover that Baxter and Blossom, our beagles, helped themselves to an entire box of Lindt choccies destined for somebody's Christmas stocking. <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">C'est La Vie and Happy Christmas to them and to all of you, my blog friends and readers. I hope your day is filled with love and laughter and that the year ahead will </span>fulfill<span style="font-family: inherit;"> at least some of your hopes and dreams.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Till next year</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sharon x</b></span></span></div>
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Image via Pinterest</div>
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Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-50787599141565458112016-11-28T17:14:00.001+02:002016-11-28T17:14:08.109+02:00Afro-French Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9OAz0bL9tUVvy-_2MpIf5WqK8tIochOJrTkZRjH1cPtknUiHSmaSuxFC9O62RSz5sD0s6NPHkhQbRODr0E7QsY_RgPazm9sg91ISS2-x7JvXL9knI4AiqBpfNF31ptflbqXAKztECDc/s1600/Dullstroom-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9OAz0bL9tUVvy-_2MpIf5WqK8tIochOJrTkZRjH1cPtknUiHSmaSuxFC9O62RSz5sD0s6NPHkhQbRODr0E7QsY_RgPazm9sg91ISS2-x7JvXL9knI4AiqBpfNF31ptflbqXAKztECDc/s640/Dullstroom-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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It is no secret that I have an ongoing love affair with France and all things French. But I also love South Africa (present leadership excluded, but that is not a subject for this blog). So when I came across this house on the <a href="http://www.gardenandhome.co.za/">Garden and Home</a> website, my heart started to beat a little faster. To me, it is the perfect combination of the two countries. </div>
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The entrance hall above combines a beautiful French style mirror and console table with a Nguni hide on the floor, a wooden vat filled with proteas and some earthenware pots which are all typically African.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSbOy6F9d2xtSPIP_UjPHtbC6m6uJ25XexDUnzJzx-_ABf9auM6zMgzXs8Xp69UpXPTkDVmHzKjapeJ_9VsLm26BHNwHDs9UvGCO_67MAr-LKBSKebBY1heo1CWiLd_mrZBtWI3vVar8/s1600/Dullstroom-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSbOy6F9d2xtSPIP_UjPHtbC6m6uJ25XexDUnzJzx-_ABf9auM6zMgzXs8Xp69UpXPTkDVmHzKjapeJ_9VsLm26BHNwHDs9UvGCO_67MAr-LKBSKebBY1heo1CWiLd_mrZBtWI3vVar8/s640/Dullstroom-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The house, owned and decorated by Sandy de Bruin of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CountryLivingSA/">Country Living</a> and ex Miss South Africa fame, is perched on a hilltop near Dullstroom, Mpumalanga. The family use it as their weekend getaway. Lucky them!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLErcteNPDgYJz13Cj5qmhd9NWPQJvqPskJy8aE-PqK2jerkiDcSTlZGoIOCRRpvzA2m0I1SbLFaB-CWqZjkmYuOQujpPKKteneoKLvSYUaF2i1S9TNS2qFgq_OMq-ZlKGqllOQOfkyk/s1600/Dullstroom-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLErcteNPDgYJz13Cj5qmhd9NWPQJvqPskJy8aE-PqK2jerkiDcSTlZGoIOCRRpvzA2m0I1SbLFaB-CWqZjkmYuOQujpPKKteneoKLvSYUaF2i1S9TNS2qFgq_OMq-ZlKGqllOQOfkyk/s640/Dullstroom-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Here on the veranda, a pretty French bench sits happily alongside a rustic table and iron brazier. What magnificent views. I think I could sit out there all day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWe14NbHg0FP3mFVlfhgX47_Qw_CUm5jWAtoQecGRYEIdLqhILiQI5X3O13DFYj3Px0IkdDZrf-MQqR-766hT5UXZ3crCBEN4mze8H9n0ArUXQK-y9RXxpAjkEEtmYfP7wdiDzCgZIBo/s1600/Dullstroom-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWe14NbHg0FP3mFVlfhgX47_Qw_CUm5jWAtoQecGRYEIdLqhILiQI5X3O13DFYj3Px0IkdDZrf-MQqR-766hT5UXZ3crCBEN4mze8H9n0ArUXQK-y9RXxpAjkEEtmYfP7wdiDzCgZIBo/s640/Dullstroom-3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The living room is comfy and inviting in muted shades.</div>
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I love the juxtaposition of the elegant French table and chairs with the rustic wicker and roughly plastered walls. </div>
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A perfect Afro-French bedroom. Nguni print cushions and ceramic horns beautifully paired with French chest of drawers and ottoman. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4A83hK7_fEztNC3XFQBfNkefLg0DBExmHzghYUpf7D7ep1826h-taAlNhaU4IMB5TloeGlVkavviY7yHW43RoN_2ZMXv1KJIt6kAJLeMnILTX7VSpEyi-LJvd9OFknYw6L65jTQGh3J4/s1600/Dullstroom-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4A83hK7_fEztNC3XFQBfNkefLg0DBExmHzghYUpf7D7ep1826h-taAlNhaU4IMB5TloeGlVkavviY7yHW43RoN_2ZMXv1KJIt6kAJLeMnILTX7VSpEyi-LJvd9OFknYw6L65jTQGh3J4/s640/Dullstroom-6.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Each bedroom has its own fireplace perfect for cozy winter nights.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6TR533B_oCFYKL94TNOiak8ETUZZUDN5xv9Hx_Zyrj6ZYOv6K6YP_r5VQwfFEePhJRvBhgLEkQkOpfmxuHJCc08p8yAnUzI0MwlTuOxCwNNv6OPCuFVVIltOPuji2LdBxfHXND1dM5I/s1600/Dullstroom-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6TR533B_oCFYKL94TNOiak8ETUZZUDN5xv9Hx_Zyrj6ZYOv6K6YP_r5VQwfFEePhJRvBhgLEkQkOpfmxuHJCc08p8yAnUzI0MwlTuOxCwNNv6OPCuFVVIltOPuji2LdBxfHXND1dM5I/s640/Dullstroom-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This bedroom is decorated with blue accents that echo the sky and distant mountains. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfDUdAoH9PrOOQM7ZQGef7zl1vN3dxW_99clpQzA7dlVobgJChxJJIcgKSPkxPh8rHcPM_MeNA4tUuiUQkqButMfn1jNob8DeGzkkoVfveEm-DEfq-yIAP5bRDSiPjIGDIII7nyK_UHU/s1600/Dullstroom-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfDUdAoH9PrOOQM7ZQGef7zl1vN3dxW_99clpQzA7dlVobgJChxJJIcgKSPkxPh8rHcPM_MeNA4tUuiUQkqButMfn1jNob8DeGzkkoVfveEm-DEfq-yIAP5bRDSiPjIGDIII7nyK_UHU/s640/Dullstroom-11.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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And yet another beautiful bedroom. </div>
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Such an attractive corner. The creel baskets and hats are the perfect addition since Dullstroom is famous for fly-fishing. </div>
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The blue shutters are reminiscent of French farmhouses and look so perfect combined with the stone walls.</div>
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I hope you enjoyed this little tour. For more tours of lovely South African homes visit the newly revamped Garden and Home magazine website <a href="http://www.gardenandhome.co.za/">here</a>.</div>
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Till next time</div>
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Sharon x</div>
<br />Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-79747738407603597752016-11-13T12:44:00.003+02:002016-11-13T12:44:49.666+02:00Stop and Smell the Rosé<div style="text-align: center;">
This is a long one so you might want to get a cup of coffee or something a little stronger...I won't judge!<br />
When I did a previous post on the Brita Carafe, I suggested that since I fared so well on the water taste test, if there were any obliging wine farmers out there, I would very happily do some wine tasting too. Well, it turns out there are some obliging wine farmers out there. Well maybe just one....<br />
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But first let me back track a little and turn to the subject of road trips. I love a good road trip. But I am married to Dave, and while he is a very good-natured, easy-going and accommodating sort of a guy, there is something about a long car trip that brings out the inner airline pilot in him. As we pull out of our driveway he starts with calculations that involve time of departure, road traffic assumptions, wind speed, refuelling requirements and a host of other factors to work out our ETA down to the last nano-second. Bathroom stops and food stops will and shall coincide with refuelling stops even though our food and bathroom urges might not be quite so co-operative. I do remember a very stressful trip when I was heavily pregnant with twins when my bathroom stops were needed every 15 minutes. There was a lot of sighing, recalculating and re-calibrating that went on before we reached our final destination. I have also had to frequently remind my very male dominated family that when a girl demands a bathroom stop, she means an actual bathroom, not a lone tree or bush on the side of the road! So the upshot is, that given the opportunity, I would love to stop at all the interesting places that I see as we whizz along to get to our destination at the required time but I dare not suggest this as our ETA would be severely compromised. So I sit in silence and dream of the day....<br />
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One place that I have always noticed on the N2 on our trips back from Knysna is <a href="http://www.gabrielskloof.co.za/">Gabrielskloof</a>. The wine estate is perched on a hilltop surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. I love the simple style of the buildings and the way they blend into the surrounds. The whole setting just looks so appealing and reminiscent of France.</div>
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As luck would have it, the wine gift that arrived on my doorstep was from <a href="http://gabrielskoof./">Gabrielskoof.</a> Surely a sign that a visit to Gabrielskoof was imperative to get a feel for the place and take some photos before tasting the wine. And so it was arranged - part-owners of the estate, Catherine and Barry Anderson, very kindly showed us around, including a visit to the state of the art wine cellar, and we chatted like old friends over a bottle of very delicious <a href="http://www.wine.co.za/wine/wine.aspx?WINEID=36399">Gabrielskloof Madame Lucy MCC</a>. Dave later confessed to me that, not being a lover of bubbly, he accepted a glass out of politeness, but then found that he couldn't get enough of it! High praise indeed!</div>
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The tasting room is just so tasteful....along one wall, a magnificent armoire bought on a trip to France....</div>
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...and opposite it is a beautiful daybed upholstered in antique French linen.</div>
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At the far end is an inviting lounging area and beautiful fireplace. </div>
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The tasting room leads out to a beautiful lawned courtyard with two matching reflecting pools.</div>
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There are enticing seating areas dotted around on the veranda. </div>
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Every corner is just so inviting....</div>
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The combination of stone walls, lavender and olive trees instantly transports me to France.</div>
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After a lovely stroll around the estate, we went for lunch at the <a href="http://www.gabrielskloof.co.za/restaurant/">Gabrielskloof Restaurant</a>. The entire meal from start to finish was absolutely delicious as was the bottle of <a href="http://www.gabrielskloof.co.za/wine/">Gabrielskloof Viognier</a> we shared.</div>
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All in all, a wonderful day out in the Overberg. But there was more to look forward to because I still had my gift of 2 bottles of wine and a bottle of olive oil to look forward to ...</div>
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As is was my birthday on the 9th of November (you might want to make a note of it for future reference) and I was going for lunch with a group of girlfriends (aka The Ladies That Lunch), I thought who better to share the wine with than this group of fun women. None of us are wine experts but <a href="http://wisdomgroup.com/blog/10000-hours-of-practice/">Malcolm Gladwell</a> will be pleased to know we are putting in a very good effort to reach our ten thousand hours of practice! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttHooTQxqfy54vftuaCx9uPaoyidSbLMb-ZjYCI-TYNrYW3dC_6htXkOukWm-_Kcen5Zu6Hm5rv7bjf0DFYe6_xh9QjabhJHCvdvf8rWSociGEggz0_ryyn2trjFE7RisFJ9dnWkWrKWy/s1600/DSC_0273+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttHooTQxqfy54vftuaCx9uPaoyidSbLMb-ZjYCI-TYNrYW3dC_6htXkOukWm-_Kcen5Zu6Hm5rv7bjf0DFYe6_xh9QjabhJHCvdvf8rWSociGEggz0_ryyn2trjFE7RisFJ9dnWkWrKWy/s640/DSC_0273+%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well, the Ladies that Lunch declared the <a href="http://www.gabrielskloof.co.za/wine/">Gabrielskloof Rosebud</a> to be dry and delicious, not overly fruity, the perfect accompaniment to a summer lunch and a very pretty pink colour. By the time we got to drinking the second bottle which was <a href="http://www.gabrielskloof.co.za/wine/">Gabrielskoof Sauvignon Blanc</a>, we forgot that we were supposed to be making intelligent comments about the wine and just quaffed it down which I think is compliment enough! </div>
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So there you have it....I can highly recommend the wine and I can highly recommend a visit to Gabrielskloof for wine tasting and a meal. They have a <a href="http://www.gabrielskloof.co.za/our-favourite-things/">Favourite Things Market</a> coming up on the 16th, 17th and 18th of December which looks like it will definitely be worth a visit. Maybe I'll see you there. </div>
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Till next time</div>
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Sharon x</div>
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P.S. I haven't yet tasted the <a href="http://www.gabrielskloof.co.za/olives/">Gabrielskloof Olive Oil</a> but in my research I discovered that it was named one of South Africa's <a href="http://www.saolive.co.za/2016/10/10/absa-top-5-feature-gabrielskloof-extra-virgin-olive-oil/">top 5 olive oils</a> so something else to look forward to and I'll tell you about it in another post.</div>
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P.P.S. I may have been given to a little exaggeration on the subject of my husband and road trips.</div>
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Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-63036222030441664942016-10-31T09:28:00.002+02:002016-10-31T09:28:20.648+02:00My Pinteresting Life<div style="text-align: center;">
My son, Jack, has been recuperating in hospital after an op, so I have been spending many hours at his bedside doing what any good mother would do, trawling through Pinterest! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWgP8deB6H_vHyNnXAPqBFZFHNA_qDnbFGy1ZMFMEDKxqWqeweU7Fm_Z1zudbkeTX3TbEpAb1nsqI7Hrb5AhChS5T5eaPIY3KUeRsvdacxinJP-KzA09QF4NwnLcuI3rdcGZ9gQbvEJha/s1600/19d513208476203ab0bfee30e1ffab8b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWgP8deB6H_vHyNnXAPqBFZFHNA_qDnbFGy1ZMFMEDKxqWqeweU7Fm_Z1zudbkeTX3TbEpAb1nsqI7Hrb5AhChS5T5eaPIY3KUeRsvdacxinJP-KzA09QF4NwnLcuI3rdcGZ9gQbvEJha/s640/19d513208476203ab0bfee30e1ffab8b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think the appeal of Pinterest is that you can almost create a whole parallel life for yourself with no constraints, financial or otherwise. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiu1ylQBD2K3IA8VZkG7BczWn8V5KK-hVu_doRyWcnbfO7m7fPiBEeIFca7qYk3Gko4-xCDABZrbyHWY1WojnU20Ek5bBHShfQFaYOF5ROUBEPJc__MRUuyUIL_0NFYPOlQL4tgUzhJ4Y/s1600/c49e22c1e64f8fd4220640ea47573900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiu1ylQBD2K3IA8VZkG7BczWn8V5KK-hVu_doRyWcnbfO7m7fPiBEeIFca7qYk3Gko4-xCDABZrbyHWY1WojnU20Ek5bBHShfQFaYOF5ROUBEPJc__MRUuyUIL_0NFYPOlQL4tgUzhJ4Y/s640/c49e22c1e64f8fd4220640ea47573900.jpg" width="474" /></a></div>
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Of course in my Pinterest life I am slim and gorgeous with perfect hair and teeth.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUIaLkks4PxSTk_V6KRUAejaupzxXlDQ28hNbSsymClVMlG9Tx-l2T1f6nTj8CshM7EwFUrLD8icf40mMCchitRbbUtS1ScOSNgbtLEl6MM6K-eLKQBDAIlPiUnuXMgFgQW5vM-F9824x/s1600/7e3ba2bf29626b817778eefa529f941d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUIaLkks4PxSTk_V6KRUAejaupzxXlDQ28hNbSsymClVMlG9Tx-l2T1f6nTj8CshM7EwFUrLD8icf40mMCchitRbbUtS1ScOSNgbtLEl6MM6K-eLKQBDAIlPiUnuXMgFgQW5vM-F9824x/s640/7e3ba2bf29626b817778eefa529f941d.jpg" width="386" /></a></div>
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I have impeccable taste and faultless style.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SQMbjWyV08skutRQlKgF0ZBHkyYlKNC0c03yCkzCWGH87D5Mhn7LOlaJEtpQwiFRrfD8SULHhDXSo_IaFfTvBHyu82Pkmm8Q_nXGbydcHQKm5nhllB-nlV7KiqPhm-aTQm97pCWikBGM/s1600/photo+2+%252888%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SQMbjWyV08skutRQlKgF0ZBHkyYlKNC0c03yCkzCWGH87D5Mhn7LOlaJEtpQwiFRrfD8SULHhDXSo_IaFfTvBHyu82Pkmm8Q_nXGbydcHQKm5nhllB-nlV7KiqPhm-aTQm97pCWikBGM/s640/photo+2+%252888%2529.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I live in an exquisite home</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifENaWaIi2LeEStoP7TVdD6I2jthwb6b03H4pADWSrx7E2O4QCw7aot3_PMvXJ7LyNmWzEvstF-lZeJ8bunxa5tXHmUuAGtypQs68ceXO8UcDhpnL8GgrOpbqzgvkWugNOrZAsekzKYGP/s1600/e8b0c77eeb929ec1f7a21cf897945f48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifENaWaIi2LeEStoP7TVdD6I2jthwb6b03H4pADWSrx7E2O4QCw7aot3_PMvXJ7LyNmWzEvstF-lZeJ8bunxa5tXHmUuAGtypQs68ceXO8UcDhpnL8GgrOpbqzgvkWugNOrZAsekzKYGP/s640/e8b0c77eeb929ec1f7a21cf897945f48.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
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which I decorated myself.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5x6muRoY015_a4I-EvAsrvLY4mVhIGFdnvVKGBX41bTS7b4d3SDhX9re-Li2rgWjTuZNUEK_kfHB07-iHPlGma3_thGJgGSMI-Wpo2S8qXF843qMm0L5aH6MUi8XOUvc9JvbfjGN6mSKl/s1600/2ab0d2ff869b5bf40d6c91107f561ec4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5x6muRoY015_a4I-EvAsrvLY4mVhIGFdnvVKGBX41bTS7b4d3SDhX9re-Li2rgWjTuZNUEK_kfHB07-iHPlGma3_thGJgGSMI-Wpo2S8qXF843qMm0L5aH6MUi8XOUvc9JvbfjGN6mSKl/s640/2ab0d2ff869b5bf40d6c91107f561ec4.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
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I entertain beautifully and whip up amazing meals in my perfect kitchen</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZU4Iz9BBcGZQ_Qm6pL4zuh22oBxdcFutvWdnz1ncggaCGc_DBKbF3G1jUBtuFNo0HrWuB8EecDx7GcPe1ecs_DrjEZqFq36YQUWruJ-4rYURPYn61-pzWXuxo5X0O5YejklhiNpM5et7k/s1600/110da1eae7cd8d1f784af9f5c7cc7e54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZU4Iz9BBcGZQ_Qm6pL4zuh22oBxdcFutvWdnz1ncggaCGc_DBKbF3G1jUBtuFNo0HrWuB8EecDx7GcPe1ecs_DrjEZqFq36YQUWruJ-4rYURPYn61-pzWXuxo5X0O5YejklhiNpM5et7k/s640/110da1eae7cd8d1f784af9f5c7cc7e54.jpg" width="446" /></a></div>
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whether it's a dinner for a hundred</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6V6X33vUomKFlE5tduRo8lpHrnZzz9EEj-Dl59inIq3Kt2doO15T2Q4pzjn95e_a5K6EFckSJoav9foozj9qdlJrXJIhEzOKgJsTvYrj8noBsBW-64JuCHmfD3SbHs6Tv9Vld0zGrE2mC/s1600/58612493442eb623712417971a83a571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6V6X33vUomKFlE5tduRo8lpHrnZzz9EEj-Dl59inIq3Kt2doO15T2Q4pzjn95e_a5K6EFckSJoav9foozj9qdlJrXJIhEzOKgJsTvYrj8noBsBW-64JuCHmfD3SbHs6Tv9Vld0zGrE2mC/s640/58612493442eb623712417971a83a571.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
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or a picnic for two.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DWgeok51h17gZ2ReX2iLREac5RedwCsTXam4A1Ir29uSsIRj3W0ADlUV4-kRO5iRD3RV7s1rIB5ruVkNkQZ8YNxFhnrDumnZQtYh7QrXCnzKWMQ-SOn4z5bCLN2izANd9xTDdj6D1Yuj/s1600/02e6b0743cef36be4b20b7362081cf3d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DWgeok51h17gZ2ReX2iLREac5RedwCsTXam4A1Ir29uSsIRj3W0ADlUV4-kRO5iRD3RV7s1rIB5ruVkNkQZ8YNxFhnrDumnZQtYh7QrXCnzKWMQ-SOn4z5bCLN2izANd9xTDdj6D1Yuj/s640/02e6b0743cef36be4b20b7362081cf3d.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
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I go on incredible holidays,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mRbYF05MDDqut6rAZtcJVXw_axo0yXjW8PsOAd4RzwerxxkSGyOPXa2HzSOfBLmxqEqyMPG88jMrkwkQfbITFmcSwxM3B2BpNHdNAYjxuqBj6FjiiFlApfWscPYFOYyBASnQzaDyVAwx/s1600/f937485a3abfe924f82dce0e2512c102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mRbYF05MDDqut6rAZtcJVXw_axo0yXjW8PsOAd4RzwerxxkSGyOPXa2HzSOfBLmxqEqyMPG88jMrkwkQfbITFmcSwxM3B2BpNHdNAYjxuqBj6FjiiFlApfWscPYFOYyBASnQzaDyVAwx/s640/f937485a3abfe924f82dce0e2512c102.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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dressed in the perfect clothes </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjFU08mOaaIJGfjnxznIjJrPdvEdBn49Gh9oFZ2GLwIMC1j8I-1ndr4MdmBRR534lc2jbAC-mnL-8IzaqB3Pa6PWiijo4gTyHIYPBvCDl1V6wji7GYIdkGN9FBly_DNt6_kGjOFozgs2v/s1600/5bdd65f7f60f2af61de9b54f5f2e8773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjFU08mOaaIJGfjnxznIjJrPdvEdBn49Gh9oFZ2GLwIMC1j8I-1ndr4MdmBRR534lc2jbAC-mnL-8IzaqB3Pa6PWiijo4gTyHIYPBvCDl1V6wji7GYIdkGN9FBly_DNt6_kGjOFozgs2v/s640/5bdd65f7f60f2af61de9b54f5f2e8773.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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and with all the right travel accessories.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGwGlRSU4qusaZyxnQ3vuTBE2uKrdXPVX6IHmIpWX7H55lROgrYbUmn7jgNk7zsC5SqP4AVWCy870QO0ofWsOcNXSswzLZ77RefhpL87h_LoGXX684Wtyu0zGOm9Vig1DYuaL7vQasY-N/s1600/2065101c5f14dfdc055e38cf60d5461c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGwGlRSU4qusaZyxnQ3vuTBE2uKrdXPVX6IHmIpWX7H55lROgrYbUmn7jgNk7zsC5SqP4AVWCy870QO0ofWsOcNXSswzLZ77RefhpL87h_LoGXX684Wtyu0zGOm9Vig1DYuaL7vQasY-N/s640/2065101c5f14dfdc055e38cf60d5461c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am amazingly creative. I produce the most beautiful paintings in my wonderful studio.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kkUtmjZ768RIj1qkQ21LJ6Z50AeQHEHMM51eONddJ5RjrrfuSs8LWJ6pNnjMhVRzb54ZhB9_tO982_MscmbyWsNV28h9k916pnnUtrB3eqxyAjiYgJLqTryZ2uKOHcr8QkS7L60-GhAJ/s1600/f6f6c3b69901575f6ca85e1179ed7298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kkUtmjZ768RIj1qkQ21LJ6Z50AeQHEHMM51eONddJ5RjrrfuSs8LWJ6pNnjMhVRzb54ZhB9_tO982_MscmbyWsNV28h9k916pnnUtrB3eqxyAjiYgJLqTryZ2uKOHcr8QkS7L60-GhAJ/s640/f6f6c3b69901575f6ca85e1179ed7298.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I don my perfect linen apron</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPlMgmqaSL_uvnO3EAkyLHMTubmvPQ6BDqD8WPouRAD5X7I1ggBGad1w8vrP2EJNaStsobm0eVP0NAcY3WIxSLQYbom9yj-zAj5jcQ2574C6sCPD7u_KzNITPsTIC-3Mhsgye2uiRogFb/s1600/285c63e8735f663e973b8d69cf088c4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPlMgmqaSL_uvnO3EAkyLHMTubmvPQ6BDqD8WPouRAD5X7I1ggBGad1w8vrP2EJNaStsobm0eVP0NAcY3WIxSLQYbom9yj-zAj5jcQ2574C6sCPD7u_KzNITPsTIC-3Mhsgye2uiRogFb/s640/285c63e8735f663e973b8d69cf088c4b.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
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and make homemade gifts for my friends.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW44ONyYRimbig_fYELQnKhyIRc8FVFSWElClWiKufDmzoaoTl1Ft0Z2_SAfGIndzBTMhL1882wQpCbl_r-m1TRSTTeWZSQrGpTjvcKILdfA_ItABAgO_u820qjtIyr1OA2OwLfatcP0X-/s1600/f3858344be111563cf0affea11ef3cff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW44ONyYRimbig_fYELQnKhyIRc8FVFSWElClWiKufDmzoaoTl1Ft0Z2_SAfGIndzBTMhL1882wQpCbl_r-m1TRSTTeWZSQrGpTjvcKILdfA_ItABAgO_u820qjtIyr1OA2OwLfatcP0X-/s640/f3858344be111563cf0affea11ef3cff.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
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Not only are the gifts homemade, but so is the wrapping paper </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4A_sFcwxvW3nzbifD4RtRFhIv5YGobsRB7_7zrX9Qod4Nc9E8zSqcmidh7pTaoUEO1ymQYb52bGLr73qPi1sUfkqfV1bKIQdNs4M6e7sGVv7SObcsag4Ko9Sh2_kVCB2c-amajl4-upXm/s1600/b5bcd57bdc4e4afbf8fdf9df496ac956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4A_sFcwxvW3nzbifD4RtRFhIv5YGobsRB7_7zrX9Qod4Nc9E8zSqcmidh7pTaoUEO1ymQYb52bGLr73qPi1sUfkqfV1bKIQdNs4M6e7sGVv7SObcsag4Ko9Sh2_kVCB2c-amajl4-upXm/s640/b5bcd57bdc4e4afbf8fdf9df496ac956.jpg" width="406" /></a></div>
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and the gift tags.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht34ijPB1ocGMp_V4j0qSPgCCNPAcCc9qIo7LK5i57M7EQ3XP0EdnKofLmJtartX5EbFq4aA5xcYwDb9Kf1QdpdyxwBRMFCQqJ-hpOxwCCtTu0tQMGm4nqCTUH1TYyI5EZU29lPZXvbIwK/s1600/84c06496d695c5a898d6821c6d547d8f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht34ijPB1ocGMp_V4j0qSPgCCNPAcCc9qIo7LK5i57M7EQ3XP0EdnKofLmJtartX5EbFq4aA5xcYwDb9Kf1QdpdyxwBRMFCQqJ-hpOxwCCtTu0tQMGm4nqCTUH1TYyI5EZU29lPZXvbIwK/s640/84c06496d695c5a898d6821c6d547d8f.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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There really is no end to my talents.</div>
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Now if only we could leave this hospital so that I can start living my Pinteresting life!</div>
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Till next time</div>
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Sharon x</div>
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All images via Pinterest</div>
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Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-53315829680256708592016-10-19T15:24:00.002+02:002016-10-19T15:24:14.246+02:00Redressing my Dressing Room <div style="text-align: center;">
I used to sew. Quite a lot actually. I was was very industrious in my day. I made all sorts of things which I used to supply to shops and sell at markets. Then I became too <strike>lazy</strike> busy. And my sewing machine started to gather dust except for the occasional item of kids clothing requiring adjustment. But lately I seem to have been driven to sew again and I've made a few things that I thought I would share with you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXn6iP7oCqzfA1oLgbJkwYXos_-jdTuWRHbcyF9E8ikoWqvrIqIVs6VB_tOx0RH-53d_OoL-SDYzCQfhvkAqWGeMlj24C3fA59FvrpKXEnQDterDE_AWJxVddlKhdPbDCcEVYC4wsweQV_/s1600/DSC_0227+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXn6iP7oCqzfA1oLgbJkwYXos_-jdTuWRHbcyF9E8ikoWqvrIqIVs6VB_tOx0RH-53d_OoL-SDYzCQfhvkAqWGeMlj24C3fA59FvrpKXEnQDterDE_AWJxVddlKhdPbDCcEVYC4wsweQV_/s640/DSC_0227+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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I am questioning the wisdom of sharing these ideas because my not so mild case of anal retentiveness will become most apparent. From now on going forward I will refer to it as a case of AR because that word, that A-word, try as I might, does not roll easily off the tongue for me. Just as well I didn't choose a career in the medical profession.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqUG6z8H5_z3R5S896ASRUXFzbN7WIg_O3Av4RPP3lyctkfLuVesyhP_AXwk4Z36SyfV9B-hzhsbuzPKBrsGiP_5xAz7fNhlrT5aVWZ-E2TB19i1qQ859STbI7cat31U8vbwJBv8yge-M/s1600/DSC_0230+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqUG6z8H5_z3R5S896ASRUXFzbN7WIg_O3Av4RPP3lyctkfLuVesyhP_AXwk4Z36SyfV9B-hzhsbuzPKBrsGiP_5xAz7fNhlrT5aVWZ-E2TB19i1qQ859STbI7cat31U8vbwJBv8yge-M/s640/DSC_0230+%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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First off - coat hanger covers. As you now know, I am somewhat AR so I like all my hangers to be matching and I like the wooden variety as I think it makes my clothes look more expensive than they really are. But the problem is that if you have an item of clothing that has a wide neckline or thin straps or is of a silky fabric, they just slip right off. For those less aesthetically inclined people, a rubber band wound around either end of the hanger works pretty well, but for those PLM's (people like me) a coat hanger cover made from unbleached calico is the way to go. Simple, effective and looks good.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcSE4s1uFxMTdueE8yg92wdmknFElv_X3Bm3yRcJFtw6k7doBzYwwAvax2EvgKJA0WCIiV3eofFZSHmSHCIPLjWhWqCQQIroCFtV_EzCzEeqCcke9GbxFBF1n01GlXR-hrth9bzfoa0sZ/s1600/DSC_0231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcSE4s1uFxMTdueE8yg92wdmknFElv_X3Bm3yRcJFtw6k7doBzYwwAvax2EvgKJA0WCIiV3eofFZSHmSHCIPLjWhWqCQQIroCFtV_EzCzEeqCcke9GbxFBF1n01GlXR-hrth9bzfoa0sZ/s640/DSC_0231.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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The second item is a bag pillow. Yes, I'm afraid, you heard right. I have a bit of a thing for handbags and it really irks me when they flop over on the shelf of my dressing room.<br />
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You could stuff them with tissue paper or the like, but I came up with the, might I say, quite ingenious idea of a bag pillow. Just measure the size of the interior of your bag, cut the unbleached calico to size, sew up 3 sides, stuff with filling (or fill with stuffing) and then sew up the 4th side. Works like a charm! I might even patent it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFT3gIOAXIeg5l86eJRwApt1ObBilGLy5F34f0u-tFRXf_QzNZVk7XSbBi6koCQf6grtLH56XUFoHBhfD3gUcaQ8EOoslFkBi9qQWIIWZHZXZXmvYoVGPRqgDcs5IMg3y7CMtkUpI2KFS/s1600/DSC_0226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFT3gIOAXIeg5l86eJRwApt1ObBilGLy5F34f0u-tFRXf_QzNZVk7XSbBi6koCQf6grtLH56XUFoHBhfD3gUcaQ8EOoslFkBi9qQWIIWZHZXZXmvYoVGPRqgDcs5IMg3y7CMtkUpI2KFS/s640/DSC_0226.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmp7hFEWsGVMQYZZi9kZzPc6X_sKOYRmu35YSwbDX_x1n-Hy-OEZbL199eThzqLR39dQXZk26AG_O6UpKw3m498XpLqn3hDdHFbEwv46Ll0zFCWLzrqcUT-JIA3PjmfNpghtRgNxeULfId/s1600/DSC_0237.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmp7hFEWsGVMQYZZi9kZzPc6X_sKOYRmu35YSwbDX_x1n-Hy-OEZbL199eThzqLR39dQXZk26AG_O6UpKw3m498XpLqn3hDdHFbEwv46Ll0zFCWLzrqcUT-JIA3PjmfNpghtRgNxeULfId/s320/DSC_0237.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then, there is the problem of the floppy boot. I have heard people using cut off pool noodles to stuff their boots with - I'm sure they work very well, but PLM's might prefer my idea.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwWWViA9gIqv24AKxss5UVwpcWw57wYeb9T3KDtwTE0FqltcBVZdgpXtYbS8U_OJRAgRnn_jqktsQK_i-ABJgp_r88-lUqNJkXev4eETpqAzXO_HLOC3x7IjZqrLVSTCuKrLwyoW2e9t8/s1600/DSC_0238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwWWViA9gIqv24AKxss5UVwpcWw57wYeb9T3KDtwTE0FqltcBVZdgpXtYbS8U_OJRAgRnn_jqktsQK_i-ABJgp_r88-lUqNJkXev4eETpqAzXO_HLOC3x7IjZqrLVSTCuKrLwyoW2e9t8/s640/DSC_0238.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cut a cone shaped piece of fabric. Sew up the one side, fill with stuffing and here's the charm, add some dried lavender or any other nice smelling pot pourri, and then tie the top with a piece of pretty ribbon. Voila! Pool noodle - be gone I say!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVI9tH_HL9D6otiAduUNkwxO1zgCRB_Nznbtny63k9tnSCdPnmfjVHb74l3SKLZ8eun5KgN8nU67XMkyEFaqiQa97oKWAR5DyijRVHPa9DNegPSizRVYjj4dG-nSB3bdSKYvtv9bfLtb1H/s1600/DSC_0242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVI9tH_HL9D6otiAduUNkwxO1zgCRB_Nznbtny63k9tnSCdPnmfjVHb74l3SKLZ8eun5KgN8nU67XMkyEFaqiQa97oKWAR5DyijRVHPa9DNegPSizRVYjj4dG-nSB3bdSKYvtv9bfLtb1H/s640/DSC_0242.JPG" width="464" /></a><br />
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And finally, this isn't something I made, just found, on a shopping trip with my husband which in itself is a very rare occasion because he hates shopping! On a Sunday morning wander through Kalk Bay en route to breakfast I came across this old bowls trophy in a junk shop and thought it would make the perfect hat stand.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGzmHXHMEQwxfANB0NqGK7k0bETuMYCqWWzmmLxzJOQNF9ea5N9WFpbtgWM7OLUN_s7TbixR-dF_Lx0TcpAG4ys0gTRwyY2C4Bkw40uBvFZRYgTxCz969nFGfhKOXu5nPjfNyB1-OTuoV/s1600/DSC_0227+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGzmHXHMEQwxfANB0NqGK7k0bETuMYCqWWzmmLxzJOQNF9ea5N9WFpbtgWM7OLUN_s7TbixR-dF_Lx0TcpAG4ys0gTRwyY2C4Bkw40uBvFZRYgTxCz969nFGfhKOXu5nPjfNyB1-OTuoV/s640/DSC_0227+%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And it does.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfm3MMjufXH9fTWy3vN6qnbh04v9m7MyW61JmDbPAdsx3zu9F2iRpl7s-BKAnWZ_bYgSKhGVH0Njk55CMnxwBW9I2twEzhCLuRUIhtANP94t1rP6yMzU8eufyyJKFuBQX-tgiaQedFSXv/s1600/DSC_0229+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfm3MMjufXH9fTWy3vN6qnbh04v9m7MyW61JmDbPAdsx3zu9F2iRpl7s-BKAnWZ_bYgSKhGVH0Njk55CMnxwBW9I2twEzhCLuRUIhtANP94t1rP6yMzU8eufyyJKFuBQX-tgiaQedFSXv/s640/DSC_0229+%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you are in touch with your inner domestic goddess, feel free to copy my ideas. If you are not such a dab hand with the sewing machine, and live in the Cape Town area, I have these items for sale (except the hat stand). Just email me. </div>
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Because you have indulged me by reading about my ground breaking ideas, I am going to reward you by showing you some dressing rooms that appeal to me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEC74morDneQroWNo4JNeNYRw4DpCoHqvH0ae1dnCMbr53OcDbPaRW_kuBK8z2IK6ISMaAW2tMLmqzRlEoGUyaCO-1JdJirTmPEVhUEtGP3J-rHA8bO-Z0vm8K3ho4NF3voqFN5orFKTz1/s1600/dressing+room+via+georgiana+design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEC74morDneQroWNo4JNeNYRw4DpCoHqvH0ae1dnCMbr53OcDbPaRW_kuBK8z2IK6ISMaAW2tMLmqzRlEoGUyaCO-1JdJirTmPEVhUEtGP3J-rHA8bO-Z0vm8K3ho4NF3voqFN5orFKTz1/s640/dressing+room+via+georgiana+design.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
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Till next time</div>
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Sharon x</div>
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Dressing room images via Pinterest and Tumblr<br />
Other images my own<br />
<br />Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-25786779556668628872016-10-14T06:59:00.002+02:002016-10-14T06:59:45.331+02:00Of Water and Wine and Pretty Tables....<div style="text-align: center;">
I have never been particularly fussy about drinking water. Our local tap water in Cape Town has always tasted fine to me so when I received Brita's new Fill and Serve Carafe to test out, I was a bit skeptical.</div>
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My 14 year old son, Jack, is a water addict. He has never liked cooldrinks or fruit juices, so water is his drink of choice. (Wine is my drink of choice - just saying.) So I handed over the new carafe to Jack to put into action. He dutifully followed the instructions and left the water to filter for a short while. He then handed me 2 glasses of water for a taste test. First of all, I surprised myself by being able to taste the difference, and secondly, I correctly identified the filtered water because, despite my initial skepticism, it actually tasted cleaner!<br />
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Aside from producing clean and lovely tasting water, I also have to commend Brita on their design. It complements both contemporary and classic styles. It definitely does not look out of place on my table with my vintage French linen tablelinen, Wonkiware dinner plates, bone handled cutlery and French cafe glasses, but would look equally at home in a more modern setting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuun5fath9mUmNJndV5nB8JSPwFEQr5Fs43-cwi4otL6lZs40vRWy2QYaTmsk1WmNhyphenhyphenRS17LTaLXETWEXrEfQoLYRuIKaICbUtG8CFCTXtjA6TWdmWc6MMxfNhSXqDqyH-kkqj_sVfSaxG/s1600/Fillserve_mind_living_dinner_still.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuun5fath9mUmNJndV5nB8JSPwFEQr5Fs43-cwi4otL6lZs40vRWy2QYaTmsk1WmNhyphenhyphenRS17LTaLXETWEXrEfQoLYRuIKaICbUtG8CFCTXtjA6TWdmWc6MMxfNhSXqDqyH-kkqj_sVfSaxG/s640/Fillserve_mind_living_dinner_still.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Brita Fill and Serve carafe was the Recipient of the 2015 Reddot Award in the “Product Design” category in recognition of delivering an elegant approach to filtering and serving water. Well deserved, I think! The carafe is fashioned from exceptionally transparent, high gloss, state-of-the-art ‘Tritan’ plastic and features soft touch design elements. It’s hygienic, can fit in your fridge door, is lightweight, shock resistant, easy to handle and lasts a lifetime. So what's not to love!<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-GB">Most importantly, the
carafe’s Micro Disc has a 150 litre capacity and its ActivSelect® technology
effectively reduces chlorine and other taste impairing substances while leaving
the ‘good’ minerals in. This is an important consideration in light of the
current dry conditions which prevail across South Africa. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Because I know you are going to rush out and buy one, I thought I would show you some pretty table settings where your new Brita Fill and Serve carafe would look very much at home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4TKVwL8bU9o8XSSpXsBs6MSCVNc7una9yOJxjJ9bWWQY1V4dfyPG9ne5qHjfuDl_VyQEL1KqOmRSuUhGIxCsp9gFr53kms_W0gtGACwsojjBCExKQFqTMIkI1vH5OArR5VOncLPy-rDw/s1600/al-fresco-table-setting_64359_profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4TKVwL8bU9o8XSSpXsBs6MSCVNc7una9yOJxjJ9bWWQY1V4dfyPG9ne5qHjfuDl_VyQEL1KqOmRSuUhGIxCsp9gFr53kms_W0gtGACwsojjBCExKQFqTMIkI1vH5OArR5VOncLPy-rDw/s640/al-fresco-table-setting_64359_profile.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Also, I should mention that although the product was a gift from Brita, all opinions expressed are purely my own.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">And, since I fared so well on the water taste test, if any wine farmers out there would like me to do do similar such taste tests - I would be more than happy to oblige!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Till next time</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Sharon x</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">The new Brita Fill and Serve Carafe will be
available from late October from the following retail outlets: </span><span lang="EN-GB">Takealot.com,
Yuppiechef.com, Makro and select Pick Pay stores nationwide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-10343615514061421092016-10-11T16:00:00.003+02:002016-10-11T16:00:59.485+02:00SEGRETO VIGNETTES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4L0-LXPZAk3g9S4V4-Lekk0x75QOWLq6CFkTWcK6_0LRpSmAestARQKjllf4Td8U9FjMxHYD-XHO0sCjA_HsuM7KjcJPFkpx-OEDQ0Gjie_doCL-Pe4fDGG6n7xTBMsikYlcaKUz7lG8i/s1600/Book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4L0-LXPZAk3g9S4V4-Lekk0x75QOWLq6CFkTWcK6_0LRpSmAestARQKjllf4Td8U9FjMxHYD-XHO0sCjA_HsuM7KjcJPFkpx-OEDQ0Gjie_doCL-Pe4fDGG6n7xTBMsikYlcaKUz7lG8i/s640/Book.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Well today was a bit of a grey, rainy day and my car had to go in for repairs so I was stuck at home all day which might have been a bad thing. But then the doorbell rang - a delivery for me. My friend, Leslie Sinclair ,was kind enough to send me a copy of her new book, SEGRETO vignettes, What perfect timing! I could spend the entire day, uninterrupted, pouring over one beautiful image after another. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGb9qgyB6eOmFlmfDSwz4z9cAygp5kMBDZZR6P5B15gGZ4vJa8OuVxa7A2Vy60brZAdN3AS1Z3VZtVg_MGJujkDrTLQJq0gZ37HEH-LxzNGVvEbR686Ly7DwTyprPHg8qDSvSPMRTV6-pZ/s1600/Capture7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGb9qgyB6eOmFlmfDSwz4z9cAygp5kMBDZZR6P5B15gGZ4vJa8OuVxa7A2Vy60brZAdN3AS1Z3VZtVg_MGJujkDrTLQJq0gZ37HEH-LxzNGVvEbR686Ly7DwTyprPHg8qDSvSPMRTV6-pZ/s640/Capture7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you aren't familiar with Leslie's work, she ownes a company called <a href="http://segretofinishes.com/">Segreto Finishes</a> which produces the most incredible decorative paint and plaster effects. The kind which can turn a newly built home into a French Chateau. I would so love her to cross the Atlantic and work some magic on my home. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqyNoBjPuwYGI9dEv2fhGH9wz4ovDkXRXQfli3M557LukknR7n9KURhXFojbzjZnAlLntnqyAM0vFhrvwCjhAMUavtRyw1iqkPE5T-XiINFY6r-LpKQJCj9MppIISyVfzqmBpJnSpv8N_/s1600/segreto+vignettes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqyNoBjPuwYGI9dEv2fhGH9wz4ovDkXRXQfli3M557LukknR7n9KURhXFojbzjZnAlLntnqyAM0vFhrvwCjhAMUavtRyw1iqkPE5T-XiINFY6r-LpKQJCj9MppIISyVfzqmBpJnSpv8N_/s640/segreto+vignettes.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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But aside from the beautiful photo's illustrating every page, the book is choc full of really useful information. If you are in the process of building or renovating, I would say this is a must have for both information and inspiration!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfx9dLJ_X4r08iZH7oQRAOJfeFo0cX0Gmk9_HWHiAdnZn-jkaQKZOtpIEKsxwVtBBAtcNXxRvaKO9G8OHZPJGsiV8u-v-wgJI4_xOMCE_uLOp1LHpf8t_0VJoe44pl3QODI5dIYM1AHd5/s1600/Segreto_Vignettes_FINAL_PDF-172_1024x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfx9dLJ_X4r08iZH7oQRAOJfeFo0cX0Gmk9_HWHiAdnZn-jkaQKZOtpIEKsxwVtBBAtcNXxRvaKO9G8OHZPJGsiV8u-v-wgJI4_xOMCE_uLOp1LHpf8t_0VJoe44pl3QODI5dIYM1AHd5/s640/Segreto_Vignettes_FINAL_PDF-172_1024x1024.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
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Or even if you just love looking at beautiful interiors, I guarantee you will revisit this book time and time again!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WOKJDaW21Lu2sebtlAv7lpndGzPXix6Tf0EuVntNpteWZTs_uXP2DeV0I3_kDYnlFmugGbOQiPFkGG2yVTdRymcaV2wzuFya1VeixeJVj9PhyimXUWJ0wGEIzSpBkypnQNuMMKLS09jR/s1600/1-1-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WOKJDaW21Lu2sebtlAv7lpndGzPXix6Tf0EuVntNpteWZTs_uXP2DeV0I3_kDYnlFmugGbOQiPFkGG2yVTdRymcaV2wzuFya1VeixeJVj9PhyimXUWJ0wGEIzSpBkypnQNuMMKLS09jR/s640/1-1-13.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIt62Lqy-AaGSlZ-TpeHzF9pAlQ1WaorCeyScI3VF9zdB5JyoBQ4CpKgwadZoI7GVEVSB7ElF-IXZl6XzJwo7YvVg8KJurMJzR3yJyDurjTiJKdvvlnt2E6mygbdGseqXAMeBgu1DKR2u/s1600/SegretoVignettes_p17LR_1024x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIt62Lqy-AaGSlZ-TpeHzF9pAlQ1WaorCeyScI3VF9zdB5JyoBQ4CpKgwadZoI7GVEVSB7ElF-IXZl6XzJwo7YvVg8KJurMJzR3yJyDurjTiJKdvvlnt2E6mygbdGseqXAMeBgu1DKR2u/s640/SegretoVignettes_p17LR_1024x1024.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMumlbCScddmsk7fqMxhYSL8J1gIW_R0ANijdVXCfi1KwHR_uhW9a0Nn5Yl_qMGLotRH_Btm-YM32p8BYrdBsHaxaBv-zcYcv4v3NdXoeTqpcNW1BOh0jCDXsv7EGOpLOD7d69Ga0kCml/s1600/SegretoVignettes_p122LR_1024x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMumlbCScddmsk7fqMxhYSL8J1gIW_R0ANijdVXCfi1KwHR_uhW9a0Nn5Yl_qMGLotRH_Btm-YM32p8BYrdBsHaxaBv-zcYcv4v3NdXoeTqpcNW1BOh0jCDXsv7EGOpLOD7d69Ga0kCml/s640/SegretoVignettes_p122LR_1024x1024.jpg" width="374" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5VIN2VKqu_BBFOkyCEcNmXedIFOZcWXWqm9unNs8oWtSTI1m78Rrb9e8uYJLF5bJYdYlQBLVzGNFRg7lvFw0oK4CR-msgVwCu7qtbM7fkROiDo6xLJoP82413S_X2MRz-_VZ10i4mXH5/s1600/SegretoVignettes_wm7+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5VIN2VKqu_BBFOkyCEcNmXedIFOZcWXWqm9unNs8oWtSTI1m78Rrb9e8uYJLF5bJYdYlQBLVzGNFRg7lvFw0oK4CR-msgVwCu7qtbM7fkROiDo6xLJoP82413S_X2MRz-_VZ10i4mXH5/s640/SegretoVignettes_wm7+%25281%2529.jpg" width="590" /></a></div>
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You can order your copy right away. Just click on the picture below.</div>
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<a href="http://segretofinishes.com/book?ap_id=RosesandRust" target="_blank"><img alt="Segreto Finishes Books" border="0" src="http://segretofinishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/segrebookbanner.jpg" /></a>
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Till next time</div>
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Sharon x</div>
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Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-17241623605826672472016-10-02T20:36:00.000+02:002016-10-02T20:36:18.662+02:00Tumblr(ing) in Bed<div style="text-align: center;">
School holidays have begun which always means a very welcome change to my morning routine. None of that bleary-eyed stumbling out of bed, waking sleepy children and getting lunchboxes together with half-closed eyes, desperately trying to remember which child likes what on his sandwich and who doesn't eat bananas. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yVzA8SgOtbUqc0_6LKG5oPUdZ1GITEk6jSlan9JQ7zpIjYis5C9ycfETVhqDEyFBFzsleSpEY1Hs_93TOvJkhr1D_gib4SlMioZ94TfgyeHacuhWdFD1Cv2wZneCqFMsiVJmCo9hEGAH/s1600/tumblr_o9sdvjj50S1rpwhvdo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yVzA8SgOtbUqc0_6LKG5oPUdZ1GITEk6jSlan9JQ7zpIjYis5C9ycfETVhqDEyFBFzsleSpEY1Hs_93TOvJkhr1D_gib4SlMioZ94TfgyeHacuhWdFD1Cv2wZneCqFMsiVJmCo9hEGAH/s640/tumblr_o9sdvjj50S1rpwhvdo1_500.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The holidays mean waking at a more leisurely pace, getting a most welcome cup of coffee in bed from my sweet husband, cuddling with the dogs and browsing through Tumblr on my iPad. As much as I enjoy reading blogs and checking in on Facebook, my go-to place first thing in the morning is Tumblr. I like the fact that it is purely visual, I don't have to read or concentrate too hard, I just look at one beautiful picture after another. The images can be anything from dogs to decor, flowers to fashion, art to animals or babies to baguettes It is like therapy for me, guaranteed to put me in a good mood.</div>
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Here is a sample of this morning's inspiration.....</div>
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So if you don't already... I can really recommend Tumblr(ing) in bed as a good way to start your day.</div>
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Till next time</div>
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Sharon x</div>
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My favourite Tumblr sites:</div>
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<a href="https://birdcagewalk.tumblr.com/">Birdcage Walk</a></div>
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<a href="http://crushculdesac.tumblr.com/">Crush Cul de Sac</a></div>
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<a href="http://simplypix.tumblr.com/">Simply Pix</a></div>
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<a href="http://browndresswithwhitedots.tumblr.com/">Brown Dress with White Dots</a></div>
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<a href="http://thebookofsecrets.tumblr.com/">Little Book of Secrets</a></div>
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Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-35474257343785257852016-09-23T13:50:00.002+02:002016-09-23T13:50:59.462+02:00Mix don't match!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkiBx3kbviZT1r_XBBrqdlJQBOhC9m4KAtN1nyd93wxySJH7u1jNS_krQCmZJpDxonrQNZ6XYJmCDRScO3Zh4q-_NWMXpxdOuqs6u5KH50IdnA8mpaOT3mpEy5WF0a8te7lGz2tx2nEmh/s1600/via+a+life+of+beauty+and+grace+on+tumblr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkiBx3kbviZT1r_XBBrqdlJQBOhC9m4KAtN1nyd93wxySJH7u1jNS_krQCmZJpDxonrQNZ6XYJmCDRScO3Zh4q-_NWMXpxdOuqs6u5KH50IdnA8mpaOT3mpEy5WF0a8te7lGz2tx2nEmh/s640/via+a+life+of+beauty+and+grace+on+tumblr.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
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One of my pet hates in home decor is matching furniture suites. They make a room look so bland, boring and unimaginative and should simply not be tolerated!</div>
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Probably the worst in my book are those matching bedroom suites (think Joshua Doore) where the bedside tables, match the dressing table as well as the chest of drawers and possibly the headboard. That is the biggest no-no for me. That's non-non in French, nein-nein in German and nyet-nyet in Russian, just in case there is any misunderstanding. Please people, don't go there!</div>
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I can live with matching bedside tables at a push, although contrasting ones look so much more interesting, but that is as far as it should go. If you have matching bedside tables, then consider treating them differently to add some interest as in the photo below.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmu2Y-WUOJvdkH7yONxNoM_S_DB3xt8hELUO-Cmxm3uqxD_1_VRLKUYB9Id1bBOnu8GiM5HoFI4MzcoSlxk4jwVtENptbMpvUnU9dwDllqie85caVrxe69vUNq96Xfj85LPY9I13D9JIm8/s1600/via+elle+decor+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmu2Y-WUOJvdkH7yONxNoM_S_DB3xt8hELUO-Cmxm3uqxD_1_VRLKUYB9Id1bBOnu8GiM5HoFI4MzcoSlxk4jwVtENptbMpvUnU9dwDllqie85caVrxe69vUNq96Xfj85LPY9I13D9JIm8/s640/via+elle+decor+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you are unfortunate enough to have inherited a matching bedroom suite, or bought one in a moment of extreme bad taste, you need to relocate part of this matching set to another room. Move the dressing table to your guest room and the chest of drawers to your living room. Go and do it right now...I'll wait!</div>
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There you see .... so much better.... now we can all breath easier!</div>
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Just in case you still aren't quite sure, here are some pretty mismatched bedrooms to inspire you.....</div>
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Have a lovely weekend</div>
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Till next time </div>
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Sharon x</div>
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Images : 1 A Life of Beauty and Grace, 2. Joshua Doore 3. Elle Decor, 4. Decorpad 5. House Beautiful 6. Kevin Harris Architect 7. Vincent Wolf Blog, 8 & 9 Pinterest 10. French Provicial Furniture</div>
Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-22697681444144912102016-09-19T09:36:00.003+02:002016-09-19T09:36:50.651+02:00South Africa on the World Map<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helveticaneuelt com 45 lt";">To all my readers in the UK, you don't want to miss this.... <a href="http://www.100percentdesign.co.uk/">100% Design UK</a>, the world's biggest trade event is taking place in London from the 21st to the 24th of September.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helveticaneuelt com 45 lt";"> South Africa's fantastic</span><span style="font-family: "helveticaneuelt com 45 lt";"> online shop, </span><a href="http://www.netdecor.co.za/">NetDécor</a>, <span style="font-family: "helveticaneuelt com 45 lt";">have brought some</span><span style="font-family: "helveticaneuelt com 45 lt";"> fabulous & unique décor accessories from South Africa and would love to show them to you. They are offering you a VIP invite. All you have to do is click on this link to register.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helveticaneuelt com 45 lt";"><a href="https://registration.n200.com/survey/2tsnvdq4zojsq?actioncode=NTWO000105ZKE&partner-contact=2vqvrwgia4vip">CLICK HERE </a></span></div>
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NetDécor<span style="font-family: "helveticaneuelt com 45 lt";"> w</span><span style="font-family: "helveticaneuelt com 45 lt";">ill be located at the EMERGING BRAND section - </span><span style="font-family: "helveticaneuelt com 45 lt";">STAND EB378. So why don't you pop on over, enjoy what South Africa has to offer and say hello to Miranda from me. </span></div>
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And while on the subject of South Africa, I'm am very proud to tell you that the Condé Nast Readers Travel Awards 2016 chose Cape Town, my home town, as the Best Overseas City for Restaurants and Bars! This global travel magazine also voted Cape Town as the runner-up in the category of favourite overseas city! In addition, Conde Nast also rated South Africa as one of the most <u>affordable</u> holiday destinations in the world. </div>
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So, to my readers all over the world....what are you waiting for? Just hop on a plane to Cape Town to enjoy the best food and drink, in the world, not to mention spectacular scenery, beautiful weather and the most wonderful people and all for next to nothing! You really can't go wrong. </div>
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If you love food and wine, hiking or hotels, watersports or shopping, beaches or clubs, Cape Town is the place to visit ....there is something for everybody.</div>
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I'll be waiting for you</div>
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Till next time</div>
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Sharon x</div>
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Images via Google</div>
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Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134826733437250835.post-63788629944275181422016-08-30T13:13:00.001+02:002016-08-30T13:13:12.921+02:00Dying to Braai<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This week will see the start of Spring and in South Africa we all
know what that means….time to braai again. For non-South Africans – a braai is basically a
barbeque, but the food tastes better, because if there is one thing a
South African can do well, it’s a braai! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To get you out there </span>sweeping your stoep and <span style="font-family: inherit;">dusting off your braai gear, I thought I should show you some inspiring outdoor braaing and dining areas. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqDbFZ00oElzocXI59KKCYbOLbs7TZX0JKumfWJgItrY9EiGsd_V-_5Wqc7BmsD8OduhjVKQCQpUsqsqFnloDY1lnGgd3IlWe6W62bnNUKr59tTeb3xO12mXgtg0OM6WIy221lE4FD3sQ/s1600/via+style+estate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqDbFZ00oElzocXI59KKCYbOLbs7TZX0JKumfWJgItrY9EiGsd_V-_5Wqc7BmsD8OduhjVKQCQpUsqsqFnloDY1lnGgd3IlWe6W62bnNUKr59tTeb3xO12mXgtg0OM6WIy221lE4FD3sQ/s640/via+style+estate.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You might have read the book, “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Men-Mars-Women-Venus-Understanding/dp/0060574216">Men
are from Mars, Women are from Venus</a>” where the premise is that men are the
hunters and women are the gatherers. This notion could not be more perfectly illustrated
than at a typical South African braai. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCA1oRfRdo0tWPb-fGX6kDH1w7yNQ1tWn-7ee2gw51_6f52CQRybv5At2GR8yU8SdRMYQ94_DC3Sj2O1xnPzTujgKiTyUzJeu-5rwJz6gF2jEGynLamh_D9fBJwHxE8MOr-Ibo2ElCdGoh/s1600/via+cote+de+texas2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCA1oRfRdo0tWPb-fGX6kDH1w7yNQ1tWn-7ee2gw51_6f52CQRybv5At2GR8yU8SdRMYQ94_DC3Sj2O1xnPzTujgKiTyUzJeu-5rwJz6gF2jEGynLamh_D9fBJwHxE8MOr-Ibo2ElCdGoh/s640/via+cote+de+texas2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The women are generally responsible for …. planning the menu,
doing the shopping for the food, marinating the meat, baking the potatoes, making
about 3 different salads, setting the table, filling an ice bucket, laying out
drinks and glasses, inbetween making countless trips to the man at the fire as
he requests braai tongs, or a torch, or some basting sauce, or some water to
sprinkle on the lamb chop that caught alight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6L2oYAyIZJA5gtInHc58O_ErLcFJsAjB-NGIlPfyQmJE3n7428jPKNioUQRPHvO2CFmorXNZkvHqnOGQGCQCg_Y7R2eeTbOFwimsNZAIiWfxPDmCLCxY3wRITFBQnl9uxjPg4y6-wvjP0/s1600/via+issuu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6L2oYAyIZJA5gtInHc58O_ErLcFJsAjB-NGIlPfyQmJE3n7428jPKNioUQRPHvO2CFmorXNZkvHqnOGQGCQCg_Y7R2eeTbOFwimsNZAIiWfxPDmCLCxY3wRITFBQnl9uxjPg4y6-wvjP0/s640/via+issuu.jpg" width="442" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The man is responsible for making the fire, watching said
fire while drinking beer and chatting to his mates. Putting the meat on the
fire, watching the meat while drinking beer and chatting to his mates, turning
the meat, watching the other side of the meat while drinking beer and chatting
to his mates, shouting to the woman to
bring a dish to put the meat into as he could not possibly take his eyes off
the meat to make a trip to the kitchen (he
is the hunter, the meat is his prey), taking the meat off the fire, eating the
food while drinking beer and chatting to his mates, gracefully accepting all
the accolades that he gets for the wonderful meal and all his hard work, and
then finally, when everyone has left, going for a nap on the couch because he
is exhausted from all the cooking so could the woman perhaps work quietly as
she cleans the house and washes the dishes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As you can see, his list is much longer than hers so he must
be the one doing all the work. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Z793Jgk7SAkHZCE8bA5vliiYiphX9Yg5wc2evdbIlbcxKIuVD58d2jOPja8l0r3tMV7DMfPv9QMsjQO8riCkY4HktfmnExceuEqLaDeruoClOcKWewNmdsIQ5NYkuw45M6i6n-s8YTUx/s1600/via+garden+and+home+mag2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Z793Jgk7SAkHZCE8bA5vliiYiphX9Yg5wc2evdbIlbcxKIuVD58d2jOPja8l0r3tMV7DMfPv9QMsjQO8riCkY4HktfmnExceuEqLaDeruoClOcKWewNmdsIQ5NYkuw45M6i6n-s8YTUx/s640/via+garden+and+home+mag2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Lucky for me, I am married to a British born South African who is very helpful with the prep and cleaning, but can still braai a great chop!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMP2qlqgZT43FS5swLpL7mCIKNX-GXsKJa8FEe0SgkXdamdp_YlSMqq6kn3mQKEnf-0P7AzorfYOT55HIDHbRuf9t20-KSq2IQHXgnT86eRH-7zTZNRiLT5K4EWQxSjOOKiAQTOsJCtdQ6/s1600/via+garden+and+home+mag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMP2qlqgZT43FS5swLpL7mCIKNX-GXsKJa8FEe0SgkXdamdp_YlSMqq6kn3mQKEnf-0P7AzorfYOT55HIDHbRuf9t20-KSq2IQHXgnT86eRH-7zTZNRiLT5K4EWQxSjOOKiAQTOsJCtdQ6/s640/via+garden+and+home+mag.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I would be more accepting of the South African man's attitude to their meat if they actually were the ones going out and hunting it themselves. Much of the time, the meat comes from Pick 'n Pay and does not require any stealth, stamina or cunning in obtaining it. Although, Constantia Village Pick 'n Pay on a Saturday morning may require some of those skills after all!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0AK7xRjJZoXOpLhka7SkdPq8qL0ra0AbBPDLq1BZqImSOd0T7igTJXIqll1Gxqzfcg64BVuJf1DuvGOUwWJZk-ZA6FtIlWnSJMrBh3I6Q0SHtUAdKDhMP6WCFR9kOBcemVzHCWFSQX9a/s1600/via+john+wooden+interiors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0AK7xRjJZoXOpLhka7SkdPq8qL0ra0AbBPDLq1BZqImSOd0T7igTJXIqll1Gxqzfcg64BVuJf1DuvGOUwWJZk-ZA6FtIlWnSJMrBh3I6Q0SHtUAdKDhMP6WCFR9kOBcemVzHCWFSQX9a/s640/via+john+wooden+interiors.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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But we love our men and they do produce some good food, so we will continue to slave away in the background but, subversively, we will teach our sons to make a salad and wash the dishes and a new regime might exist in the next generation. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYHrP2ZJ1z5vQ-n4bYxHGQwKkwTo_xxI0xNXWmYaZkkkJ2NhV1GF0gRegnZkAISUH_bXA9JUgX3vZeW44FzzHpvcWhBtO22B8eLAP_Fj_LCukPkgtmZAVrZ5Ds2GwAJNoFcfy2sXtL_Wl/s1600/via+pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYHrP2ZJ1z5vQ-n4bYxHGQwKkwTo_xxI0xNXWmYaZkkkJ2NhV1GF0gRegnZkAISUH_bXA9JUgX3vZeW44FzzHpvcWhBtO22B8eLAP_Fj_LCukPkgtmZAVrZ5Ds2GwAJNoFcfy2sXtL_Wl/s640/via+pinterest.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>
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And perhaps standing in front of a hot fire is best left to the men anyway as melted mascara is not really a great look on a woman. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwJ9kN9Kh_JFCr83dm_q5kPQEOCfXYdGh2OlFaf0Xxn698Dkn7tsYtPpQ-QQ6YvX0K-n_k7hxqchBMyV6W1pyryjFJy5klVp9PNnrZCFC71NnrsgKIc1CqgEhqrHWANJr0D6PspfCP6NH/s1600/via+style+estate+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwJ9kN9Kh_JFCr83dm_q5kPQEOCfXYdGh2OlFaf0Xxn698Dkn7tsYtPpQ-QQ6YvX0K-n_k7hxqchBMyV6W1pyryjFJy5klVp9PNnrZCFC71NnrsgKIc1CqgEhqrHWANJr0D6PspfCP6NH/s640/via+style+estate+5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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So to all my fellow South Africans, happy braaing and to my readers across the seas, if you come to Cape Town, you're always welcome for a braai! </div>
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This is where we will be hanging out....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirT4duEkO5MHhaO-S8ckj_QXkFFYQhbFb3V6zarX2D68WApznars-Ul4dB1VQ0XQsCBRvjMmZtKRTnRTsJo9uWHTWka5O46i1DRAg5cBIYYNWIAdrQRLvY3qDLsDZTdMaRaaSK1GN4mK5A/s1600/DSC_0207+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirT4duEkO5MHhaO-S8ckj_QXkFFYQhbFb3V6zarX2D68WApznars-Ul4dB1VQ0XQsCBRvjMmZtKRTnRTsJo9uWHTWka5O46i1DRAg5cBIYYNWIAdrQRLvY3qDLsDZTdMaRaaSK1GN4mK5A/s640/DSC_0207+%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZQklhyphenhyphenylhGsHGXwe56A3MRV0rFkcZ2ZCD4CcOedDYiduA5PeLMJDVt2_QgcGmWtdDreLoJpB460zXLSiVIHqSnaRXJ8tVlZZ056KuCibEhauVQxPydeZ7pPWDMtjx5R6TfwQ-mtFlyPA/s1600/DSC_0210+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZQklhyphenhyphenylhGsHGXwe56A3MRV0rFkcZ2ZCD4CcOedDYiduA5PeLMJDVt2_QgcGmWtdDreLoJpB460zXLSiVIHqSnaRXJ8tVlZZ056KuCibEhauVQxPydeZ7pPWDMtjx5R6TfwQ-mtFlyPA/s640/DSC_0210+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cdiGr55A1gXh-yNrl8fvV468ErTpayC0bZRzMx4tLwnGSZv-x3Tc6iPdembO5eNFzwZHavYYDipc9lLF-LAGN6ABG47wwcxTMky5EDBzmz2vijfwNJS_X4liArlmW0jubP7OYT047i3X/s1600/DSC_0212+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cdiGr55A1gXh-yNrl8fvV468ErTpayC0bZRzMx4tLwnGSZv-x3Tc6iPdembO5eNFzwZHavYYDipc9lLF-LAGN6ABG47wwcxTMky5EDBzmz2vijfwNJS_X4liArlmW0jubP7OYT047i3X/s640/DSC_0212+%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finally, the Vital Protection Competition is now closed. Thanks to all who entered. A winner was drawn using a very high tech system involving a boy and a hat. Congratulations to Debbie de Villiers! Vital Protection will be in touch regarding delivery. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lsPcgqH76Q3dgxlQH-b-ojCZtIgfpatwOdocyOGPyts65MRXcMeXTrgddNsuISxbFya0MJoJcOl8qtlIg9yGCF1UcJbP04WPsKuT3LkGDtG7Vn-lMZCSsM7Hn-vL9oCCLX34wBkO6YRb/s1600/DSC_0211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lsPcgqH76Q3dgxlQH-b-ojCZtIgfpatwOdocyOGPyts65MRXcMeXTrgddNsuISxbFya0MJoJcOl8qtlIg9yGCF1UcJbP04WPsKuT3LkGDtG7Vn-lMZCSsM7Hn-vL9oCCLX34wBkO6YRb/s640/DSC_0211.JPG" width="410" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Till next time</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sharon x</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Images: 1, <a href="http://blog.styleestate.com/">Style Estate</a> 2. <a href="https://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/">Cote de Texas</a> 3. <a href="https://issuu.com/">Issuu</a> 4. <a href="http://www.gardenandhome.co.za/">Garden and Home Mag</a> 5. <a href="http://www.gardenandhome.co.za/">Garden and Home Mag</a> 6.<a href="http://www.johnwoodeninteriors.com/"> John Wooden Interiors</a> 7. Pinterest 8. <a href="http://blog.styleestate.com/">Style Estate</a>. 9,10, 11, 12 <a href="http://rosesandrustblogger.blogspot.com/">Roses and Rust</a></span></div>
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Sharon Lee Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08392930272028406164noreply@blogger.com6