A Winter's Tale

I hope all the Dad's had a good Father's Day. I was away for the Father's Day weekend visiting my parents so I asked Matt, my 18 year old son, if he would mind going to the shops to buy some eggs, bacon, sausage etc so that he and his brothers could cook a nice breakfast for my husband on Father's Day. When I phoned home on Saturday evening, I asked Matt if he had managed to get to the shops." No", he replied, "Dad bought the breakfast stuff - he was going to the grocery store anyway so I just asked him to buy it". I think he might have missed the point! Boys?!? 

While it's not actually snowing in Cape Town, it certainly feels like it is. I have been colder this winter than ever before. Maybe it's just because I'm getting older. My dad, who is fast approaching 90, maintains that the whole idea of global warming is a load of rubbish - he just gets colder and colder every year!

This gorgeous, snow-clad home is in Maine, USA. Decorated by Design Firm, Nicola's Home, it is a lovely combination of  rustic and elegant, modern and antique, all effortlessly co-existing in a most inviting way. 

A beautiful antique bowfronted chest combined with casual wicker chairs looks perfect in the entrance hall.

The living room is beautifully cosy with its pale furnishings. I can almost imagine a reindeer coming out of those trees. Do they have reindeer in Maine?

I love the dining area with its rustic table, wicker chairs and contemporary light fitting. What a great place for comfort food, red wine, friends, family and gazing out at the snowy landscape.

Such an attractive kitchen. I love the yin and yang of the rustic cooker hood and luxuriously upholstered bar stools.

There is an industrial feel to this bar area - very nice!

Cute little French Style chest of drawers adapted for a basin in the powder room. 

                                                                

You can find similar at NetDecor         or                           Block and Chisel

The main bedroom is pretty and comfortable and that window seat looks so inviting.

Different styles are evident in the bathrooms. I really like the glass fronted vanity below. I haven't come across that idea before.

And finally, the cutest kids bunk room.

I hope you enjoyed this home and to my fellow Capetonians....stay warm. 

Till next time

Sharon x

Dad's Day

To my own dad, my children's dad and all the other fabulous dads around the world, wishing you a very happy Father's Day on Sunday! 

To remind us of how much we appreciate the roles our dads play in our lives, I thought I would share some beautiful and heartwarming pics of dads in all shapes and sizes. Some in very good shape I might just add!

"Biology is the least of what makes someone a father."

(Borrowed and adapted from Oprah)

I couldn't  resist including a beagle pic!

Till next time

Sharon x

Escape to Simplicity

Because life is feeling a bit complicated at the moment, I am hankering after simplicity. I am, at heart, a simple being. Maybe at times even simple minded, according to my children. 

So, to fit my mood, the house I'm showing you today is a beach house in Cornwall in the UK, decorated by Wickenden Hutley, It's characterised by simplicity and restraint. I would love to go and have a little winter break in this home, spending time reading and walking on the beach, evenings in front of the fire, no phones, no emails, no responsibilities, just downtime. 

I could spend hours sitting at one of the many window seats just gazing out to sea thinking about things or perhaps about nothing at all.

I'd also love to spend lots of time dozing. Any of these bedrooms will do, thank-you. 

I might even do some cooking...

...and I'll definitely need to eat.

Yes, I think this place will do very nicely thanks. I can already picture my boots and hat at the front door.

Till next time

Sharon x