Happy snowy weekend!

this morning we woke up to a layer of white hail on the ground, which by mid morning had all but melted away, then around one o'clock it started snowing for real this time, and carried on for the next few hours, here's a shot of my lane which I snapped earlier before heading back in doors and declaring that the rest of the day shall be spent in front of the fire!

Just as well then that yesterday I received a parcel in the post which contained not one but two books, courtesy of Cico publishing, for me to review (thank you so much) so I will be spending the most part of the weekend keeping warm by the fire, with a book in one hand and a glass of warm Mulled wine in the other, just the ticket for snowy weekends don't you think.?

PS. I'll share the books with you next week in a review, stay warm all!

Rue Two

The winter weather leaving you feeling blue...I have the answer, read it, watch it, try making it...Rue issue two of course!, bound to put you back in t he pink! They looked  like they had  sooo much fun making this issue, be sure to check out the extras.

All images Rue

And the winner is....

What a lovely way to start a new week, by announcing the winner of my book give-away,

Made at Home by Lisa Stickley

so....Drum roll please.....

and the winner is......

No. 8 Sarah!

Thank you to all who left comments, I hope to do something else before the end of the year, but for now congratulations to Sarah, and if you could let me know your address (email me thishomesweethome@yahoo.co.uk)  Sarah the book will be winging its way to you very shortly!

A few things you might like...

Summerill & Bishop extend an invitation to you to join them at the CLARENDON CROSS CHRISTMAS SHOPPING FAIR, on the7th of December, 100 Portland Road London, W11 4LQ, , where you will find a whole host of goodies, unique gifts, seasonal refreshments, and discounts.

Rue Issue 2 goes live on November 21st!  Take a look at issue 1 above until then. 

 

Like to take the odd photo or two?

Photography Divas from a far are joining The Shutter DIVAS to share their photography.

Odd window prop obsession..

Amongst my family and friends I'm known for finding sometimes slightly  odd things worthy of being classed as a homes accessories, and for some time now I have noticed that I find shop windows ever more interesting...(normal I hear you say, what girl doesn't like a bit of window shopping), but not for whats actually for sale in the shop, rather, I'm finding myself drawn to the window props, and items used for window dressing.

Hence the giant 'S' now taking up residence in my living room, not so strange really but when I spotted in the window I had to have it (good for two reason, one my First name begins with S and two because my surname also begins with S,), acquired from the Accessorize shop in town. Result!  I had had my eye on a pink flamingo back in the summer, but it seems I'm not the only one who likes window props, they actually put you down on a waiting list, and sell the props for charity. .

 I have tried to acquire more items in my travels through town, but alot of shop owners are not  egar to part with their props, I had my eye on a grand father clock printed on white card recently, and thought that if I pop a clock mechanism in the back it would make a very fine addition to a wall some where in the house... It remains to be seen if I score...I think this little obsession might turn into some kind of sport. 

What about you, got any strange items in your home acquired from even stranger places?

Something I think you might like..

If like me you are a fan of the hugely popular blog decor8, written by Holly Becker   (and guilty of spending more time reading it then we should probably admit to) , then you will no doubt know that Holly has been very busy this year writing a book, with co-author Joanna Copestick, Decorate, and I am please  to say that it will be available to us UK fans eagerly awaiting its arrival in March of next year.  Not wanting to miss out on what looks like being a fab  book full of home inspiration, I have already added it to my wish list on Amazon  where you can pre-order it.  The picture above is for the UK version and there will be a US version also available next year, which you can see a peek of over at decor8.  Congratulations go out to Holly, I can't wait to get my hands on one.

Quick book give-away reminder.

Just a quick reminder that the book giveaway ends on the 15th of November so if you haven't yet entered you still have time, click here to find out more and enter.

Idyll Home.

Based in the Shropshire countryside sits Idyll Home, and I have just been spending my lazy Sunday afternoon visiting their online store,  and more than a few things caught my eye.

All images Idyll Home

I need a wish list for all the above!

My photography so far.

Todays' post is a little different from the usual things that I normally blog about, I thought I would share with you what has been keeping me busy of  late and distracting me from blogging quite as often has I would normally blog.  As you may know if you stop by here from time to time, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and take a course in photography, and not just a hobby course in photography...no sir!  a rather full on AS level back to college photography course!   my head is so full of stuff...its like learning a whole new language, but I have to say I am enjoying it. 

 Currently we are working on outdoor portraits and i enrolled the help of my two daughters (for which I am forever grateful, thank you Girls)  to help me out, at the moment any edits are done using picnik and picasa, but we are meant to be using photshop CS5 and I am looking into getting my hands on one for home because we cover so much stuff in the time at college that having one to play around with at home would make all the difference, anyways here are a few  that I have been working on so enjoy. 

PS. feel free to share any tips if your happen to be into photography!