Almost Christmas

My favourite room

With everyone coming for Christmas we have had to add another table so we can get everyone seated. We painted the bench but it still needs a cushion. I can imagine the lazy morning breakfasts, and the late nights under the moon and stars - chatting, laughing, catching up.

Life is amazing

Kay posted this quote on Facebook today. I thought it was lovely, so I copied the text and placed it onto one of my photographs.

Safety warning

Seriously, the warning is under the seat of the chair. And as with all warnings, it comes too late.

Indian motorcycle

I collected my car from repairs the other day but I had to wait while they took it for a test run. After I had paged through their magazines I wondered around and found this old motorcycle on display. I don't think it's for sale. But I had never heard of the brand. (Not that I even know anything about motorcycles.) Anyway, I googled it and found they started in 1901 and are still going strong.  http://www.indianmotorcycle.com/en-us/history

One on the ground and another in the sky

I was taking a photo through the trees and only saw afterwards that there was a Cape Robin on the ground, keeping to the path. On the other pic, I was trying to find the Green Parrot in the tree, it had been calling all morning, when the movement above caught my eye.

Jacaranda at it again

Our Jacaranda is in bloom again. It hasn't even dropped the pods from being in bloom during October yet. In 21 years, this is the first time it was flowered twice in one season. If anyone can explain that I'd be grateful. Well, anyone except you.

Hanging baubles

Checkers: Our Christmas Feast

A vast number of Christmas ads are out there but nothing exciting. However, I like the way this commercial has been styled, shot and edited. And the music is catchy. I think, though, that the brand perception created here does not match the in-store personality.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wMDBdXxYyU

Light and shadow

Recycle, upcycle

Wanted new cushions in the lounge without spending any money so I took some from the bedroom and dyed them.

Morning light moodboard

Making limoncello

It's potent. Sun down, man down, phew!

The torn tree

Last year my palm tree was struck by lightning and had to be taken down. The tree next to it only revealed this year that it had also been affected when it split during a wild wind storm last week. Regrettably, we had to have it fell too. On the upside our kitchen is now flooded with warm and toasty morning light.

Swim at own risk

There was never a place to hang your towel at the pool area so we put up the hooks for the towels for our guests that are coming to stay over Christmas period. We added the  subtle warning, swim at own risk, to create the holiday resort vibe ;-)

Christmas gifts from the garden

In August I posted: When I grow up I'm going to be a Christmas present. 10/08/2015. Terracotta pots with cutting from the garden that will be Christmas gifts. Now they are all ready for distribution by Santa.

The divine Miss M having a Sunday nap

Making my own wrapping paper

I know a bargain when I see it

I bought all these second-hand Christmas baubles at the local charity store. We're going to hang them on the patio above the Christmas table. Will post an image when we're done.

Spot the difference

I wore two different colour sandals, same style, to work and only 2 people of 103 noticed. I did it on purpose, and I was greatly disappointed.

Making up bath salts

We have made up bath salts as stocking fillers. Smells divine and is really easy to make.
You'll need some jars or bottles, Epsom Salts, coarse sea salt, dried herbs and essential oils.
In a large bowl mix 2 parts Epsom salts to 1 part coarse sea salt, add the dried herbs, we used lavender from our garden, and a few drops of your preferred essential oil. We used lavender, duh!
Mix thoroughly and scoop into the bottle. Add a label and and wrap up for Christmas.

The lavender we made up for the ladies and for the men we mixed mustard (Google how good a mustard bath is), rosemary and thyme.

Sunny Sunday lunch

W is for wishing, L is for love

We started to wrap our Christmas presents, and it's really fun. Keeping it really simple - white and brown wrapping paper only. The presents are scattered all across the dining room table, so we'll be eating in the kitchen in the meantime.