Little Bear Studio

Time to go

2012-01-25T13:01:00.000-08:00

It's time to go and finish packing my bags.

This evening we are flying over to Sydney for the weekend, to celebrate our 26th wedding anniversary.

Seems like only the other day, all those years ago, when we said the words, " I do"

Sorry I have been absent this week, but will be happy to come and visit you when I get back.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend

Hugs

Carolyn

Daydreaming of Paris

2012-01-23T19:16:00.000-08:00

Does anyone want to come away with me?

I am dreaming of Paris today

If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast. ~ Ernest Hemingway

I want to thank you all for visiting and your kind words.

After lots of rest I am glad to say that I am feeling much better now.

Have a marvellous week, mes, amies

Hugs

Carolyn

House for Sale

2012-01-20T18:28:00.000-08:00

If you have ever dreamed of living like Audrey Hepburn, here's your chance

Looks like she is preparing to move out with all her boxes packed

Fans of the classic movie, with Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's will have the chance to live in the style of Holly Golightly as the Townhouse, that the movie was filmed outside, has gone up for sale. Most of the filming of the inside of the apartment though, was shot inside a film studio.

The New York brownstone building has gone on the market for almost 6 million.

Pickthe day. Enjoy it to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as theycome. The past, I think has helped me to appreciate the present... andI don't want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future.

~ Audrey Hepburn

I hope that you are having a wonderful weekend.
Just want to say thank you so much for your kind words, feeling a little better and on the mend I hope.

Hugs
Carolyn

How I look today!

2012-01-18T17:31:00.000-08:00

Today, the part of me will be played by little Miss Brittany, of the Chipettes.

Yesterday I woke up feeling poorly with swelling just below one of my ears.

I visited the Doctor and she said my Parotid glands, which are situated near the ear, are causing the pain and fever.

So I am going back to bed for a nap, as I am feeling very tired, rest and drinking lots of water is the order of the day.

When the sun is shinning brightly outside, going to the beach or being out in the garden would be a much nicer option.

I do hope that you are enjoying your week and I look forward to coming to visit you and see what you are up to.

Sending hugs

Carolyn

Let me tell you of a giveaway

2012-01-16T20:09:00.000-08:00

Here is an image from the Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine.

Let me tell you of a wonderful giveaway ~ Carole from over at maynardgreenhouse.blogspot.com is generously giving a copy of Jeanne d'Arc Living magazine to some lucky friend.

Carole and her blog are fabulous and if you have not met her, please go for a visit.

Sorry I have not been visiting very much, hope to catch up with you all soon. Life seems to be busy here.

Hugs

Carolyn

All in pink today

2012-01-12T18:04:00.000-08:00

I have this pretty pink hydrangea growing in my garden and may it brighten your day, to those that do not have a lot of colour in your garden this time of the year.

I was very lucky to win this giveaway from my lovely friend Celestina Marie of larearose.blogspot.com


Celestina Marie, is so very talented and I was thrilled to receive all these gorgeous pretty pink gifts. I look forward to next Christmas time when I will be able to decorate the tree and house. I will treasure these forever.

Visit her blog and see her exquisite work

I also got this pretty teacup, with roses and lovely, Peace on Earth card for Christmas, from my sweet friend Michelle of theraspberryrabbits.com. She also, is very talented and has the sweetest bunnies, Harrington and Hannah, so please go over and visit her and say hello.

To all the lovely people who follow my blog and leave a comment, thank you very much.

Wishing you all a wonderful, happy and peaceful weekend

Hugs

Carolyn

A new start!

2012-01-04T18:43:00.000-08:00


I love the start of every new year, when we have a fresh slate to work on. May we be able to fill the blanks, with love and laughter. Waste no tears upon the blotted record of lost years but turn the leafand smile, oh smile to see the fair white pages that remain to thee ~E. W. Wilson

For the first time in years, I am packing away our Christmas decorations early.

The reason for this is, we are going to start on decorating our lounge.

It is time for a change as the green wallpaper is now past its best by date, will hopefully be replaced with a clean, white palette that will brighten and lighten up the room.

There are so many different whites, grey whites, white whites, creamy whites and it is just getting the right one that will look good in our room.

So we are taking a vote as to which one we like the best, as even by day and night, they can look quite different.

I look forward to showing you when it is all finished.

Hope that you are enjoying your week and the start of the year.

Hugs

Carolyn

Saying goodbye to the old and welcome 2012!

2011-12-29T18:35:00.000-08:00

Where oh where has the last year gone? Can't believe that it is going to tick over to 2012, very soon!

My website has had a makeover thanks to my DD. Please meet Laurent Le Noir who will soon be added to my Boutique.

I hope everyone had the most joyful Christmas. I have to say, that sharing this Christmas with my beloved family was very memorable and happy.

Many thanks for all your support, friendship, from new and old and lovely comments throughout 2011. I have made such wonderful friends, that if not for blogging I would not have the chance to know and so grateful for you all.

To the tune of 'Auld Lang Syne ' I would like to wish everyone good health and prosperity for the New Year.

May all your wishes and dreams come true and may the new year, be kind to us all.

Hugs

Carolyn

Seasons Greetings

2011-12-19T13:55:00.000-08:00

It's truly a joy to send wishes your way for the happiest, brightest most wonderful day

The candles are lit and give a magical glow to the room

The best gifts life can bring is having friends like you and I want to thank you all for your beautiful friendship. Here's to many years of blogging and even if you're not aware, of the special link that I feel with knowing you.

I hope the festivities, shopping, gift wrapping and holiday baking are going well.

I have been MIA, spent time with my family to celebrate my dear Mother's birthday, so now I look forward to coming to visit you all.

May this be a Christmas you'll always treasure, for the joy it brings and the memories it leaves.
To those that don't celebrate Christmas, happy holidays and happy Hanukkah.

Here's wishing you a merry Christmas and happiness all year through.

Hugs

Carolyn

Deck the Halls....

2011-12-12T17:00:00.000-08:00

Candles wrapped in old vintage sheet music is an easy little decoration

I love visiting other homes around blogland and seeing all the beauty to mark, the magical season.

So now I welcome you today to my home and here are a few of my decorations.

A dear friend gave me this special stocking creation, last year and it is so beautiful

I am busy trying to do several Christmas projects and of course, I am behind. So off I must go now and finish cards and my projects.

In the midst of my activity I will be enjoying listening to the sounds of the season, the timeless Christmas carols while I work and play.

Thank you for visiting me today and to new followers, always a delight to have you leave a message.

It's truly a joy to send wishes your way, for the happiest, brightest most wonderful day

Hugs

Carolyn

A little bit of this and that

2011-12-07T18:41:00.001-08:00

An interesting partial rainbow appeared in the sky the other night


Italian Pasta of pretty bright coloured Christmas trees, will make a nice meal

Son thought they were lollies when he he spied the glass jar and was quite disappointed when he tried to eat one.

Look what the Postman delivered to my mailbox the other day, beautiful gifts from two of my blogfriends, thank you so much Marsha and Saskia.

I have made suchwonderful friends, that if not for blogging I would not have the chanceto know.

The weather has warmed up here and feels like we are going to be in for a long hot summer.

I spent some time out in the garden cleaning up and already the ground is very dry and many of the plants are looking very sad.

I hope that you are having a lovely week

Hugs

Carolyn

Welcome December

2011-12-02T19:07:00.001-08:00

December is here, the last month of the year! ~ I wonder if your year seems to have gone as quickly as mine?

Only Christmas can inspire the richness with which we adorn our homes to celebrate with family and friends. The boxes of fragile ornaments that we have collected over the years, come out once again to decorate our homes.

Nothing can evoke the Christmas spirit better than bright colours, especially the gorgeous reds and greens, shiny gold baubles, home baked cookies, ginger bread, nostalgia, happy memories and the company of loved ones.

Give me the end of the year and its fun

When most of the planning and toiling is done;

Bring all the wanderers home to the nest,

Let me sit down with the ones I love best

~ Edgar A Guest

We have been enjoying having our children home this weekend.
One stayed Friday night, and the other is here tonight.

This afternoon we went to watch the Santa Parade on the Island and it is always fun to see the floats, hear all the noise, laughter and commotion with everyone getting into the spirit of the season.
I got a wave from Santa Claus, who must have been particularly warm in his big red suit.

Wishing you sweet things in your life and hope that you have a happy weekend.
I am going to be getting my boxes of decorations out later to festoon the tree and house.

Hugs

Carolyn

Do you enjoy cooking?

2011-11-28T17:33:00.001-08:00

I love to buy, and read cookbooks, epsecially the ones with beautiful artistic photography and mouthwatering recipes.

Here are some of my favourite books on my kitchen shelf.

This one I came across last year and had to buy it ;

Annabel Langbein, The Free Range Cook.

Not only does it have wonderful photographs, the recipes are great.

I have cooked quite a lot of tasty meals from it and can highly recommend this book.

Here are a few pages, from the book

Annabel cooks in a little cabin in Central Otago at the foot of the Southern Alps. Imagine looking out at that everyday!

Most of her food comes from her garden and you can see her going on expeditions around the region hunting, fishing and gathering. The book is the companion to her International TV series, which is really a good watch, if you get the chance to see this series.

Your home will soon be your favourite restaurant, she says.

Digging in the earth is such a simple way to feel grounded

When you start with really fresh ingredients it's easy to be a great cook are some of the quotes she shares.

My family and I have been enjoying some of the recipes I have tried, from this book.

Have a fun week planning all your favourite things, maybe some creative work and happy recipe hunting.

Hugs

Carolyn

Happy Weekend

2011-11-25T20:30:00.001-08:00

Life seems to be busy and there is so much to do this time of the year, but found a few spare moments to sit down and write to you.

We spent Thursday night over staying, at our children's apartment.

As you may know they live in the bustling City where it is all happening.

The noise was amazing, all night long you could hear the voices of people, coming out from whatever Restaurant, bar or movie they had been too.

I was just about off to sleep when you could hear the road sweeper swishing along and then the rubbish truck came by making an awful racket.

Next thing I knew the the sun was peeping through the wooden blinds and it was a new day.

We are now back home where most of the time, all is peace and quiet. The weather is warming up now and the bedroom windows are left open at night and the only sound I love to hear is the morepork (NZ's native owl ) calling out to his mate and the waves in the distance.
We have a General Election here in New Zealand and went out and voted this morning. Later on this evening, we will know which Party has got in to govern our Country.

Update ; the National Party got back in again, so they will be governing our Country again - Mr John Key is our Prime Minister again for another 3 years.

I hope you have a lovely weekend

Hugs

Carolyn

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T17:38:00.001-08:00


Here's to being thankful for each and every day! Not just for one day a year.

We have one life to live and with every new day, I awaken with a thankful heart.

Gratitude is the hearts memory ~ French Proverb

Wishing all my dear friends a happy Thanksgiving and many blessings. I hope that you are having a wonderful week

Hugs

Carolyn

Eymet

2011-11-19T18:26:00.001-08:00

Two kiwi girls in France.

Maison No 20 is the beautiful home and Boutique Chambres d'hotes ofthe lovely Leeann, from Fabulously French. We spent two nights stayinghere, at her very comfortable and tastefully decorated Maison, in aquiet lane within the beautiful historic village. You can see Leeann's 'Fabulously French shop' which is the ground floor window on the left.

Indeed a top of my list destination and guest house.

Eymet is an extremely pretty little town with a beautiful market square where we were lucky enough to be there to attend the busy market which takes place on a Thursday.

Eymet is located in Dordogne in the Aquitaine region of France and it is such a picturesque place.

Here are a few of the photos taken around the quaint village.

As you can see from these historical buildings around the square, they had been built back in the Medieval times. We took this photo on our walk home from one of the many wonderful restaurants.

Hope that you are enjoying the weekend

Hugs

Carolyn

Strawberry season

2011-11-14T15:57:00.001-08:00

Strawberries

Delicious

Red

Ripe

Sweet

Strawberries are in season here and I can't get enough of these ~ the smell is intoxicating and I love the bright red, like a fire engine colour. The first of the season always taste the best.

Mere colour can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways ~ Oscar Wilde

Wishing you sweet things in your life and a happy week

Hugs

Carolyn

Happy Weekend

2011-11-12T14:51:00.001-08:00

My friend Dorthe from denlillelade.blogspot.com shared this with me ~

Add the last two digits of your birth year to the age you will turn on your birthday this year, 2011.

It tells you the answer will be 111.

Try this with your own details ... It really does work!

Now to leave you with one more of my camellias, they really are the prettiest of flowers.

This one is called Nuccio's Gem and I also have Swan Lake.

The shrub has attractive glossy green foliage and they put on a fabulous flower display in late winter and early spring.

Camellias have a good shade tolerance.

Hope that you are enjoying your weekend - why do they go so quickly?

Hugs

Carolyn

Spring days are here.

2011-11-10T15:23:00.001-08:00

The sun is shinning beautifully today and reminds me why I love living where I do and so thankful for this.

This is the view looking out my stairwell window, the clear blue sky and sea makes my heart flutter.

Did you see the wonderful big full moon last night?
I wish you could have seen what I saw out my window and if I was not half asleep, would have got my camera out.

I got up in the night and looking out, was magical ~ the water looked like it had a large sheet of gold leaf spread across it and seemed as if you could have danced the night away, across the water.

Today is the 11/11/11, a rather significant day!

Are you doing anything special today and in the weekend?

We are taking our kids out to dinner tonight so that will be great to catch up with them.

I hope that you have a fabulous weekend

Hugs

Carolyn

The Reader

2011-11-07T20:27:00.000-08:00

The Reader

Jean-Honore Fragonard ~ 1732-1806

Fragonard was a French Artist and a prolific painter who left a large body of work. His style seems to be the embodiment of the Rococo era.

I love this well known painting, of a thoughtful girl reading.

Reading was such a fun thing to do when I was growing up and I loved reading Dr Seuss books and then reading them to my children when they were young.

I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!
Dr. Seuss

I can read in red. I can read in blue.
I can read in pickle color too.
I can read in bed, and in purple. and in brown.
I can read in a circle and upside down!
I can read with my left eye. I can read with my right.
I can read Mississippi with my eyes shut tight!

There are so many things you can learn about.
But…you'll miss the best things
If you keep your eyes shut.
The more that you read, the more things you will know
The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.

If you read with your eyes shut you're likely to find
That the place where you're going is far, far behind
SO…that's why I tell you to keep your eyes wide.
Keep them wide open…at least on one side.

Hope you have a wonderful week

Hugs

Carolyn

Out in my garden

2011-11-02T16:11:00.000-07:00

This is what is flourishing in my garden today ~ we had a gentle shower of rain this morning when I went out.

I love the way the raindrops formed on the camellia flower

I was excited to see two ripe strawberries on the plant, when I went back to pick them a bird had pecked away and all that was left was the stalk, so I reckon that the bird needed them more than I did.

Hope that there might be more to come and will have to be quicker next time

Can you see the bumblebee getting the nectar from the flowers on the lemon tree?

I often wonder how they fly, they seem so big.

I am sorry for being such a bad blog friend these days.

I want to thank you for your kindness in visiting my blog and I look forward to coming to say hello and see what you are up to.

All is dandy here, life just seems to be busy.

Yesterday I made a trip to visit my hairdresser and I love the transformation, when you walk out feeling like a new person.

I hope that your week is smooth sailing so far ~ it is almost the weekend!

Happy Thursday

Hugs

Carolyn

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-30T21:28:00.000-07:00

The flickering of a candle and the herbs are ready to brew up a witches spell in the cauldron

Tip toe quietly through the night, creeping cautiously, taking fright ghostly ghouls and pumpkin lights, its Halloween time again tonight!

Here in NZ we do not really celebrate this event, some folk choose if they want to, to go out... trick or treating. Maybe it is the fact that we have never grown up with this custom and it is not Fall here, there are not any carved pumpkins on the deck and a lack of Autumn leaves lying on the ground.

It has been a busy weekend here, but just want to wish my friends a happy Halloween.

To those the do celebrate this night, how are you spending your Halloween and what are you dressing up as?

I would be interested to hear.

Have a happy new week

Hugs

Carolyn

Making every day a little holiday

2011-10-25T21:02:00.000-07:00

The secrets of a happy journey are the continuous little treats

Do you ever buy a bottle, just for the nice looking label or box, that has caught your eye?

'Bottled happiness' had to go into the supermarket trolley as even the box was fabulous and I will be able to use it again and add to my box collection.

I wish you could drop in for afternoon tea and join me for a piece of banana cake and a cup of coffee.

I hope you are having a lovely week and that it is beautiful where you are.

Thank you for reading my blog and for the comments you kindly leave me and a very warm welcome to new followers.

I look forward to coming to visit you all soon.

Hugs

Carolyn

The Rugby World Cup 2011 ~ final game.

2011-10-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

Well the game is now over and we did win, but only just, with the final score been 8-7.

Les Bleus played so well and deserved to win and for some reason, nerves perhaps, our boys were not playing their best game, making it 80 minutes of nail biting and... sit on the edge of your seat!

Congratulations to the All Blacks!

Commiserations to the French boys and hope that it will be Les Bleus standing on the podium in 2015, they so deserve to have that honour.

We have enjoyed having people from all around the world in our Country and none more so than the beloved French people.

They seem to be the life of the party, proudly sporting their berets, and dressed in red, white and blue where ever they go.

Drivingaround the City lately there has been a little 2CV with the wonderfulanthem 'La Marseillaise' blaring forth, interspersed with a Cockcrowing.

So all good fun in the City!

Wishing you all a wonderful week and now life will get back to been a little more quiet in the City.

that is after the ticker tape parade up Queen Street.

Hugs

Carolyn

The All Blacks and Les Bleus~

2011-10-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

Rugby fever has gripped the land.Our little City of Auckland has been packed to the brim with Frenchmen, Australians, Welshmen, Irishmen, and visitors from a dozen other Countries - all on an unprecedented level, all enjoying themselves and having a good time.

For those of you who may know the Rugby world cup is being held in New Zealand for the first time in 25 years, which coincidently was the first and only time NZ has won the cup, back in 1987.Most of all the event has been good natured and a lot of fun to watch and discuss.

It has been a glimmer of the positive in out part of the world as we continue to recover from a year of disasters from earthquakes to ship wrecks to name but two.

Well the event draws to a close tomorrow night
( Sunday 9:00pm NZ time) and will be played at the stadium, where the event opened, on Eden Park.

Two teams will meet on the field to 'battle', to contest the World Cup, the Webb Ellis trophy.For the first time in a quarter of a century our team will be in the finals competing against the willy French team - 'Les Bleus'

We are looking forward to a great match on Sunday night - of course supporting the All Blacks and keeping a weather eye on the cunning French.

The French are of course usually loved in New Zealand, but not when it comes to rugby.They say that Rugby is a game for thugs, played by Gentlemen. This is evident in the rough and tumble and the great respect shown at the conclusion of every match by all.

We were downtown yesterday, wandering around one of the many 'fan zones' that have been set up for the locals and visitors who are not lucky enough - or rich enough to have tickets to the final (last time I heard the tickets were close to $3000 to watch the game.

As you can see from the pictures the crowds and the two cruise liners that are in port, the one from Rotterdam made me think of my friends, Saskia, Madelief, Ria, Renny and Mea, hope I did not forget anyone.

Ah well in that spirit ~ may the best team win and may you all have a great weekend.

With Monday a holiday here, we may need the day off to recover from the match, whatever the outcome.

Hugs

Carolyn

Think Pink

2011-10-18T20:06:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

Today I snapped some pictures of a few pretty pinks around the house.

We have Labour weekend coming up and a long weekend, so looking forwardto that but I hope that the rainy days we have been having, willend.

I love vintage ribbon and they just look and feel better than the

ones we buy today.

It is October and time to think Pink with Breast Cancer Awareness month.

We need to be reminded of the importance, of going to have a mammogram.
I do hope that they will have a cure for this pernicious disease soon.

Hope all is well dear friends and enjoy the rest of the week

Hugs

Carolyn

The Wedding

2011-10-16T15:49:00.000-07:00

The new bride and groom cutting the cake.

It was an afternoon wedding we attended of my husbands, brothers daughter Alysha who married her best friend Alon.

It was held at her Grandparents home overlooking Onetangi beach and they were married in a gazebo.

Alysha looked beautiful in her gorgeous gown as did the bridesmaids who wore black dresses.

The weather was mostly fine with just a few light showers.

We gathered on the grassy hillside to take photos, under a huge oak tree and then headed back to the marquee for the wedding breakfast and to hear the speeches from family and friends.

A live jazz band played along, which added a wonderful ambiance to the wedding.

Victoria and Marcel, were home for the weekend and it was so lovely to see them.

They remarked quite a few times of how the air was so fresh and clean and at night so quiet, after the bustle and hustle of big City life.

I do hope you have had a pleasant weekend and now wish you a happy new week.

Hugs

Carolyn

My new Suit

2011-10-10T16:22:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more thrilling than to put the finishing touches to something you have been waiting for so long, to get done.
I started this fully lined suit some time ago and then my sewing machine broke and had to go away to be repaired.
So was happy to sew on the button and to be able to wear it out, to the City on Friday.
I have a long list of ... to do things and sometimes nothing much gets done - do you ever feel like that?

I enjoy blogging more, with every day and visiting old friends and meeting new ones and seeing what you are all up to.
I really appreciate your visits to my little blog and kind words you leave, many thanks.

My dear friends, have a lovely week
Hugs
Carolyn

Ring a ring of Roses

2011-10-04T18:28:00.000-07:00

Roses, who can resist the sweet smell and pure happiness they bring?

When I am grocery shopping I often like to come home with a bunch of flowers and is a good opportunity to get out the camera and take a few photos.

Alice with Roses ~ from an illustrated "Alice in Wonderland"

Mabel Lucie Attwell 1879-1964

I have always enjoyed reading this poem from Alice in Wonderland and it is true the phrase ;

the extra special powers that flowers can have on us.

There is something about roses, that makes me feel feminine and happy.

In a World of My Own

Cats and rabbits
Would reside in fancy little houses
And be dressed in shoes and hats and trousers
In a world of my own

All the flowers
Would have very extra special powers
They would sit and talk to me for hours
When I'm lonely in a world of my own

There'd be new birds
Lots of nice and friendly howdy-do birds
Everyone would have a dozen bluebirds
Within that world of my own

I could listen to a babbling brook
And hear a song that I could understand
I keep wishing it could be that way
Because my world would be a wonderland

My dear friends, have a lovely week

Hugs

Carolyn

Bourdeaux Vineyards

2011-09-30T16:23:00.001-07:00

As far as the eye could see there were vineyards everywhere, as we drove along.
There was really not much colour about, but after all, we were there in the winter time.
Here we are near Pauillac which is perhaps the most famous of all the Bordeaux wine producing appellations and perfect for the red wine that is made here.
Three of the famous vineyards are here ...Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Chateau Latour and Chateau Lafite Rothschild.
Pruning is done in the winter time when the vines are dormant and that is what we could see the workers doing out in the vineyards.
"Picasso and I"

Occasionally we could see workers in the distance in the middle of fields with plumes of blue smoke rising in the cold air as they burnt the vine clippings. We were reminded how cold - verging on bleak the French winter could be - but the place was always charming and the landscape so different and the people generally very nice that the cold didn't seem to matter a lot.

Apparently the 'Picasso' family have never been too happy with the famous artist's name being used on a car. However, Pablo apparently fathered a number of children outside of his formal marriage all with legitimate (although they weren't) claims to his name and one sold the right to put it a on a car to the Citroen company.
The car was surprisingly easy to drive albeit a six speed manual with the steering wheel on the wrong side of the car and changing gear for the first time using your right hand takes getting used to.

We haven't owned a manual car for 25 years so all these variables plus keeping your eye on our beloved Sat' Nav' "Claudette" made for interesting driving. By the end of the time with the Picasso we had gotten quite used to it and were sorry to see it go. They don't have an equivalent in New Zealand - but all in all a nice car.

The car was a diesel and in France diesel is called 'gazole' which creates confusion for us as we call diesel - diesel (which to make matters more entertaining was written on the side of the car) - so filling up with fuel was another little adventure. We thought gazole equated to gas or petrol . It apparently translates to mean fuel oil.

Driving around the country roads it appears that the more remote you get the smaller the road. passing through some rural villages was hair raising as the average French driver is a fearless individual convinced of his (or her) driving prowess and committed to the art of driving as fast as possible irregardless of driving conditions, width of road or oncoming cars. Few of the rural roads have shoulders - so pulling over to the let the average french lunatic driver pass was not always easy and we found ourselves joining in by speeding up to keep away from them.

I wish you all a happy weekend.
Hugs
Carolyn

Spring is in the air!

2011-09-25T16:32:00.001-07:00

Daylight saving commenced this weekend in New Zealand and it is usually the start to embrace the warmer days. After getting through winter everything looks more appealing as if it has woken from a long slumber.
The Restaurants and cafes are getting busy, more people are out and about and it won't be long before it is time to start swimming in the sea again.
The fragrance from the freesias in my kitchen are divine ~ they always make me smile
It takes one lovely sunny day to get everyone flocking to the garden center and on Saturday that is what we did. I love wandering around looking at all the wonderful plants and we came home and spent the afternoon planting what we bought.
Sunday, however could not have been more different... it rained, but I did not mind as it was good to quench the new plants in the garden.
Hopefully we will be able to eat strawberries, when they are ripe, that is if the birds do not find them
I love the colour of the blossom on the lemon tree
A dwarf nectarine and peach tree, I planted in pots and isn't the blossom so pretty and pink

I hope your week is filled with happiness
Hugs
Carolyn

Looking out

2011-09-22T22:29:00.000-07:00

From the apartment this is what they overlook, the rear side of Saint Matthew in the City, a wonderful historic church renowned for its neo-Gothic style, since its completion in 1905.
It was a surprise on the first day, when our kids were woken by the sound of the peal of church bells ringing out.
Just to the left of the red building which is Sky City and the Casino, you are just able to see the start of the Auckland Harbour bridge, which is in the Waitemata Harbour.

Sky City Tower and the flags of the Countries participating in the Rugby World Cup

Life in the big city is so different, from the quiet and small Island where we live.
There seems to be always something to look at out the window, they can lie in bed and look up at the sky tower, there are people everywhere and it is much noisier with the sound of cars and sirens.

My dear friends, almost the weekend and just want to wish you a happy and relaxing weekend
hugs
Carolyn

The Apartment

2011-09-20T21:13:00.000-07:00

Hampton Court is the Neo-Georgian style apartment that was built in 1929 and one of the early apartments in Auckland City.
This is a lovely, stylish old building, with some art deco features. Our children are renting one of two penthouses on the top floor, ( the 9th) so I will now take you on a tour.

This apartment is perfect, it's very light and sunny with a casual atmosphere.
With black marble tiles, parquet wooden floors and carpet in the bedrooms, makes for a comfortable place for them to live.
I would be very happy cooking in the wonderful kitchen

It has a little tiled deck, where they will be able to sit outdoors and enjoy the sun.
V's bedroom and her black tiled en-suite, sorry was hard to photograph all the black in the room.

M's bedroom with the sun streaming in and his bathroom
Will show you the view from the apartment around Auckland City, next time.

We are looking forward to spending a night over in the City, now and again - on the sofa bed in the lounge, we have bought.

I hope all is well in your world and that you are enjoying your week
Hugs
Carolyn

Happy Birthdays!

2011-09-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

It has been a weekend of birthdays.
On Friday our dear friend turned 50! so we celebrated his milestone birthday, around at their home with a party. Happy Birthday Andrew.

On Sunday, 18th our dear Son turned 20! I can't believe how fast those years have gone.

Today you are you, that is truer than true.
There is no one alive, who is you'er than you...
Happy Birthday Marcel!

~Dr Seuss

What a lovely way to spend the afternoon, celebrating with champagne, delicious food and looking out at the harbour, watching the boats come and go.

Hope your weekend was fabulous and your new week off to a great start.
Happy week all.
Will show the photos of the kids Apartment, at Hampton Court tomorrow.

Hugs
Carolyn

Roses for Friday

2011-09-15T15:43:00.000-07:00

So seems that life has got busy around here.
Yesterday was moving day, for our Daughter and Son, who are moving into an apartment.
I have been busy packing up china plates, pots and pans which are surplus from home for them to use in their new place.
The apartment is in a lovely old building, which has been renovated and will show photos of next time.
The day was so wet, and spent most of it dodging raindrops from the car to the apartment.
We were glad to have couriers carry the Queens size beds though, because the lift is so small and would not accommodate them and they are on the top floor and needed to be carried up all the stairs to the 9th floor.
I will admit I am a little sad, that they have now both flown the nest and will be strange being just Darby and Joan at home. But do know that we will be happy to have them come home for weekends ~ there bedrooms will still be there.

Son has been on holiday from University and somehow has managed to use up our quota of 90 gigs for our Internet broadband ... we seem to be back to dial up~ sigh!
May take a while to get around to visiting you, so roll on back to fast speed!

My dear friends, have a lovely weekend and I look forward to catching up with what you are doing.
Hugs
Carolyn

Rugby World Cup ~ 2011

2011-09-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's here at last, if you are a rugby fan, and we have been counting down the days for such a long time now, for the games to begin. It is now kick off time!
Down under, it is incredibly exciting and there is a real friendly atmosphere with people from all around the world coming to enjoy the event.
"The Cloud" as it is referred to, is where fans can go and watch the games on the big screens.
The flags of the Countries that are participating and I wonder who will win the Webb Ellis Cup this time?
We watched the fireworks from off the deck at our friends house, the pyrotechnics were spectacular, lighting up the sky and the loud booms were ringing through the night.
So for the next six weeks, we will be able to share our Country with the rest of the world. May the best team win!

Hope your weekend was wonderful.
Happy week all
Hugs
Carolyn

White Camellia

2011-09-09T21:21:00.000-07:00

As my Camellia bushes keep blooming in the garden, I keep cutting them and bringing them indoors.

It is so lovely to have fresh flowers in the house and only wish they would flower all year.

This was one of Coco Chanel's favourite flower, and indeed one of her signature symbols.

How many cares one loses, when one decides not to be something but to be someone ~ Coco Chanel

Shane of roseslaceandbrocante.blogspot.com asked me to write a post for her on her blog.Unfortunately, the other day she tripped and fell and broke one wrist and sprained the other.It would be lovely if you have a spare moment and are able to go and visit her and say hello and send her some get well wishes.

I hope that you are enjoying the weekend and tomorrow I will share with you, some photos of the opening of the Rugby World Cup.

Hugs

Carolyn

Grace Kelly's dress

2011-09-04T17:23:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
Martin here - first time blogger long time reader.
I am Carolyn's husband ( I prefer that to "partner" or "SO" or indeed some of the other tags that we lucky guys get for being the other half of the equation).
Anyway, I have been asked by my dear wife to write something for this latest blog offering so here goes.

A friend and person we travel with on our daily ferry rides - Kimberly, an American but long term resident on our little Island in conversation over her earlier life as a model in Los Angeles - was kind enough to give us a showing of a dress (when I say we - I mean Carolyn and our daughter Victoria as I am not an aficionado of such things - although I was grateful for Kimberly's hospitality, once worn by Grace Kelly (yes that one), that she had been given in the 1980s. Any way Kimberly acquired the garment from a friend who had been the master of props and costumes, on indeed all of Kelly's films.

Kimberly herself was a model in L.A. at the time - and he had invited her to attend a star studded party and she had protested that she had "nothing to wear" he had replied by saying "wear this" and telling her she could keep it.
Years later Kimberley is considering selling the dress - which must now be over 50 years old. She has worn it a few times but it is now in need of expert conservation and care. It is a heavy sequined affair and catches the light in an interesting way - that is the extent of my comments as my function here is to confer a patina of veracity and provenance on the dress.

We spent an hour or so at Kimberly's house drinking wine, eating some great cheese and olives and chatting and watching the delightful views over Onetangi Bay - before reluctantly having to leave and drop Victoria to the ferry for her return home.
I will let Carolyn take over as I am out of stream and way out of my comfort zone."
{thank you dear}

I am sorry my photos really do not do the dress justice, as the light from the intricate hand work of the beads and sequins sparkled and twinkled like little stars.
The dress designer was Helen Rose, who had designed many of the beautiful dresses and gowns, worn by Grace Kelly and many other Hollywood socialites.
I feel very lucky to have seen this dress, that once Princess Grace wore, who will forever remain one of the most beautiful and elegant woman in history.
Thanks again Kimberly for giving us the opportunity to see this fabulous dress.
The front and back, of the dress and it has a satin slip that goes underneath

Helen Rose, who clothed some of Hollywood's most beautiful women and indeed, designed Grace Kelly's wedding gown. She was born in 1904 and died in 1985.
Her 1976 autobiography is "Just make them beautiful."

Have a wonderful week
Hugs Carolyn

Spring is on it's way!

2011-08-30T19:06:00.000-07:00

September 1st, is officially the start of Spring for us living in the Southern hemisphere. It makes me feel happy that the weather is starting to warm up and there are an abundance of Spring flowers making an appearance about.
There is also a heavenly fragrance, around in the air.
I want to share my museli recipe ~ this is so good and much nicer than what you buy in a box, which is normally overloaded with a lot of sugar.
This smells so good to when you are making it and my son came down the stairs and asked was I baking a cake?
Such a great way to start the day, for breakfast with some yoghurt and milk.

Ingredients

1 kg packet of whole rolled oats
1 cup of oat bran
1 cup of wheat germ
1/2 cup sunflower seeds (half a cup)
1/2 cup brown sugar
50ml rice bran or canola oil
2/3 cup trim milk
1-2 cups of dried fruit and mixed nuts

Method

Mix all the ingredients together in a large oven dish, except for the fruit.
Cook at 150 C/ 300F for 45 minutes stirring at regular intervals.
Turn the oven off and leave until the oven is cold.
The next day mix in the dried fruit and nuts, of your choice.

Wishing you a joyful week
Hugs
Carolyn

Wynyard Quarter

2011-08-26T21:28:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful day exploring the Wynyard Quarter in central Auckland.
This waterfront development has recently opened to the public with 9 new Restaurants and it is an exciting place to be.
We chose the Restaurant Jack Tar, which is situated in a dramatically updated post-war goods shed. They also had an area for alfresco dining out front and because it was such a glorious day, we opted to sit outdoors in the sun and gaze out at the lovely water and watch people promenade up and down the wharf.
You can see our blue water jug on our table # 87.
My lunch of crispy fish ( so fresh as if it had just been caught) chips and salad was really good.
This is still a working wharf, which makes it interesting and looking back the other way, you can see in the background the petrol and liquid chemical storage facilities, giving the area its Tank Farm moniker.
There are also fishing boats, bringing their catch of fish into the wharf and loading cargo.

Walking back the towards the pedestrian bridge, we had to wait for the drawbridge to be raised for clearance, to allow some boats to pass through.
Princes Wharf in the background
The Sky Tower, apartments, hotels and office blocks in the distance.

After 50 odd years, trams have made a comeback on the streets of Auckland and we have two heritage trams circuiting the redeveloped area. One of these trams used to travel around the streets of the city of Melbourne, Australia.

Just want to wish you a marvellous weekend, dear friends
Hugs
Carolyn

Beautiful blog gift

2011-08-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

I won a giveaway by a dear friend Marsha, from sassyminidolls.blogspot.com
She sent me this gorgeous lace pouch and a sweet paper bag book, filled with so much beauty, old laces, vintage photos, fragrant envelope filled with lavender and everything I love.
I adore the attention to detail and how creative Marsha is, in all she does.
Many thanks, I will treasure this and will now show you the pages of the book.

I am so fortunate to have made so many beautiful friends from all around the world.
Also ever so grateful for the friendship, love and encouragement we can share.
My daughter was walking down the street and was featured on this Style blog.

www.eyeseyeseyeseyes.com/2011/07/victoria.html

I have been out giving our deck a coat of stain today - we have chosen a blonde, which looks like a lime wash and I am pleased with the way it is looking.
I shall show photos when we finish it.
After finishing, my face was the colour of a beetroot, the sunlight was hot outdoors and was glad to come inside and have a drink of water.

I wish you all a wonderful week
Hugs
Carolyn

The first encouraging signs of Spring

2011-08-19T22:20:00.000-07:00

The first Freesias are out in the garden and there is a definite Spring feeling in the air!
With a little flurry of snow the other day, (for all of about 2 minutes ) when I looked out the window it was not rain and it was not hail, but the soft powdery white stuff.
We never get snow here where I live, so it made it all the more exciting for me.

One kind word, can warm three winter months
~ Japanese proverb
My white camellia bush is delightful and love the pretty white flowers which remind me of whipped cream.

The tuis are making an appearance again and won't be long before they are drinking the sweet nectar, from the beautiful yellow blossom of the kowhai tree

I love Spring ... what season do you like best?

Hope that you are having a wonderful weekend
Hugs
Carolyn

Looking out today

2011-08-17T18:29:00.000-07:00

It is such a heavenly day today on the Island, after the wintery weather we have been having, so here are a few photos from the deck, of the magnificent day.

Do you ever have one of those days where it does not start out how you planned?

I went to take my DH down to the ferry and the car would not start - the battery was as flat as a pancake. Lucky there was still time for him to walk down to the bus stop and catch the bus to the ferry.
The AA came to jump start the battery so it would start and I drove out and they replaced it with a new one ... so it is all go again!

Our deck needed replacing, the timber was not going to last for another summer, so recently we had builders replace it with nice new ribbed timber. It is looking good and now I will have to put some sort of protective finish on it.
The tables and chairs now look neglected, so they too need some attention.
Can't wait until summer so we can start enjoying the outdoors again.

Remember this~
that very little is needed to make a happy life.
~ Marcus Aurelius

Hope that you are having a happy day
Hugs
Carolyn

Palm Cove ~ Australia

2011-08-13T22:30:00.000-07:00

It was sunhats, shorts, sandals, swimwear and sunfrocks while we were away staying at the lovely Angsana Resort.
One could grow to love the warm weather, with the perfectly clear, beautiful blue sky and sea.
We were able to sit and read and relax on the wooden steamer seats out on our deck, enjoy the panoramic view and watch the world go by.

The little white chapel, was a busy place, where five weddings took place while we were there. We could sit out on the deck and watch the wedding and see the gorgeous gowns the bride and bridesmaids wore.
The pool where we swam which was rather cold, compared to the actual air temperature, which most of the time was about 28 degrees. Can't really figure that one out but once you did eventually get in and start swimming some lengths it was rather pleasant and refreshing.
Most of the time was just lovely lying out in under the umbrella on the sun loungers.
There were three pools in the resort and the rock pool was the warmest where the overflow from the spa pool, ran out into.

On the last morning we were there, I was able to capture the sun rising. It was so peaceful and already there were joggers and walkers starting their morning constitutional.

Now we have come back home to a cold snap of weather, so it is back to winter woollies again.
Always great to come home though and to be able to sleep in your own bed.

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.
Hugs
Carolyn

Tomorrow

2011-08-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, hopefully I will be sitting on the beach in the sun.

We are escaping the winter for a weeks holiday at Palm Cove, Australia.
Looking forward not to have the commute on the ferry, to turn off the cell phones and to be able to spend some time relaxing.

I probably won't be commenting on your blogs, but when I return I look forward to visiting you all.

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken. ~James Dent

I hope your week is great so far, and wishing you much joy for the weekend ahead.
Hugs
Carolyn

Chateau Pomys

2011-07-31T21:22:00.000-07:00

One evening we dined out at the magnificent Chateau Pomy and had the most delightful meal and evening. We were the only diners so it was all very nice and the Maitre' d was very charming.
The chateau is surrounded by vineyards as far as the eye could see and the perfect terroir, for the grapes needed for the rich dark Bordeaux wine.
The French really do cheese so very well and my DH choose the cheese board ~ the perfect cheese plate encapsulates as many sensations as possible, fragrant, smelly, strong, fresh and hard. Always eat the milder, fresher cheese and then build up to the climax of the strong blue and gorgonzolas. My husband was very happy to finish off his meal with the yummy selection of cheeses.
The grand finale for me was the chocolate fondant with the gooey centre and a raspberry coulis and mandarine segments. A truly memorable dessert for me.

July seemed to have flashed by so quickly... Welcome to August and hope that you have a happy month
Hugs
Carolyn

Paulliac, Bordeaux

2011-07-29T21:27:00.001-07:00

Paulliac stretches along the banks of the Gironde in Bordeaux and is perhaps the most famous of all the Bordeaux wine producing area.
When we drove into the town of Paulliac, we asked each other, where are all the people?
It seemed deserted and many of the houses and places seemed to be shut up for winter.

You could really tell it was winter time here, with the bare twisted branches of the Plane trees, lined up along the main street.
I loved the moody blue/grey of the sky ~ looked like everything was in monochrome.
We found where most of the people were ... in a busy Restaurant where the noise level was high and there was a great atmosphere here.
We were grateful to come in out of the cold.
Food in the restaurant is served from 12 - noon until 2 pm and then again in the evening from 7pm - 10pm.
Now what shall we order from the blackboard menu?
We both choose the fish soup for starters - interesting and not what we were used to back home, fish soup we have back home is more like a chowder, with chunks of fish and this yellow bowl of soup, was an acquired taste.
From now on the soup of choice for me, was the good old French Onion soup, which I love and could eat every day and was a great way to warm up on a cold day.
The bowl of fish soup

Happy weekend, my friends
Hugs
Carolyn

Heidi

2011-07-26T14:14:00.001-07:00

It has been three years today, since our dear old Giant Schnauzer Heidi passed away.
I still miss her so much, the walks every day, the unconditional love and how happy the gentle giant would be when we came home, after having been out.
She really did bring so much joy to our family over the years and how much our kids and we gained by growing up/older, with our beloved Heidi.
Losing a pet is such a hard thing to deal with.

Dorota of
jewellerybijou.com gave me the One lovely blog Award, many thanks for this.

Now I would like to pass the Award on to the following blogs that I enjoy visiting.
I know some of you are Award free, but just to say thank you for all you share.

mariettesbacktobasics.blogspot.com
happy-sonne.blogspot.com
nunusgarnundsstofflabor.blogspot.com
homehavenministry.blogspot.com
le-monde-de-catherine.blogspot.com

Hope that you are having a fabulous week
Hugs
Carolyn

Pure white

2011-07-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

We have had mild weather up until today, when now it has turned to a real cold snap with lots of rain. Some of my flowers have been duped into thinking Spring is here, my first white camellia to show its face and some more pretty snow drops are out in bloom.
I love white, it projects, purity and neutrality, from the bride who traditionally wears white, the pristine white interior of a house, to the white picket fence that surrounds a happy home.

White is not a mere absence of colour; it is a shinning and affirmative thing, as fierce as red, as definite as black. God paints in many colours but he never paints so gorgeously, I had almost said so gaudily as when he paints in white.
~ Gilbert Keith Chesterton 1879-1936
{British journalist, novelist and poet}
Yesterday, I spent the afternoon photographing DD who was modelling three of her garments, for an upcoming Fashion Competition.
It was fun doing the photo-shoot at some beautiful beach locations.

Our thoughts are with the people of Norway, so tragic and sad, for what has gone on there.

Hope that you are having a lovely weekend, maybe in the heat of summer and for us in the Southern Hemisphere, hope that you are managing to stay warm and dry.
Wishing you all, a wonderful week ahead
Hugs Carolyn

Hamlet of Le Ven Vertheuil

2011-07-21T16:25:00.000-07:00

We went for a walk around the sleepy little hamlet and here are a few photos I took.
The ancient church that has been there since the 12th century and where the bells tolled from.
When we walked into the church, a recording of heavenly music was playing, which was beautiful.
I liked the dark red accents painted on the doors, of La Poste and Mairie ( Mayors Office)

Some of the houses were shut up for the winter and maybe the occupants were spending winter, enjoying the sun, in the South of France
The cars manoeuvred around the narrow streets at a great speed.

Wishing you all a wonderful and fun filled weekend
Hugs
Carolyn

Boulangerie ~ Chambre avec petit dejeuner

2011-07-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

This is the quaint and charming place we stayed for two wonderful nights in the little hamlet of Le Ven Vertheuil.
Originally the stone building was built in 1850 and was the Boulangerie.
Each room has French antiques and views across the road of the nearby 12th century abbey and church.
The church bells tolled out every hour, and then at 7am, rang out about 50 times, sort of like an alarm clock for the village folk, to rise and shine!

Grande Chambre, the upstairs bedroom we choose, as we were the only guests staying there at the time
A chair to sit and relax in, with a book or to have a chat
Most hamlets in France, no matter how small, has a Boulangerie {Bakery}
Our host Bernard would get up early and have hot croissants, baguettes and pastries waiting on the table, for us to have with our morning cup of coffee.

Best wishes to all, for a fabulous week
Hugs
Carolyn

Next stop Bordeaux

2011-07-15T23:25:00.000-07:00

January 17th, 2011
It was 6am and a bitterly cold, dark morning in Paris when we waited for the taxi to take us to Le Gare Montparnasse. I was ever so grateful for my Parisian hat, to keep the biting wind and chill factor out and to keep me warm.
With a hot coffee and apple and raisin pastry, we waited to board the TGV fast train that took us to Bordeaux.
Looking out the window the scenery was stunning as we raced past old villages, big towns, magnificent chateaux, stone houses that had been built many years ago and we saw the most picturesque countryside.
With the speed of the train made it hard to get good photographs.

In our very best attempt of French we were able to converse with the Car Rental people, who were not fluent in English and we were able to get the Citeron Picasso (gris) that we had ordered.

Now the next fun part, to drive on the left hand side of the road, in a place we did not know.
Sat navigation is such a good thing and I do not know what we would have done without her.
We named her Claudette and she was our saviour as we made our way down to the tiny village called Rue de Abbey Vertheuil.

This was the pretty iron work outside our bedroom window and I will show, where we stayed in the quaint village, next time.

I hope that you are having a wonderful weekend, mes amis.
Hugs
Carolyn

Happy Bastille Day!

2011-07-13T18:42:00.000-07:00

Mairie {Mayor's Office) Paulliac, Bordeaux

~ to all my French friends, have a fabulous day!
Red Image We heart it
White Chanel
Blue Eiffel Tower
Vogue Japan ~ via s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.com

Hoping that you are all having a wonderful and fun filled day.
Hugs
Carolyn

Tea time

2011-07-12T18:30:00.000-07:00

A cup of tea makes any time of the day infinitely more pleasant
One of the first things I do to start my day, is to have a cup of English breakfast tea to wake me up.
Wedgewood ~ Queen of Hearts teacup

Can't have a cup of tea, without something sweet ~ this lemon tart was delicious and had this for my afternoon tea today.
"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me"
~ C.S Lewis

Wishing you all a wonderful week, thank you for dropping by and for the wonderful comments.
Hugs
Carolyn

Memory Board

2011-07-09T19:20:00.001-07:00

On the wall behind my computer I have a memory board which has pinned to it, wonderful letters, cards, gifts, mementoes and treasures from some wonderful friends from all around the world.
It makes me smile and I am thankful that I have met so many beautiful friends.
"I count myself in nothing else so happy
As in a soul rememb'ring my good friends"
~ William Shakespeare

We have eaten our Sunday brunch out on our deck in the sunshine. Apart from it been a little breezy ( still able to wear only a tee shirt ) and having a bee buzzing around trying to get at my breakfast, it was wonderful breathing in the lovely fresh air.

Many thanks for visiting me, with your busy life and leaving a comment and it makes me happy to welcome new followers.
I hope that you are having a lovely weekend.
Hugs
Carolyn

You're only as old as you feel.

2011-07-06T15:47:00.000-07:00

...Or you're only as young as you feel and think.

The concept of how you feel about your age is important and defines how we act.
As small children, we typically always wanted to be older ... we would say we were 9 1/2 years old, never 9.
But after the age of 25 we begin to think of ourselves as younger than we really are.
Over a certain age it is a good thing to have all those check ups and when I got a phone call the other day offering a free hearing check up, I took the offer up and an appointment was made.
Just part of life and getting a little older.
Yesterday was the day I went along to see how my hearing was. Sitting in the little booth, I felt claustrophobic when the door shut and was pleased to be able to hear all the sounds and noises that came through the headset, proving that my hearing was fine.

"One of the virtues of being young is that you don't let the facts get in the way of your imagination"

There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of the people you love.
When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.
~ Sophia Loren.

I hope that you are having a happy week
Hugs
Carolyn

Red, white and blue.

2011-07-02T22:26:00.000-07:00

Action is the fundamental key to all success
~ Pablo Picasso
Better Homes & Gardens & Martha Stewart... don't these look delectable.
Vogue Japan via s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.com
If you like the nautical look, go and check out more of this fabulous collection at the link above.

To all my friends in the USA, just want to wish you a Happy 4th of July and to all, a very happy new week.
Hugs
Carolyn

May you have sunshine!

2011-07-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

I want to wish you a beautiful weekend. Here in New Zealand we have a picture perfect winters day... the sky is blue, the sun is shinning and it is a clear day.
Please visit these two lovely ladies, who kindly gave me these awards last week.
Thank you Shane from roseslaceandbrocante.blogspot.com
for the Kreativ Blogger Award.

Many thanks, Mariette
mariettesbacktobasics.blogspot.com gave me the Sunshine Award, I really appreciate the kindness you share.
I know many of your blogs are Award free, but I want to give each and every one of you the two lovely awards to place on your blogs.
This photo was taken in London and I love the way the rays of sunlight was shinning down on an early morning walk.
Hope that you are enjoying your summer (stay cool those that are having a heatwave)
and to us here in the Southern hemisphere, enjoy the winter.

Focus on the beautiful and good, to celebrate the exquisiteness of the everyday!

Hugs
Carolyn

Snowdrops and lemon meringue pie

2011-06-27T19:28:00.000-07:00

Pick the day. Enjoy it~ to the hilt.
The day as it comes. People as they come ...
The past, I think has helped me appreciate the present~ and I don't want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future. ~ Audrey Hepburn
These little snowdrops graced my garden, so nice to see on a winters day.

I made this pie on Sunday evening for dessert and this was the left over piece that was in the fridge the next day. It is a great pie and I have shared the recipe with you, if you are interested in making one.

Wishing you a great week dear friends
Hugs
Carolyn

Happy Feet

2011-06-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

The juvenile Emperor Penguin which stands about a metre tall and weighs about 10 kilograms, has ended up thousands of kilometres from home, on a New Zealand beach. This is only the second time this has happened.
Penguins in the Antarctic, eat ice when cooling down, and here the poor little chappie was trying to do the same with sand and sticks.

He was taken to the Wellington Zoo hospital, where he has undergone a second operation to clear his airway and help him recover.
Penguins are such sweet animals and hope he recovers and can get back down to where he belongs. He has been named Happy Feet, by those caring for him and really hope that he will be doing the happy dance soon.

I hope that you are having a wonderful weekend.
hugs
Carolyn

A little kindness

2011-06-21T21:23:00.000-07:00

Country living
A day is more beautiful when kindness and laughter touches it.
I can't remember where I got this from, ... it may have been Mary Ruffle

Have you ever been planning to do something and find your plans change?
I started some sewing, I was making a black and white tweed winter suit, when my bobbin winder broke on my sewing machine. This was very frustrating as I now have to wait until it comes back from the repair shop.

Hope that you are having a wonderful week
Hugs
Carolyn

A shopping trip

2011-06-19T19:47:00.000-07:00

The other day I saw this pretty Wedgewood teacup in a shop and loved it. They were having a one day sale with 25% off. This was my belated birthday gift for myself, so it came home with me.
Also I have been wanting a utensil rail with butchers hooks, for a while now and saw this one and it looks great hanging over the stove.

http://streetandcityphotos.blogspot.com/2011/06/little-fox.html

My daughter was featured on this Fashion blog ~ it was actually the day of her birthday and we were planning to meet up with her for lunch at a Restaurant.
I took this photo in front of the old Ferry building, makes a lovely backdrop.
The Little Fox brooch, was a gift given to her by a friend, who had recently arrived back from Finland.

Just want to wish you a happy new week.
Many thanks for your visits and the lovely comments and to new followers, I look forward to getting to know you and coming over to say hello.

Hugs
Carolyn

Happy weekend

2011-06-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

Susan of the Sugar Diaries.com has asked me to share the collection, of Hungarian designer Tamara Barnoff. Go visit her blog and see her summer collection and she is also having a competition.
I love the very soft colours and the beautiful floral hat.

I was sent this sweet video of two darling baby elephants at play.

Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one!
~ Dr Seuss.

I hope that you have a good time on the merry-go-round called life and do something fun this weekend.
Hugs
Carolyn

Letterwriting

2011-06-13T18:04:00.000-07:00

As a young girl, I was encouraged to write to my Grandparents every week. I know now, how much they must have looked forward to getting the little letter I had written to them.

Now in the days of the Internet when we can email each other so easily, the art of letter writing is not so popular.
I recall back in English classes many years ago learning how to set out our letter, the heading, salutation, body, complimentary close and finishing off with the signature.
It is great to be able to nurture old friendships and make new ones.
I encourage you to make opportunities to keep in touch with family and friends with a handwritten letter.
What is great, you will have the excitement of going to the letterbox and finding a letter addressed to you.

Many thanks for taking the time in your busy life to visit me and the kind notes you leave.
Have a week full of beauty and inspiration, my dear friends
Hugs
Carolyn

Strolling along the Champs Elysees

2011-06-11T21:18:00.000-07:00

I love these magnificent big gates, no uninvited guests were going to enter here.

We spent the evening strolling along the Champs Elysees and these are a few photographs I took.
Paris is made up of 20 Arrondissements, we were staying here in the 8th Arrondissement. {Even the signs are lovely}
The pavements were so wide and as you can see by the bare trees, it was January, winter time and very cold out.

You can just make out the faint outline of the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

I am wishing you all, a beautiful week ahead.
Hugs
Carolyn

25 Champs Elysees, Room # 5

2011-06-08T17:45:00.000-07:00

Number 5 Champs Elysees, was the room we stayed in when we were in Paris at the Hotel Pavia. ( I did a post a while back and showed some photos )
Our room was on the top floor and the middle room. Had the smallest lift I have ever been in and went ever so slowly and was so glad when the little cage finally made it to our floor.

I loved the black paint, toile wallpaper and the stripey drapes in the bedroom.
My DH brushing up on our French phrase book , so we could try and " parlez Francais un petit peu", when we went out.

This was the beautiful picture hanging on the wall in our room, love the glamour and sophistication from a bygone era.

Aux Champs Elysees ~
A video about beautiful Paris with this wonderful song from Joe Dassin ( French singer)
I love this song and it makes my heart flutter when I hear it.
When we were at a Restaurant in Montmatre, a guy was playing this on the piano and singing...very romantic.

Hope that you are enjoying your week, it is Thursday here already, did the week speed up?
Seems like that for me.
Thank you for visiting me and the kind birthday wishes for my husband, he said to say many thanks.

Hugs
Carolyn

A touch of pink

2011-06-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

There is not a lot of colour around my garden this time of the year, so was happy to see this hyacinth looking pretty in pink.
If you click on the photograph, you can see a spider hiding out, in one of the flowers.
DD brought home these tasty treats that we had with our afternoon cup of tea.
I had the strawberry eclair and can say... it was delicious.
It is Queens birthday weekend, here in New Zealand, so Monday is a holiday.
My DH shares the same birthday of the 6th of June, Happy Birthday my dear!
I have baked a carrot cake for the birthday and will go and ice it now.

I hope that you are having a wonderful weekend
Hugs
Carolyn

Happy June

2011-06-01T21:17:00.001-07:00

The Cow

The friendly cow all black and white,
I love with all my heart:
She gives me cream with all her might
to eat with apple-tart.
And blown by all the winds that pass
And wet with all the showers,
She walks among the meadow grass
And eats the meadow flowers.
~ Robert Louis Stevenson

I love the whimsical painting that we have hanging in our house, alongside the pig and the chicken. They always make me smile when I look at them.

Thank you for visiting me and my blog and the lovely comments you have left me.
I hope that you are loving every minute of your day
Hugs
Carolyn

Merci beaucoup!

2011-05-30T22:14:00.000-07:00

Merci beaucoup Anita, for hosting the fabulous Simply Irresistible Party in Paris.
It was so much fun going to visit all that were on the guest list and to see what everyone had to share.
A lovely way to visit old friends and to meet some new ones too.

Also many thanks for the birthday wishes you sent for my daughter, that was very kind of you and appreciate your friendship.
If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I could walk forever in my garden.
~ Claudia Ghandi

I have been having trouble with blogger, so I am still trying to get around to visit you all.
Wishing you a happy week
Hugs
Carolyn

Paris Party

2011-05-27T15:19:00.000-07:00

Taryn Davidson by Txema Yeste for Marie Claire Italia October 2010

Bonjour mes amis,
Today I am joining my friend Anita and others for a Party in Paris and what fun it is going to be.
Thank you Anita, for organizing this soiree.
There is something about Paris that is always inviting and to be walking around this fabulous old City made me feel happy and calm.
We may need a pair of ballet flats in our bag, with all the walking, sightseeing and shopping we will do.
Maybe take a ride high up in the sky on the ferris wheel to enjoy all the lights around the City
Go window shopping in the Chanel boutique, to see what the fashionable Ladies of Paris are wearing
Oh to be young again and be able to whirl around on the Carousel, imagine the excitement and squeals!

Must make a trip to Laduree to take home some macarons for dessert.
What flavour will you choose?

Take a spin around the City in this cute car with the roof down, would be a fun thing to do.
A bouquet of fresh, pretty flowers to take home is always a must. It was heavenly to walk past the florist and flower markets and to be able to breath in the gorgeous fragrances and beauty.
Happy birthday on the 29th to my beautiful daughter Victoria.
Thank you for the proud honour you give me, of being your Mother, best wishes always.

Hope you have a perfectly magical weekend and that it's beautiful where you are.
Thank you for your visit and to new followers, always brings a smile to my face when I see a note from you.
Hugs
Carolyn

The wise old Owl.

2011-05-24T15:06:00.000-07:00

I love the photographs of the sweet owls my Son took the other night, outside his bedroom window.
The owls were calling to each other, so Marcel went out about 3 am and took these. Haven't they got huge yellow eyes and I like the way they are staring straight at the camera.
You can enlarge the photos by clicking on the photo.

Wisdom is knowing what to do next, skill is knowing how to do it and virtue is doing it.
~David Starr Jordan

I was planning on doing another post and was trying to download a video and spent nearly all yesterday afternoon trying to get it to work.{ sigh} Just wondered if anyone else was having trouble with uploading videos, or is it only me?

Wishing you a wonderful week and I hope all your plans and dreams come true.
Hugs
Carolyn

Love is a wonderful thing

2011-05-19T18:59:00.000-07:00

My dear daughter made me this sweet cushion, for my birthday and it looks wonderful on my old rocking chair.
Thanks to all my lovely friends for the birthday wishes, your kindness and love, you shared. I appreciate each and every one, and made my day very special.
I saw this great idea on my friend Julia's blog the other day you can visit her here.
vintagewithlaces.blogspot.com She has a lovely blog and always has something beautiful to share, so go and visit her and see for yourself.

It was so much fun and this is how mine turned out and I will be doing this again.
Natural Dyeing with avocado skins.
Boil the avocado skins in an old saucepan for about 15 minutes and then add the fabrics, lace broderie anglaise or what ever you want to dye.
Then boil for about 25 minutes.
Isn't the soft pink colour beautiful and a delicate shade. Maybe you might give this a try if you want something pink and the beauty of this is there are no strong chemicals.
I got the pretty CD monogram when I was in France and will make something from it.
How lucky I was, finding my initials, so had to buy this.

Sending out wonderful wishes for a beautiful weekend to you all.
Hugs
Carolyn

Birthdays are special

2011-05-15T19:16:00.000-07:00

It's my birthday and I and going to share five things that make me happy ~ family, friendship, health, memories and flowers.

Something to do, something to love and something to hope for ~
Try
A
Little
Kindness
Be yourself, everyone else is taken ~ Oscar Wilde
flowers ~ Martha Stewart, Cupcakes ~ Country Living.

I wish you a happy week
Hugs
Carolyn

25 Champs Elysees

2011-05-13T20:40:00.000-07:00

The Hotel Paiva ~
some of the information was taken from the book by Peter Fleetwood Hesketh.

Deeply recessed and half hidden by modern commercial buildings, stands the dim facade of the only remaining hotel particulier in the Avenue des Champs -Elysees, a monument to the triumphal ascent from obscure poverty, to fortune and fame, of one of the most dedicated adventuresses of 19th-century Europe.
It is now the Travellers Club.

Thérèse Lachmann, later Mme Villoing, later Mme la Marquise de Païva, later Countess Henckel von Donnersmarck (1819-84)

She was described as possessing a beautiful figure, a Grecian neck, thick auburn hair and superb eyes. With these attributes, an astute mind, an indomitable will and almost unlimited energy as her sole assets.
In 1855 the first step was taken towards the realization of Therese's ambition to build the most sumptuous house in Paris.

[1857] la Païva was said to be the best and most elegant hôtel in Paris, her dinners are reputed to be exquisite, she entertains many artists and men of letters, and her conversation is said to be witty.

Its completion took many years, Therese supervising every detail and it was not until 1866 that she moved in and held her housewarming party, said to have included the entire literary, artistic, political, and diplomatic life of Paris and for its lavishness to have resembled something out of the Arabian Nights.

Come and I will show you around

A great oval in the ceiling contains a portrait of Day pursuing Night, whose figure of Night is said to portray Mme de Paiva herself.
It is by Paul Baudry, better known for his work at the Opera.

The fireplace in the Grand Salon decorated with two marble figures which many believe to be the likeness, of the Marquise de Paiva herself.

The hôtel Païva was to be, as its châtelaine intended, the most luxurious private hôtel in Paris.
Walking around this home really took your breath away, with the look of opulence, the sparkling chandeliers, the vibrant colours, and all the wonderful antique treasures.

My first post I had written sadly was deleted by the blogger meltdown.
I had published it and even and had some comments, so had to redo this.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend
Hugs Carolyn

Next stop Paris!

2011-05-09T17:28:00.000-07:00

We caught the Eurostar train from London's, St. Pancras station and went through the Chunnel in the high speed train and arrived at the Gare Du Nord.
The passenger train travels beneath the English Channel, through the famous Channel Tunnel.
The trip takes about 2 hours 15 minutes to complete the journey of around 300 miles and is a comfortable and fast way to travel.
Sorry if either of the photos are you, but just wanted to take a photo of the Station and train.

We stayed the first night at the address of 25 Champs Elysees, behind the big doors

Next time I will show you this amazing Palace.

Have a happy week
Hugs
Carolyn

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-07T16:48:00.000-07:00

Hundreds of dewdrops to greet the dawn,
Hundreds of bees in the purple clover,
Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn,
But only one mother the wide world over.
~ George Cooper

My dear Mother, when she was a little girl.

It is days like today that we realize how important family really is. Today I felt so incredibly loved by my two sweet children. Lovely cards and presents, breakfast cooked by my Son, with help from Father, was such a wonderful way to start my day.
There is no greater love, than the love of a Mother and child.
Thank you, to my dear family.

To all the Mothers, fur baby Mums, and even if you are not a Mother, out there ~ Happy Mothers day and I hope that you can celebrate today.

Wishing my dear friends a happy weekend
Hugs
Carolyn

Leaving London

2011-05-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

It was sad to leave the apartment we had made home, while we were staying in London.
The next photos were taken from the window of the London taxi cab, on the way to the train station.
A Ship in a bottle

Opened in 1908, the 5 star Waldorf Hotel, has become a renowned landmark of hospitality in London.
Men in Red! I wonder what they were up to?

Wishing you a great day ~ almost the weekend!
Hugs
Carolyn

Hats

2011-05-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

We all love a wedding when we can go out and buy a new outfit and get dressed up to the nines.
What better place to see all the wonderful outfits, the colours, the hats, than what we saw last week.
At the Royal wedding we got to see the best hats that the Milliners had produced from around the world.

No hat hair for Mr Beckham... do not think the top hat went anywhere near his perfectly groomed coiffure.
Princess's Beatrice and Eugenie sure were head turners. I had to do a double take when I saw them. The Philip Treacy hats are certainly unique and have many people talking.

Kate's Mother, Carole Middelton looked beautiful and elegant, in powder blue.

Google images, Getty

All I can say is that the Milliners from around the world, must have been busy stitching for many hours to create these fabulous hats. Wonder if we will see a comeback of hats around?
I hope so, as I love hats and have a few in my wardrobe. Do you like hats?

Have a great week everyone
Hugs
Carolyn

Happy May Day!

2011-04-30T16:34:00.000-07:00

Francois Bear
As I have not written any bear posts for a while, thought it was time I did.
This is Francois Bear, that a Lady bought from me, about 10 years ago.
His fob watch chain in his waistcoat pocket had broken and she asked could I fix it.
I was happy to do that and gave him a good brush, and pressed his waistcoat, herringbone tweed jacket and bow-tie.
He was now ready to go back home to his owner Judy, who was very happy.

Courage is the discovery that you may not make it;
and trying anyway

This was a picture on my calender that I have hanging in my hallway, don't you love the sweet little girl and cute duckling.

Thanks for dropping by and visiting me and to new followers.
Wishing you all a wonderful happy and peaceful weekend
Hugs
Carolyn

Royal wedding excitement

2011-04-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the newlyweds ~ William and Kate, on your special day and may you have life long happiness.
She looked so beautiful in her lace gown, designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen and loved the sweet bouquet with lily of the valley and myrtle.
Some of the photographs we took around Buckingham Palace, back in January ~ people were gathering to watch the Changing of the Guards which was about to take place.

I have heard that people had started camping out on Wednesday, in order to get a good vantage point, to catch a glimpse of the Royal couple on Friday.

It is now only a day away, until William and Kate's nuptials take place.
All eyes will be watching the wedding to see what Kate will be wearing, the flowers in the bouquet, the fashion of the guests attire and the hats.

May they have a long and happy life together.

Will you be watching?

Happy day
Hugs
Carolyn

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T16:15:00.000-07:00

Home baked hot cross buns are the best, the smell of cinnamon and mixed spices wafting out from the oven is wonderful.
I had to bake another batch the next day because the first lot were all gone lickety split. If anyone would like the recipe please email me and I will send it - have had trouble inserting the link here. I did share the recipe in my Easter post a few years back.

We picked green olives from this tree
...and the black olives from this tree.
In total we have about 12 trees around our property.
Because the weather was dry and hot back in November when the olives were forming, have given us a bumper crop. This is what we spent a lot of time doing, over the weekend. The birds have been feasting on them ( you would not think they would like them as they are very bitter) and the Tui's got quite stroppy when we started picking. We did leave a lot up at the top of the trees though, for them.
I will take them to be pressed at one of the big Olive oil companies, so we can have some bottles of olive oil to put in the pantry.
Image ~ Victoria magazine

Twas Easter Sunday Full blossomed trees filled all the air with fragrance and joy.
~ Henry W Longfellow

I hope that you are having a beautiful Easter weekend
Hugs
Carolyn

Happy Easter, to my friends everywhere

2011-04-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

Wishing you all a very beautiful Easter
An Easter filled with childhood dreams ... like chocolate eggs, beauty and wonder.

For I remember it is Easter morn
And life and love and Peace are all new born.
~ Alice Freeman Palmer

Hugs
Carolyn

Out and about in Chelsea ~ part 2

2011-04-18T21:14:00.000-07:00

I liked seeing the Union Jack that danced proudly in the breeze, from this house.
Back in 1890, there would have been a lot of work if your occupation was a brick layer.

We walked the old streets in the early morning sun, admiring all the tall and ornate brick houses.
Most people were still fast asleep, after all it was early Sunday morning.

When visiting a big City I like to search out a peaceful corner away from the rushing traffic.
I love the quietness, that is around, leaving me alone with my thoughts and reflections.
And when the silence ends, we are ready to face its challenges once more and accept all it has to offer.

Have a beautiful week everyone!
Hugs
Carolyn

Out and about in Chelsea

2011-04-15T19:14:00.000-07:00

We went for a walk early one Sunday morning before the shops were open.
It was pleasant as there was a nip in the air and the sky was clear blue.
I loved this little Art Deco shop and would have been fun to take a look around it.
The fountain playing in Sloane Square
The ornate entrance to this building is fabulous.

Building Character
"Character is like the foundation of a house~ it is below the surface"

I hope that you are enjoying your weekend.
It is raining here today and so much for going to pick the olives off our tree which are ripe and ready to be harvested.
Maybe tomorrow might be a better day for it.

I look forward to coming to visit you all.
Hugs
Carolyn

Happy Thursday

2011-04-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

I want to take a minute to let you know how very much I appreciate your kind comments you left for me, with my Mother being in hospital.
I know how busy everyone's life is.
I am happy to say that Mum is now out and seems to be much happier and getting her strength and health back. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I saw this the other day and had never thought of the word family like this.

F= Father
A= and
M=Mother
I= I
L= Love
Y= You.

I hope that you are having a wonderful week, not long now until the weekend
Hugs
Carolyn

Thank you

2011-04-11T15:08:00.001-07:00

Some of the things I would like to do~

Everyday I want to tell my family they are loved

To take a few moments each day to really look at the beauty that is all around.

I am going to plant some hyacinths and freesias bulbs, now that it is Autumn with the hope that when Spring comes will be able to see them bloom.

Many thanks for the kind words you wrote for my Mother, I appreciate your kindness and love so much. She is still in hospital and with her being elderly, pneumonia is such a serious illness so I only hope that she will be able to make a good recovery.

Also my nephew and his wife have safely returned home from Japan - because the airport they had planed to leave from was closed, they had to travel 500 kms to Osaka airport to get their flight back.

Have a beautiful week my friends.
Hugs today to you
Carolyn