LATELY...

Below are some of the pins that I have added to my various Pinterest boards. They all have captured my eye for a variety of different reasons. There's no theme between them this month. Just throwing it all out there. 

My flower obsession has not diminished in the slightest. My Pinterest is still filling up at a rapid rate with pins of a variety of bouquets and floral arrangements. I think I might need to take a floristry course at some point. I think it would be insanely fun. In fact, my day dreams about owning a bookstore now involve a florists in there too. I think books and flowers go very well together actually. 

With this bouquet its something about the pale colour tones. They are so gentle and delicate. The moody backdrop colour probably helps with their beauty as it provides a good contrast. Such a shame our climate kills bouquets before they have a chance to be enjoyed. 

This house is majestic. I never thought I'd like three story houses, until my parents bought one. Now I find myself secretly wanting one. Well alongside my country cottage! I like the formal-ness of this house though. Makes me feel like it should be painted in dramatic and possibly moody colours, from the Farrow and Ball collection obviously darling!

Bears had to feature somewhere obviously. I love this piece of artwork so much. I think that's really all I need to say about that. 

My love of cycling is slowly increasing, much to the amusement and happiness of my husband. However I'm finding that I am much better at watching the sport than actually participating in it. This is rather frustrating as I have a lot of perfectionist tendencies and I can't bear not to be good at something. Andrew sent me this pin as inspiration and also a reminder to just carry on. 

That photo is from the California coast line. Its up near Big Sur. As the weather has been warming up nicely I can hear the coast calling our name. Perhaps a trip up the iconic Pacific Highway is in order. Stay tuned, you never know!

H 

LATELY...

Obviously this month's lately will be Christmas themed. It has to be, its December. Plus I've been dwelling on Christmas related things for a while now. In fact probably since August when we had to do all our Christmas shopping for relatives at home. With Pinterest around I've been slowly adding to my growing number of seasonal pins! 

I love the giant snowflakes they have on the wall here. They look so delicate and I imagine they take rather a long while to create (if they aren't shop bought). Its a simple decoration through and they are set off by that giant garland hanging on the bannisters. I rather wish we had stairs here so that I could decorate them, guess I'll save that for the next house we have that has stairs. 

Another simple Christmas decorative feature are these flowers. I love the ribbon round the simple glass vase and the little berries add a wonderful accent to the crisp white flowers. Shame that flowers don't last too well here otherwise I could try it myself. 

Now this image captured my attention a while back. It is actually a gift card for a store over here in California but I just loved the fact that it was a beagle. He looks so cute and it made me want to put knitted antlers on Macintosh! Oh and a coat!

These gingerbread cookies look gorgeous and probably taste amazing too. Haven't made gingerbread in a while but I might have to bake a batch soon. I have a feeling my icing skills aren't quite up to par with the photo but I'll give it a go. 

And finally, this image grabbed my attention because it reminded me of what we are going to be doing after Christmas. Along with some friends we are heading up to Lake Tahoe, to a wonderful wooden cabin to stay in a snowy winterland. I'm already planning lots of tea drinking and reading in cosy corners whilst observing the snow. We may go out in it occasionally, you never know!

H

LATELY...

There's been lots of things buzzing round my head of late so I'm not going to attempt to theme them I'm simply going to put them out there. 

I've been dreaming about exposed brick interiors. The houses out here are generally not built of brick so I guess I've learnt to appreciate it a little more than I did before. Plus I guess the endless amount of Pinterest inspiration surrounding it doesn't hurt. The bricks just look really amazing. As long as it doesn't make the place cold...

Obviously there's a bear somewhere in my thinking. I love this artwork. Its so beautiful. The mountains, the trees and the bear. Love it. 

Saw this film on the flight home from England. It was amazing, quite sad in places though. But I loved the wardrobe and hair in this. I was slightly Blake Lively obsessed afterwards. Made me regret chopping off my long locks. But still would recommend the film highly. 

The urge to get another beagle is getting stronger and stronger. Images like this certainly don't help in the grand scheme of things. Look at them and how happy they are to be carrying that stick together. Oh I want two beagles!

I bought this novel recently and can't wait to get started. I re-read To Kill a Mockingbird in preparation. I have high expectations of Lee's new one as she writes so well and in such a captivating manner. 

Finally, there's so much in this image that I like. There's a lot of these bits that can be purchased at one of my favourite American stores; Target! Its the best and worst place. Best because you can get everything there and its usually reasonably priced. Plus its a great place to just browse, but that's also its downfall. You never go in and come out with just what you needed. It sucks you into buying more than you needed, always! But I love the cushion in this and the hexagonal tray is fun too. 

So there's a few thoughts. Until next month...

H

LATELY...

I was intending to write an autumnal themed lately post as lots of people are beginning to fall prey to the autumn vibes. However southern California hasn't got the autumn idea yet. The weather has continued to be ridiculously hot. Now I'm not complaining about that. I like wearing shorts in September. I don't maybe like days that are 100+ degrees, but I'll roll with the hot weather a little longer. But it doesn't give me much inspiration for writing about autumn. 

Then this morning I had a brain wave! I'll write about England! You see in less than two weeks we'll be touching down on British soil for a well needed break seeing the family. It has been almost a year since we were home and that is far too long. So in honour of the fact we're going home here are some of the things I think/dream about when we consider going back to England! 

The first thing I think about when I consider going home is my home town, Dunstable. Now for you Americans that's right it does say that Dunstable has been around since 1109. We've got history! But to those of you that know me well enough you know I'm not a huge fan of our town. Its not the best. Andrew would disagree, he loves it. I however, love it merely because its where the family is (most of them). 

A lot of my dreaming is surrounding this as on Friday the Rugby World Cup kicks off in England. Obviously I'd love us to do well enough to win it but to be honest I'm just fairly excited that I get to watch it all and enjoy! 

Then there's this stuff....Yorkshire Tea! Whilst I do have a large supply over here there's something different about it when you are drinking it in England. Perhaps its the cold weather!

This little man! He's grown HUGE since we last saw him at a month old so I literally can't wait to get home and just play with him, all day every day! He'll be so sick of me by the time I leave! 

Whilst it will probably be freezing in England for us when we get back I have been dreaming about the autumn leaves and the coldness. I'm not excited at the prospect of being cold, I hate being cold. I'm always cold (except in California!) However I am highly thrilled about wearing scarves! They are my weakness and I will wear one ALL the time when I'm home. I will fill my suitcase with different ones and then probably buy some more when I'm there! 

And finally....the Sunday Roast. My mum text me the other day to check whether we wanted a roast on the Sunday we land. Andrew looked at me as if to say, why is she even asking! Out here we rarely cook a roast because it seems too hot to bother. And lets be honest, my mum's roast dinner....the best EVER!

H

LATELY...

This lately post has no theme whatsoever. It's simply a collection of the things I have been pinning on Pinterest. It will probably show my sporadic and varied interests! Feel free to ignore my ramblings, or to laugh at my weirdness. I won't be offended by either!

I am still obsessing over the great outdoors and the idea of grand adventures. We still haven't managed to camp over here yet but I'm completely in awe of images that show insanely beautiful campsites. This one is incredible but I have to confess that I'm not sure I could sleep here for long. Prolonged rushing water noises....not good. 

Andrew and I recently acquired an ice cream maker for our Kitchen Aid. It is simply amazing. We have only made one lot of ice cream so far, it was cookies and cream. We went simple in case the ice cream went wrong. I didn't want to waste precious chocolate in case it was a mistake! But I am now constantly pinning ice cream recipes and dreaming of all the flavours I could make. I will come back from the USA a few stone heavier at this rate!

My flower obsession is still going strong. I pin far too many flowers on Pinterest but they are so beautiful. I don't buy cut flowers too much over here. They are extremely expensive compared to the UK (I think) and they don't last too well unless you have your air conditioning on all the time. So instead I buy fake ones when I really need a display of them and the rest of the time I just spend crazy amounts of time staring at them on Pinterest. I love the way these flowers are all curled inside themselves. I have no idea what they are called. Anyone know?

I've had my eye on this rug for a little while. It's from West Elm which is an amazing home shop. I could spend a small fortune in there, if we had one to spend! I love the subdued colours and the pattern. Its understated and yet draws the eye. Its also the perfect colours for our lounge, but with carpet already on the living room floor Andrew doesn't think we need a rug. Probably wasn't a fan of the price either!

Finally a polar bear for the win! Just. So. Stinking. Cute!
H

LATELY...

Wow, I've seriously missed out on doing these. I'm not sure how many people actually read them but I like to narrow down what I've been busy looking at on Pinterest or what design type ideas have been mulling around in my head.

So this month I'll do a summer theme as it is now officially summer (even though its felt like summer in California for a while!)

First off Andrew and I have been obsessively look at houses that we could buy. We are in no position to buy a house but still that doesn't stop us. Obviously I have been looking at many houses that are beyond our budget or price range, but would be what I would buy if the money just fell into my lap! This house caught my eye on Pinterest. I just love the clean white lines. 

I have also become rather obsessed with flowers recently. They seem to be super expensive in America, compared to home, but I'm still spending a lot of time pining after them and pinning them on Pinterest.

With the Californian summer upon us I am now living in just flip flops and sandals. My feet won't see the inside of a shoe until the weather calms down! I found these sandals and I just live the scalloped edges. They come in a variety of leather finishes. Just a bit out of my price range!

This summer I also made a rather bold decision to chop off all my hair. Its been long for pretty much my whole life and I was attempting to grow it even longer, but the summer it HOT here and long hair makes my neck sweaty. Plus the long bob has been buzzing around my brain for a while. In an impulsive moment I decided about an hour before my hair appointment to just chop it all off! It was a great decision but has led to me needing to relearn how to style my hair. I'm really enjoying the messy wave look but its needing a lot of perfecting.

And finally I have to end with a bear picture after all the time I spent in Alaska at the Fortress of the Bear. This little guy is amazing. I would adopt him, no questions asked! His little face kills me. Don't even get me started on his ears....
H

LATELY...

Here's a few pictures that have inspired me lately or things I've been thinking on...

This is from somewhere in Morocco. I have been building up a slight obsession with Morocco because of the beautiful patterns that are found in their buildings. I also think its likely to be one of the only African countries I might actually get Andrew to go too. He's pretty fussy but I think this place might have enough to keep him enthralled. 

I would love a bike like this. It's so beautiful looking but also completely practical with the basket. It would be nice to get around by bike a bit. Having said that thinking about where I live I couldn't bike too many places without currently being blown all over the shop or later in the year being fried to death! Maybe I'll just dream about it and then convince Andrew I need one ready for England. 

I have been pinning a fair amount of bear art on Pinterest. Not only do I love photographs of bears but there's some pretty hilarious art too. I love the simplicity of this particular painting but also the slightly sad expression on his face. I wonder what he is staring at. Maybe he's waiting for me to come take him home!

A friend recommended this book to me and I have just finished reading it. It was totally gripping! I have never read Agatha Christie before but she is so clever in the way she writes. I never guessed the ending at all and was amazed to look back through the book and see how Poirot got to his conclusions. I've since read one more of her books and although it was a little darker I enjoyed it too.

After last months' epic journey I have got the travel bug. I find myself looking up places that I want to go and visit in the States and just casually looking through airbnb to see if there's anywhere nice to stay nearby. It's becoming quite an obsession. I have visited 3 states now and in my head its entirely possible to see the other 47 by the time we leave. Anyone want to fund our trips?

H 

LATELY...

March marks the beginning of a busy period of our lives with lots of trips planned and visitors arriving. Pinterest is always where I log some of the inspiration for trips. Here's a few inspiring photos that show you where our trip head is currently at!

This place is definitely on the list of spots to visit in the next few months. We are still in the planning stages but every time I do some planning I get so excited at the sheer prospect of going there. I may have pinned several images of the park itself recently and its been somewhere we have been desperate to go since we arrived in California. So excited that we are finally going to be able to do this!

With all the dreaming of places to visit the discussion about camping has come up again. Andrew's not been overly keen to camp here but we have all our gear here and with stunning views (and a few home comforts) it would be amazing!!

This cabin is insane. I have no idea where it is but I love the look of it. It would be an amazing place to stay for a while. Whenever Andrew and I book holidays/trips we are always looking for somewhere nice to stay too. I think the place you stay in really affects the whole trip. I mean we have stayed in some questionable motels over here, but really I love to stay in somewhere lovely because it enhances the whole trip.

I know hair doesn't seemed overly linked but the packing process where you decide what to take and how to ensure there's some style and yet comfort in your outfit is a feat I haven't mastered. Simple hairstyles for when I'm out and about....I've almost nailed it thanks to my decision this year to be braver with my hair. Due to the current length of my hair plaits are a must. 

Lastly the method of transport is another fun thing that we are playing about with at the moment. We are travelling by train during the next month which is quite exciting. I definitely want to add travelling by water, or travelling on water into the mix. Although I have to admit there is some worry in that for myself as I'm not the most confident swimmer. But still travel involves adventure and I guess with adventure there is always some risk...

H

LATELY...

There is no unifying factor to this month's lately post. I could do a valentines themed one but that's just cheesy and I'm not a fan of cheese. So instead you'll get a collection of random things, probably ending with a bear. As usual.

I have becoming increasingly more fascinated with pottery and am really determined to go to a pottery class at some point. In my head I'd be able to create lots of bespoke, one off pieces but I suspect my pottery abilities are probably quite limited! These pots took my fancy because of the geometric patterns, which are yet another thing I love. I'm also liking the natural looking cork top, gives it yet another unique look.

These shelves are amazing. They are industrial looking and yet have clean lines. I love the styling too. The white, glass and natural elements really work together. If only our walls were strong enough to hold these...

This is a view of Yosemite. It's on our radar for this year, hopefully when a friend comes out to visit. With the weather warming up here Andrew and I are already beginning to think about all those places we want to visit and see. We've been here a while now so we better get moving if we want to accomplish all that we keep talking about!

The greys. The natural textures. The simplicity. The mustard colour pop. The plant. Oh I love it. Definitely inspiration. Perhaps Andrew could build me a coffee table like that for when we get back to the UK. He's pretty handy is Andrew!

This is Brussel sprout hash. I know, I know it sounds gross, but it is actually amazing! It really is. We had it for lunch the other week and it was so tasty. Try it, I dare you!

Oh please...what do I even say about these guys?! I just want them. All. Of. Them. 

H

LATELY...

Its the new year so that means there are a few new year's resolutions knocking about and a general desire to start the year well. This month's lately will be focused mainly on that new year's optimism.

I found this on Pinterest and I thought it summed up pretty well a lot of the things I was aiming to focus on this year. I definitely want to ensure that I have more creating this year as I feel the tail end of 2014 was lost in terms of my crafting. 

Another Pinterest find is this yummy Oat Apple Crisp which can be found here. It looks pretty yummy and is definitely on the healthier side, which is always my aim, especially at the beginning of the new year. 

Snow has already been a part of our new year, as we went snow tubing at the weekend. We have been looking forward to taking some hikes with Macintosh in the snow and also the possibility of skiing too. Although I don't usually like the cold there is something stunning about scenery that's covered in a white blanket of snow. 

I got this book for Christmas from Andrew. Three children are sent from the American school system to schools in Finland, South Korea and Poland to see how their education system works and what benefits there are. As a geek when it comes to education I'm really intrigued to read it. I've been eyeing the book up for some time and I'd love to see what they learn. 

I'm determined to learn how to do more simple styles with my hair this year. It's certainly long enough to do plenty of things with but I can never seem to get round to it or learn how to do them. 2015 is the year I will!

And finally, this just made me laugh! So hopefully it'll make you smile too.

Happy new year everyone!

H