Remodeling House

Spring is making a comeback. There may still be some snowy days with flurries and a precipitous dip in the overnight temperatures. There may be a few setbacks to more welcoming outdoor weather -- but I can smell the change. You know, that fresh, light  smell with a hint of sunshine in it that says winter is on the way out. Last weekend I was outside checking to see if the catnip made it through

So, off it is to the charming village of Sherborne England, south of London, in what is known as "Thomas Hardy Country" of thatched cottages, castle ruins, medieval squares and an abundance of charm.

My long held dream of writing a book is finally here.  Failure looms, trying.......well, what is there to lose other than the "what if's"



 I also need the time to reflect, to quiet my mind, to think........2010 was unlike any other. I embrace the thought of solitude.
 But, at night? First things first, I must become acquainted with the local pub. Traveling solo is a license to stretch beyond your comfort zone and usually the rewards are memory making
I say I won't, after all my new Sketchers are coming with me, but the local tea shops have scones with clotted cream. Have you ever had the real clotted cream, from Devon? OMG!
 Dearest friends, Sylvia and Joe are allowing me the use of the cottage on their grounds for 5 weeks! My gratitude is unending
(Dear Father Time....... please go slowly)
   
OH NO..............Not again!
I can feel him practically breathing down my neck, we'll be so much closer......All I have to do is.....
bring 'Pride and Predjudice'




Or write about      My own Mr. Darcy      But since I will be attempting non-fiction the fates are against me.
I love the differences between our two countries and the similarities, we do after all speak the same language........sort of.......
Having been many times and having taken numerous small groups over the years visiting gardens and antiquing, I have learned so much; and often the hard way

ME:     "oh what a charming plant what is it?"
CLERK  "mind your own business!"  was the sharp retort
ME      "I am sorry, you must have misunderstood. I was inquiring on the plant name"
CLERK   "mind your own business!" in a stronger tone
ME:     "I uh, well I uh only...."
CLERK:   "Oh it's been so long since an American asked.......bending over laughing.....that is what the plant is called here!"
Note to anyone interested, we refer to it as 'Baby Tears'. Helxine is the botanical name
MY FRIEND ANGELA:   "yes let's cross the lane and see the old house, I have a key" "just wait a moment while I get a torch"
ME:  "Isn't that dangerous, a bit overkill?" thinking to myself, this is a very old building
Note: torch = flashlight

On our very first visit, in our typical travel fashion, Steve and I rented a car and headed south without a care, nor a reservation. "Let's see what we find along the way!" was our mantra. Add jet lag and a learning curve..........driving on the other side of the road. As we headed deeper into the countryside warning signs became increasingly dire


LORRY CROSSING

MIND THE LORRY'S

then the ominous DANGER; LORRY'S AHEAD!

What kind of an animal is this?! How big are they???


Note; Lorry = Truck    



ME to STEVE; "How odd, this village is posting signs about a BOOT sale in this field tomorrow". "And with such fanfare!, balloons, signs everywhere......it's july how many boots can people have to sell?!"
Note;  Boot = Trunk, as in "Come, open your trunk and sell from it!"


One of the joys of the countryside and it's major past time is garden visiting. Large public gardens that once surrounded a castle and moat, a Duke's Estate, you name it...... But, I will tell you that the very best are the deeply rural private gardens. A perfect way to engage with the locals and their customs. Every proper garden open for visitors offers tea and cakes for sale. Naturally there are no strip malls (thankfully) nor many spots to pop in and grab a water for MILES. And very unlike the locals, I dislike tea, immensely.


It was hot and I was terribly thirsty

ME   "Do you possibly offer a beverage other than tea?"
TEA ATTENDANT:  "Squash"
ME    "Did you say Squash, as in juice?"
T. ATTENDANT;  "yes mam, I did"
ME:  "Then squash it is", ever so meekly
T. ATTENDANT;  "There you are, do enjoy!"
ME......wait this is...... o r a n g e  juice, freshly "squashed"

I adore the British; their quirky sense of humor, "proper" mannerisms, yes...the food, their history, gardens, architecture, antiques, decor.....ALL   
Stay tuned, life is an adventure and I will take you with me, vicariously.




Of course! The perfect pillow
Anything I should look for over there while shopping? Do tell!

A note to my clients.........I will still be working, but that part did not make for a good story........know to contact me any time; debra@scentimentalgardens.com

The last couple of days have been on the mild side very much welcomed from the previous week of cold temperatures and blizzard conditions.  My husband was at Home Hardware to pick up more salt for the driveway.  He brought home the spring edition of Home at Home, an idea magazine put out by Home Hardware.  There's always great ideas in the magazine as well as instructions on how to complete the

  

The elements that give our environments personality are the accessories.

In this, 'Part Two' of the gift show series, I could not wait to share these noted trends and personal favorites
Felted Wool  My long time favorite is everywhere.......love these colorful cushions

Actually this is a small area rug, can't wait to share what I will be doing with this....... and no, not on the floor

          
Tongue-in-cheek pillows with many charming sayings and colors feel like felted wool but are not. Embracing the heavy theme of renewable, these pillows are made from recycled plastic water bottles. Even better.....so it the insert!

Recycled wood bits formed into a mirror. Yes, we have seen these before, however the addition of hammered silver on the tips and interior are new.

Stunning 7' mirrors lined in hammered silver plate

Favorite?  Hands down!!! This chandelier has made it to the Chicago shop and is already up and beaming

Lacquer and orange were mentioned in part one as a huge hit. As a perennial favorite for pops of color  mix it with pink. Pull it off with minor changes, that is if your palette is neutral, via pillows, lamp shades and accent pieces.

Very lightweight and fresh for Spring  

Faux Alligator, Ostrich, Cobra..........
Many booths still focus on the bus blind/subway graphics......EMPTY, OVER and DONE! Mind you I say this with a touch of regret. Having sourced real bus blinds from England and having them mounted, way ahead of the curve, leaves me (and possibly several clients) well, ticked e v e r y time I look at mine........

KILLER!!  Remember my mentioning how hot Lucite and Acrylic are? These had me at first glance. I ordered the clear and frosty acrylic horns for a brilliant display when blended together.
Do you know the difference between the two materials?
Acrylic is poured, Lucite is "sheet-like" which is molded and bent.



Hemp/Sisal area rug but oh that pattern! Reminds me of a rug Nate Berkus owns. Not from personal experience, sadly. Wasn't this on an Elle Decor cover?
PS:  everytime i think of nate i also think of Jenny at MFAMB blog, her song immediately plays in my head....you too?

Fiberclay;  pots, urns, fountains and this. Imagine the possibilities......indoors, outdoors, holding flowers,
candles, especially torch like with all the hardware.

While in NYC I stopped by a RUE launch.
A friend already commented on the "oh so 80's" look of the party cocktail....and he would be correct. However, the subtle taste and scent were divine, floating in a concoction of rum and citrus juices.

Cheers!


                       Nearly every item will make an appearance in one or both of our shops