Simply Seasonal: Halloween

Halloween celebrations have become bigger and bigger over the years and even though I sometimes think it is too commercialised, it can also be a lot of fun - especially if you have children. 

However, I wanted to explore a more grown up look with maybe just touches of Halloween decorations, rather than going for the full-blown American tradition.

Image courtesy of http://www.nysaan.com/indoor-halloween-decorations-with-exotis-accessories/halloween-halloween-indoor-decoration-with-amazing-martha-stewart-petiole-and-ornamental-bats-in-white-themed-interior-indoor-halloween-decorations-with-exotis-accessori/

Stick to a black and white colour scheme to keep things simple and elegant:

Image courtesy of http://imageck.com/29879667-black-and-white-party-decorations-ideas.html

Use minimalist table decorations:

Image courtesy of http://www.lushome.com/25-black-white-decorating-ideas-halloween-party-table-centerpieces/124484

To achieve a simple but elegant table setting, decide on a colour scheme and use different candles; colour co-ordinate your table cloth and napkins and just use a handful of Halloween decorations in the middle of the table or fill jars with sweets for decorations.

Image courtesy of  http://livingrichonless.com/category/dining-room/page/3/  

If you are hosting a party for children, check out the Real Simple website for Halloween games!

Have a spooky time!

Sabine

Simply Seasonal: Autumn Decorating

As much as it pains me that summer has now finished and the nights are drawing in earlier and earlier, I also enjoy the glorious display of nature that comes with autumn. The colours of autumn foliage, heather, berries, conkers and pumpkins are all reflected in autumn decorating. 

Image courtesy of http://www.antik-natur.de/blog/kreative-ideen-fur-schone-herbstdeko-zum-selbermachen.html 

Interiors can be made cosy by using additional blankets and throws, cushions, log fires (if you are lucky enough to have a working fireplace or wood burner) and candles. 

Image courtesy of http://oliveandgallon.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/fall-fireplace-mantels.html

Owl motives are particularly on trend at the moment and they look particularly great as candle holders:

Image courtesy of http://www.aliexpress.com/owl-candle-holder_reviews.html

You don't however, have to use an 'autumn colour scheme' and can still bring autumn touches to your home, using non-traditional colours. I particularly like how this mantelpiece is decorated in muted blues and white:

Image courtesy of http://www.kirklands.com/blog/bring-the-outdoors-in-with-our-fallfinds-blogger-giveaway/

Happy decorating!

Sabine

Simply Location

When buying or renting a home, one of the biggest factors is location and this is quite often determined by lifestyle choices.

Are you a country or a city person?

Even if you are a city person and thrive on the hustle and bustle of city life, not many people can afford to live in the heart of the big cities of the world and therefore live in ‘suburbia’ and commute to work. 

Image courtesy of http://www.homesandproperty.co.uk/area-guides/greater-london/living-teddington-area-guide-homes-schools-and-transport

If you are lucky enough, you can do it Scandinavian Style and have a flat in the city and a weekend retreat in the country.

Alternatively,  you could have the best of both worlds and choose to live in a medium sized city where the countryside is only just on your doorstep.

Even if you can’t afford to live in your favourite town or city, there is nothing to stop you from going there occasionally to enjoy the amenities. 

Image courtesy of http://www.britain-magazine.com/features/royal-leamington-spa-discover-this-hidden-gem/ 

Are you single or a family person?

As a single person you will obviously have completely different priorities to someone who has got children. Your priorities are more likely to be which leisure amenities are in your area, ie. Cafés, bars / clubs, theatres, shops or gyms.

As a parent, you will be more concerned with parks and playgrounds in your area (especially if you haven’t got a garden), nurseries or day care centres and also school catchment areas. How far is the nearest  supermarket  and or doctor’s surgery?

Can you afford to live close to work or need to commute (access to public transport)?

Ideally, we would all love to be able to walk or at least cycle to work but most of us will either have to use public transport or the car.  Work out what the longest commute is that you can realistically stomach every day.

I used to live on the outskirts of London and my commute to work was an hour every day as the train would stop at every single station on the way. Now I live in the Midlands and the train from Rugby to London, for example, takes 50 minutes. Admittedly, the price of the annual ticket will be much more but this could be offset by cheaper house prices, so work out what the best option is for you.

Image courtesy of http://www.insider-london.co.uk/london-underground-competition-tours/

How much storage space do you need? Parking for cars?

If you are a sporty person like myself, you will definitely need some storage space for all your equipment. If you have a house with a garden, you will also need space for gardening equipment, pressure cleaner, garden furniture, outdoor children's toys etc.

Do you need off road parking for your car(s) or is there on-street parking? If living in a city - can you rent a garage space somewhere or need to get resident's parking?

Image courtesy of http://www.garagesolutionscolumbia.com/garage-shelving-ideas-gallery 

We usually end up compromising on some things but work out for yourself what you cannot compromise on.  As I am an outdoors person and only ever feel truly alive outdoors, I need to be able to access the countryside easily to go cycling, running or hiking. I am lucky enough to live in a small village on the outskirts of a city and within driving distance of one of Britain's most desirable towns - so best of both worlds!

Sabine

Simply Seasonal: Coastal Decorating

Another great thing about summer is that can update my home with my favourite decorating scheme - coastal / seaside decorating. It was always my dream to live by the seaside by unfortunately, I have ended up living as far away from the coast as you can get in the UK. However, that doesn't stop me from using seaside objects to remind myself of where I would like to be in the future and/or of favourite holiday places.

Seashell wind chimes http://solofriendly.com/seaport-village/

One of the reasons why I am so drawn to coastal decorating, and why it is so popular in general, is that it uses all my favourite colours. You have probably guessed by now that I am not a big fan of bold colours and that I favour the more muted tones of white, greys, sand / beige and blues. 

Image courtesy of http://anda.denvergifts.net/stylish-coastal-living-rooms-ideas/coastal-living-room-decorating-ideas/ 

Muted colours, combined with natural elements such as shells, pebbles and drift wood is pretty much perfections. There is also the additional benefit that you can collect a lot of those elements yourself to make simple but stylish table decorations. Simply find a nice plate, bowl or glass storm lantern and add sand, pebbles, shells and candles or tealights and create a simple but effective display.

Image courtesy of http://www.completely-coastal.com/2012/11/pillar-candle-holders-display-ideas-coastal-and-beach.html

Another thing I like is that you can update various areas of your home by just simply adding colourful cushions, wall decorations or signs and you don't just have to stick to the living room but can add touches to hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms and of course the garden / balcony.

Image courtesy of http://www.completely-coastal.com/2012/06/summer-decorating-how-to-summerize-your.html

I hope to get to the seaside at one point during the summer but in the meantime I just enjoy my little bit of beach at home! Hope you will too!

Sabine

Simply Summer Living

To me, summer living is all about being outdoors and enjoying nature. As soon as the weather warms up to a reasonable temperature, I always have windows and sliding doors open!

Image courtesy of http://deavita.com/gartengestaltung-pflege/balkon/kleinen-balkon-gestalten-ideen.html

Dedicating times to be outdoors can be challenging since we all live busy lives. However, with the weather warming up and the days getting longer, there is no excuse to be spending time indoors, sitting at a computer. But did you know that more time spent outdoors in nature leads to many benefits that contribute to an increase in mental and physical well-being?  So grab some glasses and a few cushions and have a picnic in the park or back garden!

Image courtesy of http://www.housetohome.co.uk/room-idea/picture/country-garden-ideas-10-of-the-bes

Enjoy summer evenings and nights outside with our outdoor lighting. Most lamps are solar-powered so you can just grab them, charge them in the sun and put them wherever you want. 

Image courtesy of http://www.french75salvage.com/home-spaces-design/gypset-decor-diy-balcony-patio/

June 21^st is Midsummer – why not have a Midsummer Party with friends and/or neighbours?

Image courtesy of http://www.wand-und-beet.de/garten/gartendekoration/so-wird-es-ein-schoenes-mittsommerfest

Whatever you choose, wherever you go, make sure you enjoy yourself!

Sabine

Simply Seasonal: Decorating with white and fresh greens

During May, my favourite decorating colours for the home are a fresh green & white colour scheme. Take a look at the following for inspiration:

Using fresh branches from trees or bushes and dot them in large vases around the home.

Image courtesy of http://www.decorilla.com/online-decorating/page/4/

 Decorate a mantelpiece.

Image courtesy of http://www.gratefireplace.co.uk/blog/spring-decoration-ideas-for-your-mantelpiece/

 Create a nice table display.

Image courtesy of http://www.provinzkindchen.com/2013/03/interior-inspiration-lovely-spring-6.html

Use green accessories.

Image courtesy of http://www.aliexpress.com/popular/green-plaid-sofa.html

Sabine

Simply Calm

As important as it is to make visual statements in your home, it is also very important to create places of calm to counteract the chaos of life. The more you have going on in your life, the more this will resonate with you. Having a home that reflects serenity can truly give you a sense of peace. In today’s world, that is more important than ever.

Image courtesy of http://www.yogavibes.com/blog/features/get-in-shape-yoga-workouts/

How do we make our home calm without driving ourselves crazy?

Apart from clearing the clutter from our homes (see previous blog entry) and using a soothing colour scheme, the best way to restore calm to your home (and life) is being organised and creating routines. Rather than viewing organisation as a chore that keeps us too busy to enjoy life, we need to understand that organisation contributes positively to our well-being. We feel less stress because we can find what we want. It helps us be more prepared for our day to achieve and accomplish our goals. 

Routines and systems may not be for everyone and you might be quite happy with a “just do it” approach but they are a good compromise for the things that you don’t like doing and normally avoid. For example, you may not like cleaning but need to do it in order to keep your spaces clear to get your work done and to feel comfortable in your home. Try locking in a couple of 45-60 cleaning sessions per week (possibly with some loud, energising music that will keep you going).

Here are some household routine ideas that might get you thinking:

• daily tidy-up
• meal planning
• pre-made food shopping lists / online food shopping & delivery
• use a planner/diary to track appointments, birthdays, children’s activities, important information (doctors, schools, babysitter etc.) – for free printables, see this fab website http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.co.uk/p/free-printables.html
• prepare the night before the next day - such as packed lunches, laying out clothes and school uniforms, gathering things to take with you, packing bags, checking schedule/diary etc.
• have a weekly review and planning session (check with your partner as well if applicable)
• batch items like ironing together and have one weekly session 

Image courtesy of http://yournestdesign.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/in-pink.html

Sabine