Category: Winter
Cabin Porn x
I think we all have a secret something we wish would or could happen. Mine would be a shack by the sea. But I’ve found myself recently dreaming of mountains, snow and vistas of unending wilderness. In my mind I’m seeing this as a conscious unconscious dream, a mixing of lockdown, the same four walls on repeat combined with winter, an acceptance of hibernation and the colder season of winter.
If pictures are not enough, there are two Youtube channels I’ve discovered (I’m sure there are plenty more) that open the door to another world, if only for a little while…
This is Hannah Lee Dugan, living in her cabin. If she’s not in her cabin, she lives in her converted van.
This is Tova and her family, living off grid in the Forrests of Jamtland, Sweden.
Enjoy!
Laters, Kate x
Baubles x
Pressies 2
I spoke to my gut the other day and asked it what the theme for Christmas would be this year, it said cottagecore all the way: home made, simple, unfussy, thoughtful. I said thank you very much and felt our bond. The above is from a great little independent shop called Midgley Green – what could be more hands on and satisfying than artisan soap and a thrown soap dish? Maybe the price point – £5 for the soap, £15 for the dish. £20 all in? Bargain.
Midgley Green also have these beautiful tea towels – which are fab just as that – but….wouldn’t they make the most beautiful pair of cushions stitched onto an enveloped piece of linen? Guaranteed washable.
(All pics Midgley Green and Pinterest)
On my personal Wishlist this year is this Welsh throw. I’m thinking sofa, candles, fire. And a large glass of egg snog. Sigh.
Laters,
Kate x
Green is Go!
That time is fast approaching. The one where we all have to make big decisions about who to buy who what, knowing that both our personalities will be forever enshrined and defined by our choice. A veritable minefield. First best in show offering – the winter version of spring bulbs, in preferably a slightly rough, stood the test of time pot filled with lacey ferns, dark green moss and something sculptural. I can’t think of anything – apart from maybe candles (can always add) – I would like more at the centre of my dining room table as the nights draw in and food and conversation become a priority.
You can even make your own planters like these ones – go here for more details.
(All pics Pinterest and Artsyprettyplants)
My tip? For the larger bases, hot glue gun on some felt to protect vulnerable table tops. Delicious.
Laters, Kate x
Alpine Style x
It’s the time of year where life seems to contract inwards, windows and doors closed, curtains drawn. Huddling and cosy. What better expression of that feeling than this chalet, tucked away in the mountains? What amazes me, is when I take the pictures in their whole, I love them. When I analyse individual bits, I question my choice – the pine wood – too orange? The side table and rug – Ikea? The pink cushions – too charity shop? Then I think, am I being honest? Or am I battling conditioned behaviour – maybe the wood has warmth, the rugs are original, and the cushions vintage. Is this actually a wind of change…?
(All pics Pinterest and Houses and Garden)
There’s certainly beauty in simplicity.
But I still don’t like pine when it’s too orange…
Laters, Kate x
Long to belong x
Is the long winter, oversized eighties era coat finally coming back?
Apart from their ability to gather up leaves whilst walking down steps. Â It’s a huge thumbs up from here.
Laters, Kate x
Ice, ice baby!
We’re heading to the slopes. Can’t wait! Although this will be the year that the children will leave me trailing in their fast floating ice crystals. Â But such is the natural way of the world – I will still fight them down the slope with good grace!
But of course, one considers all the cool outfits it’s possible to buy.
But the truth is, on the slopes, anything goes. Â Because you’re not there as a fashion statement – we’re all effectively wearing portable eiderdowns – but to stay warm and have fun, fun, fun!
I’ve been pulling all our ski gear out of the cupboards in preparation: My Jacket and salopettes are a cast off from The Husband and are over thirty years old, we have ski socks and thermals of a similar vintage.  The Husband’s set marks thirty years.  The children are now in my discards at a youthful twenty years.  We’re given the message that technology has moved on and we need to move with the times, that this is progress…. but lets be honest, apart from when we were living in Italy, despite their age, none of these clothes has yet seen a years wear.  And we schlepped all this gear to Finland last year, skiing in minus eighteen, minus twenty…it can’t be that bad: It proves buy well, buy once.
So whilst the above pictures look great and dandy and represent my dreams. This is more the reality.
(All pics Pinterest)
As is this!
Laters, Kate x
Baubles x
Each year the aim is to hunt down and buy one new decoration that has the ability to tug heart and tummy in a warm, I must have that, embrace. Â This year, it’s a skating rabbit from Graham and Greene – there’s something about the retro tinsel, the nostalgic pose, the subtle colours that makes me smile. Â In fact, Graham and Green possibly richest vein of baubles this year….
(All pics Graham and Green and Pinterest)
Simple pleasures.
Laters, Kate x
Statement x
Upstairs, in the furthest cupboard, I have some vintage clothes stored away for the day when Bella wishes to experiment. Â In amongst them is a full length chocolate brown velvet single breasted coat with the sort of split up the back that made you feel like a swash buckling highway man when walking down a street. Â The decadence of the material felt such a statement of the times, it was hard to see it having a real purpose again.
(All pics Pinterest)
But there is a point of view that says when the world is going to the dogs, party like there’s no tomorrow….
Laters, Kate x
Projecting x
Never have winter coats been so exciting or offered such a visual treat – wear black all season, and you’ll still make a statement. Gone is military uniformity, symmetry and blending and say hello to loose cuts, colour and freedom of expression.
But be prepared for the odd gem that’s breaks the rule…
(All pics Pinterest)
Because this year, there are no rules…
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 