Styling the Seasons

February...♥

This time of year always seems my most challenging. Christmas and New Year celebrations have faded far into the distance, the days are cold and long, work seems more taxing and life just feels a little 'blah'....That is perhaps why I look forward to the 14th, a day to brighten up a somewhat gloomy month, a reprieve from the dullness of these grey winter skies!

This month's greatest identity can be attributed to Valentine's Day I suppose, a day to indulge in a little romance, and it seems many of us are spreading the love a little further by decorating our homes with a dash of seasonal flair throughout the month. Having decided to join in with the 'Styling the Seasons' feature as inspired by Katy and Charlotte, I have taken inspiration from this celebratory day of love to style this season at home.

The book case....
This pine bookcase from Ikea has sat here for some time...A little unloved...A little dated...Dull and uninspired. What it needed was a new lease of life, perhaps the loving caress of a paint brush? I set to work...

So, re-painted in a lovely soft green by Annie Sloan, it's looking a little happier now, don't you think? Brighter, lighter, loved once again...

What does Valentine's Day mean to you? 

When I was young, it was all about the possibility of a love note from a secret admirer, the discovery of a card mysteriously tucked into my book bag at break time, and the hope that it was from the brown eyed boy who could turn my legs to jelly with a smile! Later, when I finally met 'The One', it was a special day for romance, and it was all hearts, flowers and chocolate! Now, as I'm a bit older, and still with 'The One', plus three more, it's as if it has taken on a whole new meaning. I see it as another opportunity to hug them all a little tighter, to show them that they're loved through small, but thoughtful gestures. The kiddies always get a little love note from me in their packed lunches, as do hubby. Hmmm...the thought of following through with this when the boys are sixteen fills me with all kinds of mischievous thoughts! I can just imagine them pulling out a love note from 'mummy' in the canteen at school! 

Now, I use any excuse and any opportunity to style my home for different seasons, and although the house doesn't turn into Cupid's love den in February, it certainly gets a little face lift in places to remind us of love, and the sentiment that it evokes in us. I am quite a sentimental person, and it translates into most areas of our home. And so, when you look closely at the newly painted bookcase, you'll see a few new touches that reflect this...

'Flourish'...A reminder from January, my word for the year....In all things this year, learn, grow, love and flourish!

Love what you do. Do what you love. I love to sew, and create...

Family. 

First. 

The loves of my life! 

I have had some Instagram snaps printed, and they fit perfectly in a little sewn box from a friend. Ready to be opened up in quiet reflective moments down memory lane...

A reminder of love...that it grows...flourishes...

And a message in a bottle...A declaration of love from the 'Song of Solomon'...

I have so enjoyed 'styling the season' in this corner of our home, and I'm not quite done yet! I would love to hear what Valentine's Day means to you, or if, like some, you have written it off as just another commercial ploy by the shops to empty our purses! For me, it's not about the money (thank you Jesse J!)...it's about caring, loving, sharing, and showing the ones you love that they are loved.

Blessings

Light...

This winter has proven to be a little challenging for me. As much as I love the coziness of snuggling like a hibernating bear inside my den, I have longed for the sun's balmy warmth to wash over me. Grey, dull skies have dampened my mood, and it takes a monumental effort to hoist myself out of bed in the mornings. But, having said that, nothing is more charming than those crisp, clear mornings when all is draped in icy crystals, and the landscape lies white and still after a blanket of frost has settled upon it. Today has been such a day. The sun came out to accompany the blue sky in a symphony of light! Those of you, who like me, wait with bated breath for the 'good light' to appear so perfect snaps can be taken, will know that one must 'make hay while the sun shines'! 

All budding photographers will know that natural light is your best friend. It drives away shadows that can make your pictures look a little lacklustre. Everything looks so much nicer draped in light! 

Here are a few snaps taken on brighter days...

Even the daffodils have been coaxed from the snuggly earth they've been buried in...

And we know this little fella likes the light too!

Today was a good day...

Here's to a bright and sunny weekend! 

Styling the seasons

Well, the new year is well on it's way, and I'm looking forward to all it has in store! With every new year comes a blank sheet of endless possibilities, new memories to be made, exciting challenges to face, and the turning over a new leaf to get a fresh perspective. This applies to my home life too. For a while now I have swooned over the wonderfully inspirational blogs of the very lovely Katy and Charlotte. They have been challenging us to participate in a monthly feature named 'Styling the Seasons'. Now, in essence this concept isn't new to me, because as those of you who have been following my blog for a while now will know, I am forever changing areas of our home to reflect the changes in seasons. But, these ladies have inspired me to take a fresh look at how this is applied to decorating one's home. We're kicking things up a gear! I have decided to join them on this journey of expression, being mindful of the changing seasons month to month. Starting with...January...

#stylingtheseasons 

January....

After the clutter of Christmas, I am hankering after an air of freshness! The living room is where we spend most of our time as a family, and it is often where I choose to change things up a bit. So, it's only apt that I should tackle a corner here for my first ever 'Styling the Seasons' feature. My word for this new year is 'Flourish'....

Flourish....my definition of this...'to bloom where you are planted'.

A fresh start...'Time for new things'...

I am super excited to try new things this year. I am planning to indulge in creative pursuits a little more, and hoping to learn some new skills along the way. 

Finding 'Joy' in all you do... 

Do what brings you joy! This is what I hope to achieve in 2015...And sometimes, it's the simpler things in life that satisfies most...

New memories to be captured...

Yes, there will be many moments to mark 2015, moments that will come together in a symphony of new memories made. January...what moments will define you?

New adventures on the horizon...Let's sail away and explore...

I will get in that boat...That proverbial 'boat' that sails out of my comfort zone to horizons unknown, challenging me to grow...to flourish...

And the colours I choose for January? Floral tones...teals, greens, pinks and blues, anchored by the occasional pop of black...nothing too defined...A bit like a wild cottage garden...

I have so enjoyed styling this corner of our home whilst reflecting on January and what it means to me. I have always believed that your home tells your story. I look forward to writing new chapters, while 'Styling the Seasons'...