Singing the Blues in Interiors

Have you guessed I'm enamoured with blue - all blues
from the soft blue with a hint of aqua to the deep inky navy and slate blues!

No points for guessing the program.
YES - the marvellous Downton Abbey!!!
I actually photographed our television screen
during an episode filmed in Isobel Crawley's house
because I needed to record the transluscent Duck Egg blue on the walls.
My husband thought I had completely lost my marbles!!!

One has to be careful using blue on walls in small spaces
 as blue is part of the cool colour spectrum
and it can feel cold during the winter months.

However, warmth can be added with furnishing fabrics
rugs, art works, books, table lamps, candles and other decorative pieces.

I love this kitchen/family room.
The kitchen area is white and modern.
The tones of the wooden table, french style chairs and flooring
tie in with the elegant living area in the other part of the room.

Yellow daffodils bring warmth and life to any room.
I think this room is so inviting - what do you think?

The pretty chest of drawers above is painted in

Annie Sloane chalk paint.

2 parts Aubusson Blue and 1 part Duck Egg Blue.

I'm joining Maggie for Mosaic Monday
Thank you again for hosting M!

Take care and

be kind to one another

à bientôt

Shane

Thank you for visiting.

Mosaic Monday - Irish Roots

My Irishness comes to the fore in March
especially on the 17th March
Saint Patrick's Day.

If you are a regular follower
 by now you will be familiar with my occasional
Irish posts which recognise my Irish roots.

My darling father was an Irish lad who
came to New Zealand with his family for a new and better life.
In 2015 my husband and I spent a wonderful week in Ireland
and I immediately felt a strong connection
with the landscape and the people.
I love their sense of fun
and appreciate
the history that has made the Irish 
who they are today.

Irish Tea Brack is a fruit loaf
and in the Christmas Pudding tradition
various things are wrapped in greaseproof and added to the mixture....
a coin for wealth
a pea for plenty
a button for a bachelor
a thimble for a spinster
makes for an interesting loaf I think!

Guinness Cake and a glass of Guinness anyone?

I have these recipes if you would like them
just mention in your comment or email me!

I'm joining Maggie for
Mosaic Monday
thank you Maggie for hosting.

Take care and

be kind to one another

à bientôt

Shane (an Irish lass)

Mosaic Monday from Paris

Yes more photos from Paris - from my vast collection on the

numerous trips when I've enjoyed time in this beautiful city!

Today my theme is words - either signs or names on buildings.

This group of photos was taken on the Champs Élysées.

I'm sure it is one of the most recognisable boulevards in the world
with the magnificent Arc de Triomphe at one end

Have you promenaded or strolled along the boulevards?

The french call such a person - Le flaneur
which  means the ‘stroller’, ‘‘saunterer’, ‘loafer’.

It is one of my favourite things to do in Paris

whatever the season - strolling and people watching is always fascinating!

I'm linking to
Mosaic Monday
Thank you Maggie for hosting!

Take care and

be kind to one another

à bientôt

Shane

Thank you all for popping in to say hello

I know time is precious in the busy nature of our lives today!

At Home - Five on Friday

I've been under the weather for almost  week.

I caught the dreaded viral flu from one of my work colleagues.

He told us all that it was a viral flu and therefore not contagious - not so.......

I've been in bed most of the time

taking all the potions I could lay my hands on

and sending my dear one out to the chemist for extra supplies

as the need arose!

This is the first day I've felt like getting up and doing anything

constructive.

Luckily I had all my photos for this post edited and ready to go!

My husband was late planting our vege garden this year.. for various reasons

but we are starting to reap the benefits of his hard work.

I picked 2 beans last week - not much one can do with so few
 except snap-freeze and wait for more to come!

These are Scarlet Runners - still our favourites after 47 years!

The Gardener here insists on growing Beefsteak tomatoes every year,

they are good eating and particularly good for preserving and freezing.

I usually make several batches of Pasatta

to use as a base in Ratatouille, Lasagne and other Autumn/Winter dishes.

However I enjoy the the small cherry tomatoes
sometimes they're called grape or plum tomatoes.
Wonderful for adding to salads.
My Gardener planted one plant but sadly
it was the only tomato plant that curled up it's toes - wouldn't you know it!!!!

I'm joining Amy for Five on Friday

thank you for bringing us all together Amy!

Take care and

be kind to one another

à bientôt

Shane

Thank you all for popping in to say hello

I know time is precious in the business of our lives!