tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76171458625824106002024-03-14T01:56:24.072+00:00Sweet Auburn LifeSweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-32397084235710535322015-05-30T00:24:00.000+01:002015-05-30T00:25:12.296+01:00Bloom in the Park!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am pleased to say, this is a bank holiday weekend in Ireland meaning a much needed extra day off work! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This weekend always marks the 'start' of summer for me as Bloom is held in the Phoenix Park. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Beauty Full</i> - Silver Medal</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Beech Park Gardens</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Bloom is Ireland's version of the Chelsea flower show, it's a big garden extravaganza! You can find out more and check out last years visit <a href="http://sweetauburnlife.blogspot.ie/2014/06/blooming-marvellous.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Calor's Coast Garden</i> - Bronze Medal</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Cetriz Summer </i>- Bronze Medal</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>RTE's Supergarden Winner </i>- Silver Gilt Medal</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">While the weather was not exactly summer-like, the show provided so much garden inspiration. Before I show you my 'best in show' here a a few pics of the showgardens...</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Contemporary Expression Garden</i> - Silver Medal</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Freddy Button's Garden</i> - Silver Medal</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">'Darkness into Light'</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Crumlin Children's Hospital Garden</i> - Gold Medal</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Atlantic Youth Trust</i> - Bronze Medal</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTabRfa3veOmoNs1KOFX2SlDzXfhicaa16GbgVrNsQaa00uNSi8iAkEl1iQRvRJni28_6mmpWZTD08klqJRzHDkMMNtVTNd1Cov8ryN1zcXobWiivZEHC1d0hkw8DFwY5P-CbPnIDzVDjL/s1600/IMG_3436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTabRfa3veOmoNs1KOFX2SlDzXfhicaa16GbgVrNsQaa00uNSi8iAkEl1iQRvRJni28_6mmpWZTD08klqJRzHDkMMNtVTNd1Cov8ryN1zcXobWiivZEHC1d0hkw8DFwY5P-CbPnIDzVDjL/s400/IMG_3436.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">'Our origin is Green'</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My absolute favourite garden was gold medal winning </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Yeats' Secret Garden in Sligo</b></i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I just love the concept behind this garden...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jCcOQKKE5gMh5K73HySu6mTnhswzbd7j5P84F6PGFwd9Sf27qpD8QsLIlalcOFmuhLeKC2j42m3z_9T5cV4dqbyTrlPpJvHDKPe0kQ1cAbBxHQr7jynv0J-n8EkqeIRpFePbh2QOcuOM/s1600/IMG_3402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jCcOQKKE5gMh5K73HySu6mTnhswzbd7j5P84F6PGFwd9Sf27qpD8QsLIlalcOFmuhLeKC2j42m3z_9T5cV4dqbyTrlPpJvHDKPe0kQ1cAbBxHQr7jynv0J-n8EkqeIRpFePbh2QOcuOM/s640/IMG_3402.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"<i>This garden is purely imaginary. It exists only in the head of the poet; the private bolthole in his beloved Sligo that Yeat's dreamed of while living in smoggy, grey London. Peeking in, we are voyeurs, seeing a clearing on a wooded island, with the lake lapping on the tree-lined shore beyond. Nothing is perfect - Yeats hasn't tried to tame or tidy his secret hideaway. He has just built himself a makeshift cabin amongst the trees, and grown a few vegetables and wildflowers. His grandfather's bee skep lies abandoned in favour of the new 'Modern' CDB bee hive, but this space is primarily for writing and being at peace in a landscape he loves. He has scrounged discarded items from family and friends, laboriously rowing them to the island, along with a few sentimental treasures. Together they make a garden that is his inspiration.</i>"</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGpRcxUDfkskQ2xOAu1_XpHZaxI9RDmoOzsSDNI15SBfRe7WEgqtk4R5IU9ggs4W8sii54IWrpSWiW7PmnJ0xBUP06NSQ9QStn9HoX82DUI6auPKmgmrpBC8UwGlLz6N-jBjxoXISfQh8/s1600/IMG_3396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGpRcxUDfkskQ2xOAu1_XpHZaxI9RDmoOzsSDNI15SBfRe7WEgqtk4R5IU9ggs4W8sii54IWrpSWiW7PmnJ0xBUP06NSQ9QStn9HoX82DUI6auPKmgmrpBC8UwGlLz6N-jBjxoXISfQh8/s640/IMG_3396.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This was my favourite garden for so many reasons. Firstly it's a style of gardening that I love; wild, native and unkempt. Secondly, Sligo has a special place in my heart as my Grandfather was born there. But most importantly it's combines gardening and poetry. Poetry by one of my favourite writers, W.B. Yeats, whose face adorns my walls. And one poem in particular which I learned in national school is brought to life in this garden; </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvr0acLpS-jLDbLY-JdFQI51SuTRYgcgg-LVCa7dU6P4SFIfs6RyqQ77bhIZ1sVaukBHVn5elRk9JWbu6kb_L0Rsa4f1Qe4YicqmKxYNaXBDKLJ0tK1kyZkTp91eOZfxKLPUQiMz98iLh/s1600/IMG_3398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvr0acLpS-jLDbLY-JdFQI51SuTRYgcgg-LVCa7dU6P4SFIfs6RyqQ77bhIZ1sVaukBHVn5elRk9JWbu6kb_L0Rsa4f1Qe4YicqmKxYNaXBDKLJ0tK1kyZkTp91eOZfxKLPUQiMz98iLh/s640/IMG_3398.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Lake Isle of Innisfree.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">'I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattle made:</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Nine bean rows will I have there and a hive for the honey-bee;</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And live alone in the bee-loud glade.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And evening full of the linnet's wings.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I will arise and go now, for always night and day</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">While I stand on the roadway, or the pavements grey,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hear it in the deep heart's core'.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKHYk_-gZJB8P0RK0HdiI__qEkh6GTrQd9PdV_CMnTUVZgkaJICJMbWSxZXyG322Ne6nhv1qQf9lLGgel7Iuw4xBzEJa_gUFqfh4_uRyxVq7pLtelqeKyqStqAKVbZVH0_HEAAHKqVfSP/s1600/IMG_3404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKHYk_-gZJB8P0RK0HdiI__qEkh6GTrQd9PdV_CMnTUVZgkaJICJMbWSxZXyG322Ne6nhv1qQf9lLGgel7Iuw4xBzEJa_gUFqfh4_uRyxVq7pLtelqeKyqStqAKVbZVH0_HEAAHKqVfSP/s640/IMG_3404.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-36442444636422975662015-05-16T18:43:00.000+01:002015-05-16T18:43:34.515+01:00Saturday Spotlight!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Lovely Kris over at <a href="http://junkchiccottage.blogspot.ie/" target="_blank">Junk Chic Cottage</a> has me in the spotlight today!! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.junkchiccottage.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y429/kmvavra/be30cd78-d6c4-473c-a186-326801da2636_zps91e3bfbc.jpg" height="400" width="355" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">She does this great feature every week where she reveals the "life behind the blogger". Well I feel quite unworthy to be included with all the amazing bloggers she has featured but I am looking forward to meeting lots of new blogger friends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I found Kris through Saturday Spotlight when she featured a blog I follow. She blogs from her beautifully decorated vintage inspired cottage. If you haven't been you have to check it out. It's magazine worthy - literally!</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Thank you Kris for the opportunity and hopefully you'll learn something about the life behind this blogger.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jen x</span></div>
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Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-69796272017600160482015-05-11T20:38:00.000+01:002015-05-11T20:38:22.952+01:00Irish Liquidators and a Question!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Some months ago I paid a visit to <a href="http://www.irishliquidators.com/" target="_blank">Irish Liquidators</a>. It claims to be Ireland's most interesting store and I suspect they could be right. Their slogan is "Rugs to Rhinos"! It has everything including the kitchen sink!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnilG88XohZBswNjr_l2vmc8qkqlB_btETDzA7I7omBevACXq5WMUSl-NXWUK7lL42v1yBEhNHQOyIGmjmZn1iQSB6809KXz_75TPHrpVmcCwH11p5ic2bLzoSle4Z4mfiduYuXAg73Ba/s1600/DSC_0738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnilG88XohZBswNjr_l2vmc8qkqlB_btETDzA7I7omBevACXq5WMUSl-NXWUK7lL42v1yBEhNHQOyIGmjmZn1iQSB6809KXz_75TPHrpVmcCwH11p5ic2bLzoSle4Z4mfiduYuXAg73Ba/s640/DSC_0738.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They buy from pretty much anyone. From stores closing down to the guy walking in off the street who wants to get rid of something. It's a 'luck of the draw' kind of place but I usually find something to take home with me. Last time I was there I took away this vintage badminton racket in a frame which you should just be able to make out in this picture. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVi8ZhB4raG-hzbmSqwWxojlnPTZiEquf3CvTn-bkYkKnd1jqLf_6vnqffdxmDuvjab0-xtD7l9SuR2Uf82LKVrcPPiIpo1R1R1VGTwovfuJNpnJkEKk8NrDOgFnRrVDTmcOgnzPmfVZA/s1600/DSC_0360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVi8ZhB4raG-hzbmSqwWxojlnPTZiEquf3CvTn-bkYkKnd1jqLf_6vnqffdxmDuvjab0-xtD7l9SuR2Uf82LKVrcPPiIpo1R1R1VGTwovfuJNpnJkEKk8NrDOgFnRrVDTmcOgnzPmfVZA/s640/DSC_0360.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mr. Auburn was a badminton player in his youth! Thought it was okay for €5 and could be nice hung on the wall at some point!? It actually has nice subtle colours to it, creams and mint green.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHMdFTI4AwcSaKrkRyaOR3ojCc4Ud92p5yJcKjU7nMNFwH_j4MNI135jRp7aezFoanP26KjEzQ15CKoNfDzEZaZK7PwFweYnMrgvMaFsD_d_BGe_eKy-iAj64YD_Dvnnr5Q17ePw07Za1/s1600/DSC_0740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHMdFTI4AwcSaKrkRyaOR3ojCc4Ud92p5yJcKjU7nMNFwH_j4MNI135jRp7aezFoanP26KjEzQ15CKoNfDzEZaZK7PwFweYnMrgvMaFsD_d_BGe_eKy-iAj64YD_Dvnnr5Q17ePw07Za1/s640/DSC_0740.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This little footstool however I hemmed and hawed over as long as I was there. It was €25 which I thought was a little steep as it had a wonky leg. But I have been looking for one to go with the leather chair in our sitting room for ages. In the end I took it home for €20. Its legs are a really good match with the chair and it is the perfect height.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwjL1DCXb6HyvQqIrp0ZWvZZ6zk4VRL9Ig2lQmWlqKhK2g7-CXdc6mJwzRJ3Y48opo_APeYvoc6__Zvn2fG4Xt9yIVTD86_icV7Yc_pRy5W5WyVMCmI-9DaBlzQeBQo2SqCAVlhqHg1Dy/s1600/DSC_0739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwjL1DCXb6HyvQqIrp0ZWvZZ6zk4VRL9Ig2lQmWlqKhK2g7-CXdc6mJwzRJ3Y48opo_APeYvoc6__Zvn2fG4Xt9yIVTD86_icV7Yc_pRy5W5WyVMCmI-9DaBlzQeBQo2SqCAVlhqHg1Dy/s640/DSC_0739.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">On the way home in the car I had great plans to get some nice fabric and reupholster it and use some nice trim. Since its been home though, I'm not so sure. Or maybe I got lazy. The fabric kinda matches doesn't it? (Please ignore the weird blue colour the wallpaper goes in photos, it really is eau de nil, same as the lamp and the cushion!?).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrjVyKN3xy7DJhmDJY_qh2WKVGhi02RbsWvt5XgNQUiBpSG2wjm3jcGB2QNgjMuVDdidw8TLZo1Y-BRusKUfKmT3diXbsRxlRtmJ3mGsvQCmT0qDFKtSSxTp2qtPMplltZusIP4DNRIhD/s1600/DSC_0742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrjVyKN3xy7DJhmDJY_qh2WKVGhi02RbsWvt5XgNQUiBpSG2wjm3jcGB2QNgjMuVDdidw8TLZo1Y-BRusKUfKmT3diXbsRxlRtmJ3mGsvQCmT0qDFKtSSxTp2qtPMplltZusIP4DNRIhD/s640/DSC_0742.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Is it just too tatty to just clean it, tidy up the trim and leave as is or does it need a redo?? Be honest. What would you do?</span><br />
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Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-6293642817937356342015-05-01T18:08:00.000+01:002015-05-01T18:08:40.295+01:00Laura Ashley Knock Off<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Today I would like to share with you a Laura Ashley 'Knock Off'. It's my copy of the Palladian Wooden Panel that they are selling at the moment online for £45 down from £65. I cannot remember what it was in Euros but £45 equates to about €60. My knock off was free!!</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9A7MXR0B51KdRYgCJ3_T5NKAfyfv7QFrwYAumBgxNxlc1MSMxS0Hnj-xKcwmz90009C1FU7_7W8SGl6MP8582DgKKDb06EMkKcaURpXDNAR5IVR8YlLuwrU_9aFrJU05ZKLHr1OaulqrX/s1600/3602321_resp_malt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9A7MXR0B51KdRYgCJ3_T5NKAfyfv7QFrwYAumBgxNxlc1MSMxS0Hnj-xKcwmz90009C1FU7_7W8SGl6MP8582DgKKDb06EMkKcaURpXDNAR5IVR8YlLuwrU_9aFrJU05ZKLHr1OaulqrX/s1600/3602321_resp_malt1.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.lauraashley.com/uk/pictures+wall-art/palladian-wooden-wall-panel/invt/3602321" target="_blank">Source</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdRsrJk1XO1BYclTgOlYjaV6ivGfnHTLQERt6K8-CLrMv3kS8DRmhcdfK7yCfrkyiwvjDGgaAhPEOD7g9nvU3wu_Ua_a3P4oDPGIhB4LdnHPtf0uTk1f2g2jBzLM6dmmvVGC9Pp9h5nHL/s1600/IMG_2988-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdRsrJk1XO1BYclTgOlYjaV6ivGfnHTLQERt6K8-CLrMv3kS8DRmhcdfK7yCfrkyiwvjDGgaAhPEOD7g9nvU3wu_Ua_a3P4oDPGIhB4LdnHPtf0uTk1f2g2jBzLM6dmmvVGC9Pp9h5nHL/s1600/IMG_2988-3.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Taken in Laura Ashley shop</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I started with this wooden panel from an old kitchen door. I found it exactly like this lying unwanted in someone's garage, it was free to a good home!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia45DIVKXCL5JmCgyxIqvSwP5s5b7SI0EGhyphenhyphenaW8eLQZic2QdxpGxJ5VfF9Tj0l5WKJ4tsn3mVBFFmm0DOd24IcYFfjZhhDb1TtcuKPOh1Bewhu2TUlUd14RaDuPIguBr-zZMYX4WwZ9MwS/s1600/IMG_3201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia45DIVKXCL5JmCgyxIqvSwP5s5b7SI0EGhyphenhyphenaW8eLQZic2QdxpGxJ5VfF9Tj0l5WKJ4tsn3mVBFFmm0DOd24IcYFfjZhhDb1TtcuKPOh1Bewhu2TUlUd14RaDuPIguBr-zZMYX4WwZ9MwS/s1600/IMG_3201.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I had to start by removing the dry glue which I presume once attached it to the door frame.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTc4ApwuvIqEr_2PqFvKeZL0nP9Qr5lRX9PaYH8eB6VoLTz5np4dpCTum2FXV_QiIrfWdsM5niuFEBbh4mYZmfy7u3N8Ti5JTER8E6GQi8ny4cCBLu4bvG5xxQMNDgX-AU1fsvW9N4_HQK/s1600/IMG_3203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTc4ApwuvIqEr_2PqFvKeZL0nP9Qr5lRX9PaYH8eB6VoLTz5np4dpCTum2FXV_QiIrfWdsM5niuFEBbh4mYZmfy7u3N8Ti5JTER8E6GQi8ny4cCBLu4bvG5xxQMNDgX-AU1fsvW9N4_HQK/s1600/IMG_3203.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I gave it one coat of ASCP in Duck Egg blue and distressed it a little.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuswQFImF-cX90xnD9TsdQLfjBdGjr7tVIJkjw1ZKzDsc-eFIow2v6cAuODmSubp5HGxSQ9_kRNYI7v5UrqmRGWpfR69_kBSNoeC8KG2hKF_HCYGAYYQafYy61VcwgxkAtKpP6Vkm7spl/s1600/IMG_3206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuswQFImF-cX90xnD9TsdQLfjBdGjr7tVIJkjw1ZKzDsc-eFIow2v6cAuODmSubp5HGxSQ9_kRNYI7v5UrqmRGWpfR69_kBSNoeC8KG2hKF_HCYGAYYQafYy61VcwgxkAtKpP6Vkm7spl/s1600/IMG_3206.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I then stencilled it using a sponge and some ASCP in Original.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbg47qK5mwWNcKNatmpjw0DzA2Kqu_Oq0dF8Z7TyFK5PETTe43vwN7e8EGfNupHFho98UKMpZVkD4FXDxrr9JVpoFn1hORii14_l7NYAWkSkshwjqy374OziR8iAqR7Pm15Pr9dZo6OYF/s1600/IMG_3207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbg47qK5mwWNcKNatmpjw0DzA2Kqu_Oq0dF8Z7TyFK5PETTe43vwN7e8EGfNupHFho98UKMpZVkD4FXDxrr9JVpoFn1hORii14_l7NYAWkSkshwjqy374OziR8iAqR7Pm15Pr9dZo6OYF/s1600/IMG_3207.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXT2O-TUnSnpYOjPdUrRkJS58liu-MtHEley_m7tVWCQzradg_yaWD9e_JAXcTMfOkmFpdzgYOLev8sgEUOZ9q4pRVhj6V_2nsA73hGmT_JB4xXx3w4_P8xKtwN7nHmMby9mwKhtcgJGs/s1600/IMG_3208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXT2O-TUnSnpYOjPdUrRkJS58liu-MtHEley_m7tVWCQzradg_yaWD9e_JAXcTMfOkmFpdzgYOLev8sgEUOZ9q4pRVhj6V_2nsA73hGmT_JB4xXx3w4_P8xKtwN7nHmMby9mwKhtcgJGs/s1600/IMG_3208.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I removed and re-stuck the stencil using some Frog tape several times until I got a result I was happy with and gave it a coat of clear wax.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixr4uMi3rk51E8cO5S3o5l-C52mwthB98v8Ys4t9tgpU0Zty6V8cqiyvsr_rDEHdVZXcPCzpNpz1uPF66TEKSua0MDR4_sOqSWmaKJAoJ_ZaQGoN4_3_nkTFH5pAcyskjz9IWKGOERQWCd/s1600/IMG_3209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixr4uMi3rk51E8cO5S3o5l-C52mwthB98v8Ys4t9tgpU0Zty6V8cqiyvsr_rDEHdVZXcPCzpNpz1uPF66TEKSua0MDR4_sOqSWmaKJAoJ_ZaQGoN4_3_nkTFH5pAcyskjz9IWKGOERQWCd/s1600/IMG_3209.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Laura Ashley version....</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuRwK50uNuGstrkCAdz9DpB2GrtOglTaC_IZxxCox_ysLySXFIdPCqW7TwG0sGG_XlHGSP3cubSKPKshQ_PXJkfDkTUFLlhHJoxmOZfR47tgXnRjJrRAaawFc2czPvI9V77ovriTBhTxW/s1600/3602321_resp_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuRwK50uNuGstrkCAdz9DpB2GrtOglTaC_IZxxCox_ysLySXFIdPCqW7TwG0sGG_XlHGSP3cubSKPKshQ_PXJkfDkTUFLlhHJoxmOZfR47tgXnRjJrRAaawFc2czPvI9V77ovriTBhTxW/s1600/3602321_resp_medium.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lauraashley.com/uk/pictures+wall-art/palladian-wooden-wall-panel/invt/3602321" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Source</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Sweet Auburn version...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9O9tg3QdcZIySoGHY49GH193lVMa_a0Qc079o_K2kuq3QMwZPdr7dFI2kLLOOqxD3S2tK3TvhBU3EKHG2HT0YlZdxlVLmg-3n1JLdUo8F93l6ZQ5miRPVjQhSfi_G3_nCCQfVyvpKZVGF/s1600/IMG_3210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9O9tg3QdcZIySoGHY49GH193lVMa_a0Qc079o_K2kuq3QMwZPdr7dFI2kLLOOqxD3S2tK3TvhBU3EKHG2HT0YlZdxlVLmg-3n1JLdUo8F93l6ZQ5miRPVjQhSfi_G3_nCCQfVyvpKZVGF/s1600/IMG_3210.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's a gift for a friend who is looking for some artwork for her new duck egg blue sitting room!</span></div>
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Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-51407984705488178712015-04-24T23:42:00.000+01:002015-04-24T23:43:00.599+01:00The Storeyard<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Last week I brought a friend to one of my favourite haunts; <a href="http://www.thestoreyard.ie/" target="_blank">The Storeyard</a>. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYwAR-Ts10lN-fGhlSFaDRdfm7QJLG-BwLMPbe_TUMHJleKD1jk4GWyeIYvnoA2oxHbt2_hwuUkN1lWiorJWnjxRCVgudj_7qYC_Hj7syRRBVJxcRNPPmumkeozLA3aA6IyP8u5PRTL2l/s1600/IMG_3131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYwAR-Ts10lN-fGhlSFaDRdfm7QJLG-BwLMPbe_TUMHJleKD1jk4GWyeIYvnoA2oxHbt2_hwuUkN1lWiorJWnjxRCVgudj_7qYC_Hj7syRRBVJxcRNPPmumkeozLA3aA6IyP8u5PRTL2l/s1600/IMG_3131.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's an antique shop/salvage yard with an amazing tea room right in the middle that serve the best desserts and cakes! We spent about three hours mooching around. It's not exactly cheap but I have never left without picking up something. It's a bit like being in a museum. Admittedly, I had to look at the tags on several occasions to determine what exactly I was looking at! It's essentially a big warehouse but is designed really well with lots of little roomsets and areas of interest. Here are a few sneaky pics from inside...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5od6-PXfN8vIlocy-l78sOShXlxqh0vP04c43CZU__YCSo8NTuAuZic6IZY5DQWlT-OuFASNqL5_h9nYRlRNq6fRvUZcJpKqRhmvB3fvgDkGwA4YRIlEEa8bP7BYxrLmpy6jB4NkNf_f2/s1600/IMG_3128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5od6-PXfN8vIlocy-l78sOShXlxqh0vP04c43CZU__YCSo8NTuAuZic6IZY5DQWlT-OuFASNqL5_h9nYRlRNq6fRvUZcJpKqRhmvB3fvgDkGwA4YRIlEEa8bP7BYxrLmpy6jB4NkNf_f2/s1600/IMG_3128.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Have my eye on 'The Abbey' metal sign for a while now. The Abbey Theatre is the national theatre of Ireland. Can't understand why no-one has snapped this up already. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgWLIHm9-1YFwBj-P4swqNP6Hi4ed0fwqaDpIfBQoHtFCsl59H3F2eyhoMOJ6O1WzEL8ZkHJvedsn6m1eFd6KxUPCvasWASKtDC63AP5Jmxk1u4BM2E1DwwfBmle9eDnyv9HPu4E6gZ1a/s1600/IMG_3129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgWLIHm9-1YFwBj-P4swqNP6Hi4ed0fwqaDpIfBQoHtFCsl59H3F2eyhoMOJ6O1WzEL8ZkHJvedsn6m1eFd6KxUPCvasWASKtDC63AP5Jmxk1u4BM2E1DwwfBmle9eDnyv9HPu4E6gZ1a/s1600/IMG_3129.JPG" height="640" width="479" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">On this table is a Victorian gentleman's travelling suitcase with lots of the original glass bottles inside with cologne, etc. On the outside are stickers from Dublin hotels which have long since closed. I can't help but wonder about the gentleman who owned this. This is what I love about vintage pieces.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LUADCgHFpI6jpEv8YniMQFL88EVBrKczdHB7H3UHNH5JFvYAXksawTZPvtmNNqMYbmdSuZ9JKa5JHWvtggIXByr1v4sAfXiUc2fpcCjGv8-nWGCmR6n4OZypmk5OQ2d2ZV9UHsn1HKwr/s1600/IMG_3132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LUADCgHFpI6jpEv8YniMQFL88EVBrKczdHB7H3UHNH5JFvYAXksawTZPvtmNNqMYbmdSuZ9JKa5JHWvtggIXByr1v4sAfXiUc2fpcCjGv8-nWGCmR6n4OZypmk5OQ2d2ZV9UHsn1HKwr/s1600/IMG_3132.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">These were being sold separately strangely enough. So cute! They were quite large pieces and had lots of lovely details, made mostly of wood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Loved this little garden vignette. I'm thinking it's a vintage saddle rack!? Bought some of these mini terracotta pots on my last visit.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqHBWQEETtBXdXrd5lQ5NKN2ccYRE4PzlD3b1txgM0vQVnqC8ujtC2NUEj36379DrI97AFVBLb8xYaVGvUXJcsOQjPRC2UJ7L9xrY8tYqwuM7MqySnhXCdntxeTGU8jn48GOGwEy8cAEc/s1600/IMG_3135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqHBWQEETtBXdXrd5lQ5NKN2ccYRE4PzlD3b1txgM0vQVnqC8ujtC2NUEj36379DrI97AFVBLb8xYaVGvUXJcsOQjPRC2UJ7L9xrY8tYqwuM7MqySnhXCdntxeTGU8jn48GOGwEy8cAEc/s1600/IMG_3135.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Love this royal blue upholstery. And the trumpet. I've always kinda wanted one, I don't play or anything!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0c1_BAxx5ujvMRqrzYJLQwWLt2E_M37F9p34sqzg-617qiAcucJdovgi0bzuq2wu9_AaKzJLzzYUyqoVK0X5Xg4sRv25-_Ag5NhQ5-Hm6z_VL6Vt8OJb2h1mkkwEfRoWEBFLzaXwIyrv/s1600/IMG_3136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0c1_BAxx5ujvMRqrzYJLQwWLt2E_M37F9p34sqzg-617qiAcucJdovgi0bzuq2wu9_AaKzJLzzYUyqoVK0X5Xg4sRv25-_Ag5NhQ5-Hm6z_VL6Vt8OJb2h1mkkwEfRoWEBFLzaXwIyrv/s1600/IMG_3136.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My friend purchased one of these vintage watering cans. I bought one of these on my very first visit. Behind them is an amazing piece with eight drawers all hand labelled; <i>Ironmongery, Screws, Brushes, Show-Maker</i>...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And my all time favourites, vintage suitcases!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZD68A7679id14u6Nb-Ovqg2PH7gEdO6D4i2txtxzw__QpGZEtuqvLhWB7OvInb00U6BHj0U1pyb3OQBjNaePntSHQ2nCT4XA8K3_EtLADw5IHjGbrTfrux31EgJPV3CJgOq9eEgh_lkn/s1600/IMG_3137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZD68A7679id14u6Nb-Ovqg2PH7gEdO6D4i2txtxzw__QpGZEtuqvLhWB7OvInb00U6BHj0U1pyb3OQBjNaePntSHQ2nCT4XA8K3_EtLADw5IHjGbrTfrux31EgJPV3CJgOq9eEgh_lkn/s1600/IMG_3137.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This was one corner of an amazing Chinese inspired bedroom. The detail in the fabrics and the furniture pieces was astounding. Sorry it was a bit dark in this room.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzvhevqM5MdYLSX7O_Qf4PblZcuKUgTQC5EQEsEYyksZEEi1ifiv5iAogxnafTFIt1ZaPqCZfbQe79PmI6bSAOEWC_ZolwAVwvvsim38rKLwE78Pc9UheWmCVeAycWLm24uRqtYogiGf-/s1600/IMG_3139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzvhevqM5MdYLSX7O_Qf4PblZcuKUgTQC5EQEsEYyksZEEi1ifiv5iAogxnafTFIt1ZaPqCZfbQe79PmI6bSAOEWC_ZolwAVwvvsim38rKLwE78Pc9UheWmCVeAycWLm24uRqtYogiGf-/s1600/IMG_3139.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Love that gorgeous wooden panelling and that feather/down filled sofa was so comfy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzTR2cCU11zuWmYOwvNjpKLIgO_XqzF3EncNHwxzJi9DeASy_gEbIprpjmQf-eSRR-xP2Ai78FA-tdSQRCSaK4GPO9vf18dTTw51ppet7arTnBe5Et6amwwJS9xYJUyzo2gB2bO7sLxYA/s1600/IMG_3140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzTR2cCU11zuWmYOwvNjpKLIgO_XqzF3EncNHwxzJi9DeASy_gEbIprpjmQf-eSRR-xP2Ai78FA-tdSQRCSaK4GPO9vf18dTTw51ppet7arTnBe5Et6amwwJS9xYJUyzo2gB2bO7sLxYA/s1600/IMG_3140.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And this sofa with it's lovely cushions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So what did I buy???</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXbo8Mbem3jAd1gKsjtfXIdDRQ-S7NWjzAhrInId66yEmwzFHHyOfthumgg2JJHhFShTpOqGVBY6J-uA_dn6a2ovtPjReTh1seD7N9LzeP5VOVBDCReQmlEN_1njbgi1wT-mskNfcPeUk/s1600/IMG_3193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXbo8Mbem3jAd1gKsjtfXIdDRQ-S7NWjzAhrInId66yEmwzFHHyOfthumgg2JJHhFShTpOqGVBY6J-uA_dn6a2ovtPjReTh1seD7N9LzeP5VOVBDCReQmlEN_1njbgi1wT-mskNfcPeUk/s1600/IMG_3193.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This cute little book on Birds Eggs....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And this vintage wooden golf club. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfnBCL8y3NAk2lEozJg006dB9VrMuxpuQ3mgwUNlq0snqCSyGsxYl8m6WFngE4NJ3wVQsS_bvnyG-hSEwvKnFYKS8vbamMKKnvJxhcP9uxwz4PSrfYfj_qVs5CiEIhhGRAKUJ2tMtiN66/s1600/IMG_3195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfnBCL8y3NAk2lEozJg006dB9VrMuxpuQ3mgwUNlq0snqCSyGsxYl8m6WFngE4NJ3wVQsS_bvnyG-hSEwvKnFYKS8vbamMKKnvJxhcP9uxwz4PSrfYfj_qVs5CiEIhhGRAKUJ2tMtiN66/s1600/IMG_3195.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This was for Mr. Auburn as he's a golfer but I have a plan for this one...</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><br />
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Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-76114754211295784152015-04-19T22:19:00.000+01:002015-04-19T22:19:01.096+01:00Homemade Irish Moss Topiary<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is the third instalment in the '<i>things I want but can't get a hold of</i>' series. I'm not saying that I couldn't get these in Ireland but I don't want to spent €150 for a pair of them! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So I decided I was going to have me some made by my own fair hand!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">These were all the things I needed....</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYkTdY_leOm-W_WgxyHrf3LdhXrZfNCInh63DOedhcqGf2wkK5nh087TLKZzuhGx-ZNXA5DFxEDEXn8KifFSKSkHkcoJocJnM942dC-_isIpCXNasVRHwpeveHk2kNxpuTJcNCxXgHrjm/s1600/IMG_2996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYkTdY_leOm-W_WgxyHrf3LdhXrZfNCInh63DOedhcqGf2wkK5nh087TLKZzuhGx-ZNXA5DFxEDEXn8KifFSKSkHkcoJocJnM942dC-_isIpCXNasVRHwpeveHk2kNxpuTJcNCxXgHrjm/s1600/IMG_2996.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Two rustic looking clay pots from my local garden centre, €12 each.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Foam balls (x2), foam bricks (x2) and some moss pins (free) from the florist, €26 of total extortion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">PVA glue and a couple of bamboo sticks which I already had.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Lots of good old Irish moss from the bog which I dried in my airing cupboard! Totally FOC!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I started by cutting one of the foam blocks in half and carving both halves up a bit so they were a really snug fit in the pots. (I actually only needed one and used half in each pot.) I gave it a smattering of PVA glue and sat a little moss on top.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I covered the foam balls in PVA and wrapped the moss around them securing in places with a couple of moss pins. I did this in two stages, sitting them on a bowl to dry before turning over and doing the second half. The moss worked really well because it came off the bog like a piece of carpet!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Once dried, I pushed both balls onto the bamboo canes which I trimmed to size and inserted into the pots ensuring both were the same height.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There you have it, homemade Irish moss topiary. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">They are rustic looking. The moss is not as perfect looking as the Finland moss you can buy in the florist but I'm not in Finland. And I think it's in keeping with the rustic pots.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Apologies for the photos, it was dark by the time I had finished. I like how they balance out this little vignette on my landing. I needed something on either side with a little height that wasn't a lamp. I love how they've turned out. They complete this little ensemble which has been in my head for so long. Best of all they cost me less than €50 for both.</span><br />
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Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-66719630794410760212015-04-12T21:12:00.001+01:002015-04-12T21:12:43.700+01:00Bargain of the Year - 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hi all, hope you've had a great weekend. I am back in Blogland again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Well we had an amazing St. Patrick's holiday in Chicago, the first time I have ever been outside this green isle for Paddy's day. I suppose I see St. Patrick's Day as something intrinsically Irish so it was amazing to see so many people dressed in green and celebrating 'our' holiday. Not only did they turn the river green but they turned the beer green too! We had a ball. Unfortunately we came home from our holidays to three funerals, one of which was very sudden and a close family member of my husbands. That's life eh? Ups and downs.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> So after a busy couple of weeks I am finally caught up on all my blog reading, it was nothing short of a marathon, you guys were busy! I too have lots to share but as usual I'm lagging behind!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">From the titl</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">e I'm sure you have deduced that this one is a while coming. </span>You see it was and is part of the Hall-Stairs-Landing redo so I couldn't share before now. He's been there in plain sight all the time though! See the little hooves...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Okay maybe not 'plain' sight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This was another of those items everyone in Blogland had. Teasing me with vintage looking horses of all descriptions, adorning beautiful mantles. Looking at the cost of these on eBay I had pretty much thrown in the towel!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So last September on our return from a stay-cation in beautiful Ireland we stopped over in Co. Kilkenny. I was having a wander around TK Maxx when I spotted him on the very top shelf at the end of an isle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I may have knocked some people down on route to that isle! He was like a reproduction plaster Tang horse, subtly painted in tones of beige and green. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">RRP €93.00! TK Maxx price €23.99! I carefully took him down. He had some signs of wear, some of his paint was chipping and the plaster was revealed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Honestly, this added to the look. However I stuck my brass neck out and asked if there was any reduction for the damage. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSqwCpv13wyCPvzZR_gCjDBkQ4IReczAd4BoeB2gKtN1dazNZasREj47CZG1PXjPvNK9Ic9iOXTrwkX_HHdyRXGR_-bz67yPf-saeS4Nkjk_0iqhww8ni4gZQkNWyZ5zqrYI_vhyphenhyphenZZ76_/s1600/DSC_0379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSqwCpv13wyCPvzZR_gCjDBkQ4IReczAd4BoeB2gKtN1dazNZasREj47CZG1PXjPvNK9Ic9iOXTrwkX_HHdyRXGR_-bz67yPf-saeS4Nkjk_0iqhww8ni4gZQkNWyZ5zqrYI_vhyphenhyphenZZ76_/s1600/DSC_0379.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: center;">Imagine my delight when the sales assistant returned to tell me, "the manager apologizes for the damage, she doesn't know how it could have happened, would €15 be okay?".</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXFybbXmAKpoKwNEo6PPxvZuSHwDH4gfgF4PigOe2lAjGCOp1JWqNi8HRbkbR33FKKMRXGWDtWQCy1sCe-mQYMoCbB-pM9zQKrO-VxqMv3RGGtqIBfXN0Djx8paSSqEuPkIqLDdmvl9re/s1600/DSC_0381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXFybbXmAKpoKwNEo6PPxvZuSHwDH4gfgF4PigOe2lAjGCOp1JWqNi8HRbkbR33FKKMRXGWDtWQCy1sCe-mQYMoCbB-pM9zQKrO-VxqMv3RGGtqIBfXN0Djx8paSSqEuPkIqLDdmvl9re/s1600/DSC_0381.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It took all I had not to squeal and instead reply with a very composed "thank you very much". </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I am not joking when I tell you that I carried him all the way home to the Midlands like a baby!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAqF-TpS1dyaOI030L3SVSgLCXpt1AellEvA7NssQ40m10WuqKkkW9vF5FEjevemL_q3v0-a5b0wb8Dq_4UcjKbQjXnCDvomiq4TrT0kU_rdv90qyf4RVULaO7kBqHg5edBgcNtxCbaBO/s1600/DSC_0383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAqF-TpS1dyaOI030L3SVSgLCXpt1AellEvA7NssQ40m10WuqKkkW9vF5FEjevemL_q3v0-a5b0wb8Dq_4UcjKbQjXnCDvomiq4TrT0kU_rdv90qyf4RVULaO7kBqHg5edBgcNtxCbaBO/s1600/DSC_0383.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He's another piece in my new vignette puzzle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I promise not to hold out on you much longer!!</span><br />
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Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-88550391680652463282015-04-05T20:01:00.000+01:002015-04-05T20:01:35.692+01:00Wishing you a Happy Easter!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hope you're all having a happy Easter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We're having a lovely long weekend here in Ireland. We had Good Friday and have Easter Monday off from work. It has been a hectic couple of weeks of ups and downs so Mr. Auburn and I are catching up with family and on some well deserved rest! Today we went to mass, visited relatives, ate lots of Easter eggs and relaxed at home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We are having some glorious Spring weather which allowed us into the garden yesterday for the post winter overhaul. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It has to get worse to get better, right?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggDTmSBh17RHTA1AfnCe4Vtl8fkvuH5apgvDcgKATqhijg4pS6g24LBmbsqJCFYaS9ejXXpPiHQWCcyJEgzvrCGLKUNpJQ81yiZnM6iGhqKm7W3EOCG84oqR30jdpEP8XF3KEc6CJQsch/s1600/IMG_3101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggDTmSBh17RHTA1AfnCe4Vtl8fkvuH5apgvDcgKATqhijg4pS6g24LBmbsqJCFYaS9ejXXpPiHQWCcyJEgzvrCGLKUNpJQ81yiZnM6iGhqKm7W3EOCG84oqR30jdpEP8XF3KEc6CJQsch/s1600/IMG_3101.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9S_R1aDOWlNZfLotqfnISfi_RS9WWKuID07eEpMZzKtmNP46MNx21l0UZMbz2rswjKJLagud2YDhlqOjyF-1dWYx3O6xf5dfQDMFHDqvy8n1RAaLltx2jGpF_QUUASGi9sLyJ7AzmyAcc/s1600/IMG_3114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9S_R1aDOWlNZfLotqfnISfi_RS9WWKuID07eEpMZzKtmNP46MNx21l0UZMbz2rswjKJLagud2YDhlqOjyF-1dWYx3O6xf5dfQDMFHDqvy8n1RAaLltx2jGpF_QUUASGi9sLyJ7AzmyAcc/s1600/IMG_3114.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am a little behind on my Blog reading, please bear with me while I catch up! </span></div>
Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-4972302442725842252015-03-11T22:24:00.000+00:002015-03-11T22:32:55.829+00:00Faux Vintage Chippy Window<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It seems like everyone in Blogland has one. A REAL vintage window that is. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBktXAhctLza9dJ1u5zCWcDsit2TKj42TfvftGKgFpst_9bxmSGP_5NoCTZ8KD7OiZgV41tpWecrnNV0TzIAAqNyVIOnS7sh9kL2Zr568yHR4CKXabDGLy7OOnS3gzxRCEa2x45t492eu/s1600/photo-3+copy+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBktXAhctLza9dJ1u5zCWcDsit2TKj42TfvftGKgFpst_9bxmSGP_5NoCTZ8KD7OiZgV41tpWecrnNV0TzIAAqNyVIOnS7sh9kL2Zr568yHR4CKXabDGLy7OOnS3gzxRCEa2x45t492eu/s1600/photo-3+copy+4.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Layers of chippy pastel paints. Small thick squares of handmade glass. Problem is I don't find them in Ireland. Maybe because we get so much rain they rot in their old abandoned houses. I have really wanted one for the top of my grandparents chest ever since I moved it to our landing. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-hxGDJTSWeXjTk_syT2eQoyPRQUJqdivfBBLDFPQUJJfW5rL3W0E10DJTltBm5i7DzuHR8ODVGrl4br4tDknmOzFr2zQhssiecoG66OQtUC0HkRPFz0QtggmQvVZTm1Qt0B0s8w0HpcT/s1600/photo-3+copy+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-hxGDJTSWeXjTk_syT2eQoyPRQUJqdivfBBLDFPQUJJfW5rL3W0E10DJTltBm5i7DzuHR8ODVGrl4br4tDknmOzFr2zQhssiecoG66OQtUC0HkRPFz0QtggmQvVZTm1Qt0B0s8w0HpcT/s1600/photo-3+copy+5.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So I had to improvise. Necessity is the mother of invention you know! When I saw an old door hanging off a broken kitchen dresser I knew I was onto something. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEO5wrcrqtp7LWtow36tB_HZr8A7VKE51muaJcKOO-dR8QB2D2GWETU2hc42BbHKBja33SsI2BRlUkZC0KaJeGTBiNvTInL5jHmOVMMMLoSVwlASKWSws0dc6RW-jtBORvQEFmyIdC9XP/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEO5wrcrqtp7LWtow36tB_HZr8A7VKE51muaJcKOO-dR8QB2D2GWETU2hc42BbHKBja33SsI2BRlUkZC0KaJeGTBiNvTInL5jHmOVMMMLoSVwlASKWSws0dc6RW-jtBORvQEFmyIdC9XP/s1600/photo-3.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was already missing it's knob. I carefully taped the glass and gave it one coat of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Original. Don't you love that orange wood?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3d1-2cMXgmuTlO_iBGdYmroVCuW9BBfgDcr0zkY28owsmFuMnsXIUlSl4EPeMRTiRXM1ybhM_YA1DO9lVoueQd5Ua-ArUbyK4lpHS8hlF0yMRy8IQUg5jFyMm7PMfNo6BoCal41BG8XYK/s1600/photo-3+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3d1-2cMXgmuTlO_iBGdYmroVCuW9BBfgDcr0zkY28owsmFuMnsXIUlSl4EPeMRTiRXM1ybhM_YA1DO9lVoueQd5Ua-ArUbyK4lpHS8hlF0yMRy8IQUg5jFyMm7PMfNo6BoCal41BG8XYK/s1600/photo-3+copy.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">With some heavy grit sandpaper I distressed it quite heavily, taking off lots of paint in places to give it that aged look I was after. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3kT-8RVAOXood_J7CUzRIAp__yfa2GeHcOSyfGz905xbbDEYH6GVvs9xTrdbw9eFKtL_hwPdk2blE_pv4lMPyOCn25DIP3Nf6WXXFbZtICB26tcbihIVKiurPPhk9YS5rnYl_Xoq17D8/s1600/photo-3+copy+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3kT-8RVAOXood_J7CUzRIAp__yfa2GeHcOSyfGz905xbbDEYH6GVvs9xTrdbw9eFKtL_hwPdk2blE_pv4lMPyOCn25DIP3Nf6WXXFbZtICB26tcbihIVKiurPPhk9YS5rnYl_Xoq17D8/s1600/photo-3+copy+6.JPG" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A clear coat of wax followed by a hint of dark wax and it was ready to adorn my new look landing! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYYmFYO0ZfMNy-sdE_3iptXT-AuBjwhbtNIuz3uA8_j2nVrP9YbLTsF7QVt3QFq3PytN19QgkFNUZXIlo0MqY_FRdyQlmoKPln_fARlJDqBT-Q5w8DIXt_aqBZEDrkU1uIfu05ieuevNZ/s1600/photo-3+copy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYYmFYO0ZfMNy-sdE_3iptXT-AuBjwhbtNIuz3uA8_j2nVrP9YbLTsF7QVt3QFq3PytN19QgkFNUZXIlo0MqY_FRdyQlmoKPln_fARlJDqBT-Q5w8DIXt_aqBZEDrkU1uIfu05ieuevNZ/s1600/photo-3+copy+2.JPG" height="640" width="473" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">U</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">sing some ribbon and a thumb tack</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I added a twig wreath to which I wired this little metal butterfly. It used to be a belt buckle.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsZDv69kGrjQMvHK9jAFiaAk9PXv0-zDtHVY2ZSilIIt_2kzyIHEv1cyWZ_7z25pure3tJiobt57-80w04cCFb5o6dchVEk2H9rbw1xMREFjSwzCcazQGkB5D6symrV1aGNisZPIp8ish/s1600/photo-3+copy+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsZDv69kGrjQMvHK9jAFiaAk9PXv0-zDtHVY2ZSilIIt_2kzyIHEv1cyWZ_7z25pure3tJiobt57-80w04cCFb5o6dchVEk2H9rbw1xMREFjSwzCcazQGkB5D6symrV1aGNisZPIp8ish/s1600/photo-3+copy+7.JPG" height="640" width="473" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm so happy with how it turned out.</span> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgJKuM7LzE_b6A-h5FEvL8skVGcSFp7BHBJyg6CY_4ROhn2iD6jk57toAaXQBwZwzlEMR7L5fw8JynDMAhRAIL1fS4F0tgZ3USsRFSlw0KMlItuszmZnOLi4OmHj8BPpPDRIVTZmU14A2/s1600/photo-3+copy+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgJKuM7LzE_b6A-h5FEvL8skVGcSFp7BHBJyg6CY_4ROhn2iD6jk57toAaXQBwZwzlEMR7L5fw8JynDMAhRAIL1fS4F0tgZ3USsRFSlw0KMlItuszmZnOLi4OmHj8BPpPDRIVTZmU14A2/s1600/photo-3+copy+3.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's all part of a little vignette that has been in my head for almost a year now. All will soon be revealed!!</span><br />
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Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-30299146811389886312015-03-01T15:47:00.000+00:002015-03-01T15:47:58.656+00:00A Fresh Coat of Original<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I mentioned in <a href="http://sweetauburnlife.blogspot.ie/2015/02/hall-stairs-landing-makeover-first-step.html" target="_blank">my last post</a> that as we replaced all the furniture in the hall, stairs and landing following the paintover, some pieces just didn't seem to work anymore.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeOwU__BgGYyKZu6zi1nVIQYg0281Q4wPbfvslT7UVgy3awewieGU29_y48Mjlb5us9jodQujgD_28WT61EH0djF3K13iPh_M5yRZhaLnhz-rH1XB1GWnU2dnDKUeZJA4FLKi6ShOJGTS/s1600/photo-16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeOwU__BgGYyKZu6zi1nVIQYg0281Q4wPbfvslT7UVgy3awewieGU29_y48Mjlb5us9jodQujgD_28WT61EH0djF3K13iPh_M5yRZhaLnhz-rH1XB1GWnU2dnDKUeZJA4FLKi6ShOJGTS/s1600/photo-16.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Colourwise, they didn't work. They weren't terrible but they looked a little tired against the crisp new colour scheme. And so cream has been replaced by off-white. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Does this make me crazy?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">First up was this huge mirror and it was a mammoth task that involved the use of much frog tape. I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Original followed by some clear wax. Most items got this treatment. Here is the before...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrc3Z1Dz5tlG8pyK2h5EuBTBXYRwlrOo_bIOAnwArd6Jz1nOIgw8dPDjz-Uci2QuvGTOC2FBZI7NZ5sRgdwFAenSSqjOwCxXECZpmHY9StNdnEUne_qx9a7NPRsGLtQ-rmVuUPoCu7Aww/s1600/photo-3+copy+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrc3Z1Dz5tlG8pyK2h5EuBTBXYRwlrOo_bIOAnwArd6Jz1nOIgw8dPDjz-Uci2QuvGTOC2FBZI7NZ5sRgdwFAenSSqjOwCxXECZpmHY9StNdnEUne_qx9a7NPRsGLtQ-rmVuUPoCu7Aww/s1600/photo-3+copy+5.JPG" height="640" width="477" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And here is the after...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauHTguivp7TvvLiDlb2z0HQMlyDC_mDo4bsirukTBPhU6HiB-QMBQSt9VWUTMoNWfVtj6jKZP5km8Pxoa3_XAeC_wQeXHVfQu8gz6JjBubNMAT8GXI7KKIwD6ZY1ezrgzXraZL7epFeGw/s1600/DSC_0356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauHTguivp7TvvLiDlb2z0HQMlyDC_mDo4bsirukTBPhU6HiB-QMBQSt9VWUTMoNWfVtj6jKZP5km8Pxoa3_XAeC_wQeXHVfQu8gz6JjBubNMAT8GXI7KKIwD6ZY1ezrgzXraZL7epFeGw/s1600/DSC_0356.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You can see a difference right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Next was the radiator cover, aka my entrance table/hall stand. This I painted Almost White like the rest of the woodwork. I'm not sure why, maybe because this piece feels more like the rest of the woodwork even though we treat it like a piece of furniture. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22YRIUiQ0z2Mpbe0TF74TwwjPoWO7KTqZbFrpXDLRu3huX5gETeP4q9Lb-MvzogJSAmqCoy6mMH8ay3RGyZmj8-VGmfPso0hVwo_-bQO9UpLpefh-CX7eX01zcHhJDfdy3eeRcrtuu2Vx/s1600/photo-3+copy+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22YRIUiQ0z2Mpbe0TF74TwwjPoWO7KTqZbFrpXDLRu3huX5gETeP4q9Lb-MvzogJSAmqCoy6mMH8ay3RGyZmj8-VGmfPso0hVwo_-bQO9UpLpefh-CX7eX01zcHhJDfdy3eeRcrtuu2Vx/s1600/photo-3+copy+4.JPG" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A little shelf...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOmmhGAjZTkCorwe3Yh550S-sGuuXB6dsa-jcIZ7IDnWyyK-mTiQxEN69HoQO7pi6B6TSFVx81yDmSQ6NSKtQ3nS5SaZTEwSQf8NzVPqts2RBrmjyrH4c9F4yQlaNnuugChulzA0GiWbU/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOmmhGAjZTkCorwe3Yh550S-sGuuXB6dsa-jcIZ7IDnWyyK-mTiQxEN69HoQO7pi6B6TSFVx81yDmSQ6NSKtQ3nS5SaZTEwSQf8NzVPqts2RBrmjyrH4c9F4yQlaNnuugChulzA0GiWbU/s1600/photo-3.JPG" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Granted, it still looks a little cream. Perhaps it should have got another coat!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">These framed prints...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfKAJgfcK2v__oer_2LLl0ty3R6nsJq4lOA2-ZgSt8-li-M2G-ZsD-XEpXC1Sqce0v8EXKhrrkgYpjpzxh4oh7z6qiUKg7hKe-HaXVOzzBCYtkF_TntiW98GUq7gMrjFulo4LtLChyphenhyphenuuM/s1600/DSC_0361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfKAJgfcK2v__oer_2LLl0ty3R6nsJq4lOA2-ZgSt8-li-M2G-ZsD-XEpXC1Sqce0v8EXKhrrkgYpjpzxh4oh7z6qiUKg7hKe-HaXVOzzBCYtkF_TntiW98GUq7gMrjFulo4LtLChyphenhyphenuuM/s1600/DSC_0361.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This frame was painted in ASCP Country Grey... </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XmAfiaefqgG36TpMnxqjRd1dSlywF8xaqrb3HI7vCcY9b-Nmr2-tfj5TphyxVfWgRrOPp0UgQYAJ6NeFQqTF4ur2DcPx1PE69PNm6ylxZToK2FgLl5_FOYrBkfcFO5k1LEes0MVLbEe1/s1600/DSC_0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XmAfiaefqgG36TpMnxqjRd1dSlywF8xaqrb3HI7vCcY9b-Nmr2-tfj5TphyxVfWgRrOPp0UgQYAJ6NeFQqTF4ur2DcPx1PE69PNm6ylxZToK2FgLl5_FOYrBkfcFO5k1LEes0MVLbEe1/s1600/DSC_0359.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Originally, it was a pale gold and the frame was dented and scratched. I got it from my sister who was throwing it away. I was never in love with it, it hung around the corner where no-one really saw it. I love it now, I think the Country Grey really brings out the picture. I didn't wax it as I like the chalky finish. It has been given pride of place at the top of the stairs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This was the last piece to get a freshen up...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRl7EnB1TWzrb91auoyujFUmWu8RNlhXHH8BDTRK0pSIbMLFbc90tOrVhfcWTWBeUsImYNMT3h4T7IE_tNFJPL1g6X8uj1gNQ63ojv_smf9DJiszlHa7fAXkJ2-Q8Lhvb7dnw-ytYujxWW/s1600/photo-3+copy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRl7EnB1TWzrb91auoyujFUmWu8RNlhXHH8BDTRK0pSIbMLFbc90tOrVhfcWTWBeUsImYNMT3h4T7IE_tNFJPL1g6X8uj1gNQ63ojv_smf9DJiszlHa7fAXkJ2-Q8Lhvb7dnw-ytYujxWW/s1600/photo-3+copy+2.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was originally stained a dark colour. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It belonged to my grandparents and lived in their bedroom. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlb1tT88DK4reJJ3rlRzwV-PBC32I3fC7a3nUA03R52cqb-7VXVAHgYaFV4IzChYdxdDg9eQv2Qibf2WKD3PldZCeiKwWoGvc1P0jI9yeS1rnOh7URAZ2awsBuKzZIPFVpV-3CXl3FLpN/s1600/photo-3+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlb1tT88DK4reJJ3rlRzwV-PBC32I3fC7a3nUA03R52cqb-7VXVAHgYaFV4IzChYdxdDg9eQv2Qibf2WKD3PldZCeiKwWoGvc1P0jI9yeS1rnOh7URAZ2awsBuKzZIPFVpV-3CXl3FLpN/s1600/photo-3+copy.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">About 10 or 12 years ago I painted it Jasmine White which had yellowed over the years. The stain coming through I think.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdx20uSLOa26HtmkkhsUJHiR_5Hmf_1MVS_t1sVNuunsqcs_LXs_EsvO9hY9kMim8axi05RKY9i_yF73YAVMl9tuzI48-eCnu5HueHlk2UJ0LCkXbFpKUxf49W2rLpTWOkRrYdKdYhp3wH/s1600/DSC_0372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdx20uSLOa26HtmkkhsUJHiR_5Hmf_1MVS_t1sVNuunsqcs_LXs_EsvO9hY9kMim8axi05RKY9i_yF73YAVMl9tuzI48-eCnu5HueHlk2UJ0LCkXbFpKUxf49W2rLpTWOkRrYdKdYhp3wH/s1600/DSC_0372.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was naturally distressed over the twelve years I have had it which I recreated before sealing with a coat of clear wax.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZJsSnOGkGo0Tl_A7Q-AlBGAY7rhLiIiHFOG_iJMjZDbRVc4zScip4DG-LHDuomkXf7baWXzVgeF0sOJVkUoFlhY8ib2-5oaMcjbwfWpMZ6M0nEbuEHjfulzzp_RLsIISIHdKaSs_7kir/s1600/DSC_0373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZJsSnOGkGo0Tl_A7Q-AlBGAY7rhLiIiHFOG_iJMjZDbRVc4zScip4DG-LHDuomkXf7baWXzVgeF0sOJVkUoFlhY8ib2-5oaMcjbwfWpMZ6M0nEbuEHjfulzzp_RLsIISIHdKaSs_7kir/s1600/DSC_0373.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This chest used to live in our second bedroom but recently got upgraded to the landing. I knew exactly how I wanted to dress it. If you look carefully in this picture you will see I have moved onto styling, aka the fun bit!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mother Nature decided to give everything a coat of white today too. Did I say it hardly ever snows in Ireland?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iLztEsdmK1yw6SdEuECaXKWJmJyPLFLrqvoBGTzzgWKVJ1ZeWzsIdhye5J8HtuXCVM8k4UIJUFtirEgBKT2PPCm0GMYxPQN7elBULNGzWHMGJG7craZJGhmC9W8H_JZqhVUIQiw1FWIC/s1600/DSC_0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iLztEsdmK1yw6SdEuECaXKWJmJyPLFLrqvoBGTzzgWKVJ1ZeWzsIdhye5J8HtuXCVM8k4UIJUFtirEgBKT2PPCm0GMYxPQN7elBULNGzWHMGJG7craZJGhmC9W8H_JZqhVUIQiw1FWIC/s1600/DSC_0371.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-72735755312005938522015-02-22T19:09:00.002+00:002015-02-22T19:09:23.866+00:00Hall-Stairs-Landing Makeover - The First Step<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hello again...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I haven't forgotten you all but we have been a little busy at the Auburns. With January gone I have moved into Spring mode and have many projects on the horizon. You know how it is when you finally get rid of the decorations. Yes, we finally got the loft boards down in the attic; the storage is great up there and I no longer have to worry about getting a foot wrong and ending up coming through the ceiling!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGwP1vP2nIlLID2E577SAXLIWx6rOkDsXwhXjDDkck-MX-DUUJItASzzestbQYzQG0dhv83IBIsqZjBxS-clbdlWbjp9pTugDC-TYNdmHmR-F3hie2rVV4xLnDXIQGLkUW64Fr1iY9jfp/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGwP1vP2nIlLID2E577SAXLIWx6rOkDsXwhXjDDkck-MX-DUUJItASzzestbQYzQG0dhv83IBIsqZjBxS-clbdlWbjp9pTugDC-TYNdmHmR-F3hie2rVV4xLnDXIQGLkUW64Fr1iY9jfp/s1600/photo-3.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So I mentioned in <a href="http://sweetauburnlife.blogspot.ie/2015/01/whos-style-is-it-anyway.html" target="_blank">this</a> post that our first project for 2015 was the Hall-Stairs-Landing Makeover. Well the painting in now complete! It wasn't quite as bad as we expected. It did take two guys four days to complete but I did think that was good going. Thankfully no scaffold was required but there was some scary use of ladders. We used Colortrend paints. I neglected to tell you in that post that Colortrend is an Irish owned company who make their paints in Co. Kildare. I think it's on a par with Farrow and Ball. I believe it's available in the UK. It's a really nice quality paint with good coverage and it's scrubbable!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUCEhMGsfMXHBnSBflhJQRBkjai5V-qRV3bKP8Yn5nUPpeyvf6j0HZdteeZxix7jcJG5UPzDlBJ6_8dFyiSnwkICEdmSh_4y_g688Bjd1kDIqUiRlTtZXCmorn-gY2DTYxRPbX4aTMmlN/s1600/DSC_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUCEhMGsfMXHBnSBflhJQRBkjai5V-qRV3bKP8Yn5nUPpeyvf6j0HZdteeZxix7jcJG5UPzDlBJ6_8dFyiSnwkICEdmSh_4y_g688Bjd1kDIqUiRlTtZXCmorn-gY2DTYxRPbX4aTMmlN/s1600/DSC_0110.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They have a great range of colours but I finally settled on Patience (one of my original choices) on the walls and Almost White on the woodwork. The ceilings are Brilliant White by Dulux and Mahogany by Bondex on the handrail and newel posts. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here's how it looks...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fwY1rXGpmI_SZTveoMFgv0eBr0SPVCEPE3yLJRgORtFIorNHtkrci4EIN6iEGwtKAYzWA2dZdcD3G_DqvbVzcrT_9MVDhi-IYtz6G-HLApnlbDhBbVuFxknnMzigETE8iQKHjrsJHAf2/s1600/photo-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fwY1rXGpmI_SZTveoMFgv0eBr0SPVCEPE3yLJRgORtFIorNHtkrci4EIN6iEGwtKAYzWA2dZdcD3G_DqvbVzcrT_9MVDhi-IYtz6G-HLApnlbDhBbVuFxknnMzigETE8iQKHjrsJHAf2/s1600/photo-7.JPG" height="640" width="475" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Upstairs Landing</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLiAQV9nTtKWjKF_T1eCfyi_ZPVwpYGUVpgjn92kD39eJZ6gpZBHz2ORijPp-5wdc0AaL7uW70cQT8WSqjO2lWtLtBFdJrOxXdE7j_kphAe-tPprAeoPPVSNL_8FTkjjEr0AY6WcPZ1WnC/s1600/photo-8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLiAQV9nTtKWjKF_T1eCfyi_ZPVwpYGUVpgjn92kD39eJZ6gpZBHz2ORijPp-5wdc0AaL7uW70cQT8WSqjO2lWtLtBFdJrOxXdE7j_kphAe-tPprAeoPPVSNL_8FTkjjEr0AY6WcPZ1WnC/s1600/photo-8.JPG" height="640" width="475" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Top of Stairs</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkzJ113CzxbUzwtmcjm1BkJIdDy7BT7emdhRBMEXcI1oZFwFWMVcuenFQFY9xc6oOB9rG0IDbaI4y0OIFj-JfsSNs3yIuODX6tzgkzX2zbPuaaOX0srIDvWQsfWE-i7Ics-lISNy10eFS/s1600/photo-9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkzJ113CzxbUzwtmcjm1BkJIdDy7BT7emdhRBMEXcI1oZFwFWMVcuenFQFY9xc6oOB9rG0IDbaI4y0OIFj-JfsSNs3yIuODX6tzgkzX2zbPuaaOX0srIDvWQsfWE-i7Ics-lISNy10eFS/s1600/photo-9.JPG" height="640" width="475" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Upstairs - 2nd Bed & Office</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Landing & Owl Window</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpxQhsCLSm79yNzsSK3Fuxe9gufFHE86cDRqi-T4JyBrsmtjYLP96Ka0FHy2HBMjjp4rNBp5HGuEyl4-eseFGVSEzAUj2DAhJgFuLPXGChoCKc6y-EwKvnr_O5oH397BD4ga6lJH6lpmx/s1600/photo-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpxQhsCLSm79yNzsSK3Fuxe9gufFHE86cDRqi-T4JyBrsmtjYLP96Ka0FHy2HBMjjp4rNBp5HGuEyl4-eseFGVSEzAUj2DAhJgFuLPXGChoCKc6y-EwKvnr_O5oH397BD4ga6lJH6lpmx/s1600/photo-11.JPG" height="640" width="475" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">View of vaulted ceiling from Hall</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Bottom of Stairs</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Hallway - Sitting Rm & Kitchen/Dining</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Downstairs - Loo & Hotroom</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm really pleased with the colour, it looks different on each wall and at different times of the day. It's almost a pale 'greige'; not quite beige, not quite grey. I think it looks really smart against the Almost White Woodwork. The dark stain was an adjustment from the original bare wood. I had toyed with the idea of dark oak but then had to buy an extra 5litres of paint as the painters ran out so we used the mahogany</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> I already had from </span><a href="http://sweetauburnlife.blogspot.ie/2014/05/my-first-ikea-hack.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">this</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> project. I'm loving it now, it's really rich looking and ties in really well with the mahogany furniture throughout the house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I told you I was thinking of some new doors curtains and we have chosen something that we think will add a real injection of Spring. Just a sneak peak for now though, mostly because it's the worst photo ever taken on my phone but also there is some work to be done first. It was a bargain so of course it's a work in progress!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The one downside to our amazing new colour scheme is that all the really yellowy creamy pieces in this area now looked a bit dirty against the crispness of the new paint. So a lot more painting was involved, from me this time. I got my trusty can of ASCP Original out and repainted this giant mirror, a shelf of sorts, four picture frames, a rad cover and a chest of drawers! I will reveal more at a later date. As I said now the painting is done, we're onto the fun bits, stay tuned!</span></div>
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Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-22163636005948737902015-01-14T17:16:00.000+00:002015-01-14T17:33:47.563+00:00Snow Day!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We woke up this morning</span><span style="font-size: large;"> to this.</span><span style="font-size: large;">..</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know for some of you it's a regular occurrence but it is still a rare thing in Ireland.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The local primary school appeared to be closed and all the children were out in their hats and scarves making snowmen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mr. Auburn commutes to the capital for work but decided to work from home today, a welcome break from the usual long and early morning journey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The combination of said snowfall, Mr. Auburn being at home and a nasty fall yesterday convinced me to take a day off from work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before I left the house yesterday, I went outside to feed the birds. On my way back through the kitchen, I had a spectacular fall on the tiles when my wet boots went from under me! I managed to injure the entire right side of my body!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So today I decided to give my body a rest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had a late breakfast.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then wen't for a stroll across to the park with my new camera.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Had a little Bailey's coffee to warm up afterwards.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Watched The Grand Budapest Hotel.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGLuAf8_-kTzv18R7FbFplzAT_G1-zzUiBSQCaZKy6dtKonoLv09yYe7IJfWNlIDbAzh694rQmLqWVf8B3y1yA-vESjbJKInu_-oDD0qBnFzkb4YTODEOF4BfXySokXxjeBclq9cIF-O8/s1600/grand-budapest.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGLuAf8_-kTzv18R7FbFplzAT_G1-zzUiBSQCaZKy6dtKonoLv09yYe7IJfWNlIDbAzh694rQmLqWVf8B3y1yA-vESjbJKInu_-oDD0qBnFzkb4YTODEOF4BfXySokXxjeBclq9cIF-O8/s1600/grand-budapest.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All in all, a lovely relaxing snow day!</span></div>
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Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-8548594306467068302015-01-10T14:11:00.001+00:002015-01-10T14:20:15.038+00:00Who's style is it anyway?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Well the plan for today was loft flooring however the gale force winds and lashings of rain have prevented any wood cutting outside with a circular saw! We don't have the luxury of a garage for these projects you see. Unfortunately the knock on effect of no flooring in the attic is that the Christmas decorations cannot go back up there and the house cannot return to normal. </span><span style="font-size: large;">So while Christmas is out of my head, it is not out of the house just yet.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RrmdpCB0EBFCwG5f7lDyPr5tv_ra2wUyBagPV0d_zmmguRTS9Y5xQgzECioVHhFQjnPMgxAs8tJxkumHUbnN-liaSVv0v9MHq5NMm61uVD2xX_WWE8If4LvBrGafYZ8pwSkgjXhzzLzE/s1600/DSC_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RrmdpCB0EBFCwG5f7lDyPr5tv_ra2wUyBagPV0d_zmmguRTS9Y5xQgzECioVHhFQjnPMgxAs8tJxkumHUbnN-liaSVv0v9MHq5NMm61uVD2xX_WWE8If4LvBrGafYZ8pwSkgjXhzzLzE/s1600/DSC_0115.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thoughts of sugar plums have now been replaced by do-overs and fresh decor. Top of the to-do list is the hall-stairs-landing. The painting is a big job that may require scaffolding due to the vaulted ceiling so we will be getting a painter in. Both Mr. Auburn and I are okay with this! When we moved into this house it was painted good old Magnolia from top to bottom and it has served us well. I don't suspect we will stray far from the neutral range. The carpet on the stairs and landing is a malt colour and the tiles downstairs cream travertine. These are some wall colours I have been considering from the Colourtrend range (which all look exactly the same in this light!).</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSIsaxTEYRI7He7ZATxiR5VGlq1Wbw5HBaOdOQHjBC97GFs1aA-I1heXSn8KBfsnClx3AjSiw1ny1Gsbgb0OFVjdHZFzlOTIVpTugsYthyf4Rc3WU0_4Z1Wm6VfhBsX90XDebSkkTdeR0/s1600/DSC_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSIsaxTEYRI7He7ZATxiR5VGlq1Wbw5HBaOdOQHjBC97GFs1aA-I1heXSn8KBfsnClx3AjSiw1ny1Gsbgb0OFVjdHZFzlOTIVpTugsYthyf4Rc3WU0_4Z1Wm6VfhBsX90XDebSkkTdeR0/s1600/DSC_0110.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oyster Bed - Patience - Ivory Tusk</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We will also be painting the woodwork (doors, architraves, skirting and stairs). We originally painted all the woodwork in Innocence (a pale antique cream). We never got around to staining the newel posts and the handrail as was intended, we have considered painting them but now think we are back to dark staining again.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heartstone - White Tea</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When the painting is complete, we are onto the fun bit. I have plans for some revamped accessories. I would like new door curtains. Check out this lovely fabric which goes on sale next week! (Apologies for the really bad pic taken with my phone). A matching lamp and cushion on the landing also? We'll see if the budget allows.</span></div>
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W<span style="font-size: large;">hile over at <a href="http://butterflyandbungalow.blogspot.ie/" target="_blank">Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow</a> this morning I found <a href="http://butterflyandbungalow.blogspot.ie/2014/06/color-of-day.html" target="_blank">this</a> post in which Su rearranges her gorgeous bedroom. If you haven't been, you need to visit. Amazing things happen over at Butterfly </span><span style="font-size: large;">8)(8 Bungalow! In this post she mentions a decor style quiz which her daughter found online. I thought that could be interesting so I went over to <a href="http://sproost.com/StyleEngine" target="_blank">Sproost</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">and took said quiz myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The results are in....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>50% Rustic Revival</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"the clean lines of the modern softened by rustic vintage elements...a subtle background of light colours provides a nice canvas for all the wonderful flea market, eBay or garage sale finds as well as the classic modern pieces that you love".</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTRSBfnkfll91wZxHZlWpy6kIiwEVvS1Aexu5J_mDbpt8Fwx660WqsRFcOXIpse8gP3k9OwxCvXfyWIIdt2OvgkAugGQNJLq7CgpJecpW9YB0NxGNB19cTrDLl1uHdH1WxM_mEybDoY3R/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTRSBfnkfll91wZxHZlWpy6kIiwEVvS1Aexu5J_mDbpt8Fwx660WqsRFcOXIpse8gP3k9OwxCvXfyWIIdt2OvgkAugGQNJLq7CgpJecpW9YB0NxGNB19cTrDLl1uHdH1WxM_mEybDoY3R/s1600/photo-2.JPG" height="363" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>25% French Eclectic</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My home speaks French apparently!..."formal and casual, classy and unassuming...inviting from the moment you open the door...French antiques here and gold details there, the rustic elements provide a balance and warmth that seems to say, <i>come in relax and stay a while</i>. Your love of antiques takes you to flea markets, garage sales and hours of eBay hunting".</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeoz_VGL-1q_O1EqRyxgX4Cr1rruNLI34sgReeIHwSL50e-Kd0rg-nOt1DPWyrtZdq-xnGeCFL90eRIUzEfhifsJgR6wSM5_fYahwlxUXpvISadMDC979o0BHPUUzSRUFblCindR8MUMI/s1600/photo-2+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeoz_VGL-1q_O1EqRyxgX4Cr1rruNLI34sgReeIHwSL50e-Kd0rg-nOt1DPWyrtZdq-xnGeCFL90eRIUzEfhifsJgR6wSM5_fYahwlxUXpvISadMDC979o0BHPUUzSRUFblCindR8MUMI/s1600/photo-2+copy.JPG" height="363" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>25% Classic</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"all of the beautiful forms, colours and textures of the past...a mix of European influences and French, English and Italian antiques and replicas are often used together...classic rooms give off an air of history that seems to say: <i>I was here long before you, and will remain long after you've gone</i>".</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-A1_oc1nWXCTEqyCwOWAp7MFrERBCbjg5FJKyNven4V6h_4MC4aZFyFso8z4-m4w9tEjE1qEiChPNvGo_qGC4j97NtGFcT7hEfbWaPCYh0wcr62bK4_4JO5ccv0fCCnSLMo-Ga1psqPFO/s1600/photo-2+copy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-A1_oc1nWXCTEqyCwOWAp7MFrERBCbjg5FJKyNven4V6h_4MC4aZFyFso8z4-m4w9tEjE1qEiChPNvGo_qGC4j97NtGFcT7hEfbWaPCYh0wcr62bK4_4JO5ccv0fCCnSLMo-Ga1psqPFO/s1600/photo-2+copy+2.JPG" height="363" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sunset.com/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think that's pretty fair actually, in theory I mean. The house is more up-cycled flea market find than French or Italian antique! Had you asked me though, I would have said a mix of country and traditional, home and away, old and new. While I live in a new build, I love to be surrounded with things that had a life before they came to me, that remind me of time long ago, places I have been or people I have known.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What is your decor style?</span></div>
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Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-7086168987600721602014-12-31T20:46:00.000+00:002015-01-10T14:19:29.846+00:00Horse Chestnut Series - Round Up & Chestnut Decorations<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The beautiful Horse Chestnut Tree started out 2014 stark and bare.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">By March the buds had appeared.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">By the last day of April it had burst into leaf.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In May it was flushed with flower.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">By July the pollinated flowers had turned to fruit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In September the leaves began to change colour and fall.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83UjRnwmn5HuQ1btlL8y22eqwANSExh95fWzuod-z1USMPKTNY5JMuZz1XfmOdVbR1407m1QTti8A0xw-wrQs2dBlkU1CnlQQavdp9Dia4u9oQCgAQj2xyTUJHl1fnHNqhw0jbgQiUvB3/s1600/Chestie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83UjRnwmn5HuQ1btlL8y22eqwANSExh95fWzuod-z1USMPKTNY5JMuZz1XfmOdVbR1407m1QTti8A0xw-wrQs2dBlkU1CnlQQavdp9Dia4u9oQCgAQj2xyTUJHl1fnHNqhw0jbgQiUvB3/s1600/Chestie.jpg" height="400" width="286" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">By October the ripened fruit had fallen.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrrYlOUzWeIcUDUOo22AMfQ6mcBfAK6iSIZ87lNeMaPe0E2WBbh6OBXZTPZBvjvTuRX71sjAVsr9QcgfC3IycCklcNZvaQDJmxuQ3tdhEG36wdgFqjIALLB-52qMYaFmplZpPZY-6TiJ0/s1600/conker+in+shell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrrYlOUzWeIcUDUOo22AMfQ6mcBfAK6iSIZ87lNeMaPe0E2WBbh6OBXZTPZBvjvTuRX71sjAVsr9QcgfC3IycCklcNZvaQDJmxuQ3tdhEG36wdgFqjIALLB-52qMYaFmplZpPZY-6TiJ0/s1600/conker+in+shell.JPG" height="299" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On a frosty December morning the Horse Chestnut stands bare once again.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvCoI8xvbtwGMH-cMzW8qp6U-OcmcDI8V8xBO48KxWsZa0l6HDcmlTCjy5BNDSEG6rQE-PYXXn5CSk11KP7sMvAwceMznTkr7-EvXj1snCfp9yjy1wsWD73gLZ7vzIxAEndbOXQH4c1dv/s1600/DSC_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvCoI8xvbtwGMH-cMzW8qp6U-OcmcDI8V8xBO48KxWsZa0l6HDcmlTCjy5BNDSEG6rQE-PYXXn5CSk11KP7sMvAwceMznTkr7-EvXj1snCfp9yjy1wsWD73gLZ7vzIxAEndbOXQH4c1dv/s1600/DSC_0094.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our Horse Chestnut Tree has given it's all; </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">buds, leaves, flowers and fruit and so the cycle begins again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This Christmas I wanted to use the lovely shiny conkers to make some tree decorations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The colour scheme in the bedroom includes hues of orange and browns from the Connemara wallpaper. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjtqRbcffcLadX8aRVfFA9WyjNz2rhyphenhyphenrtFUMfh-z3dNTlwhNBwVDflK0ggXMRIxrigr9xd8dDG5Vx74yXWCIzKgdkW8Ao8xYf36F0MOEKtloQTZLjPGRVMOQzdg6IuqEf4Ij4mKTgFLMK/s1600/connemara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjtqRbcffcLadX8aRVfFA9WyjNz2rhyphenhyphenrtFUMfh-z3dNTlwhNBwVDflK0ggXMRIxrigr9xd8dDG5Vx74yXWCIzKgdkW8Ao8xYf36F0MOEKtloQTZLjPGRVMOQzdg6IuqEf4Ij4mKTgFLMK/s1600/connemara.jpg" height="171" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the first time this year I put a small tree in our bedroom.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXeliuFRt5I7Tfqk_xMQFudssijErB4lpExldcHDFmtRd16YLK_GmBgLtBB7Am2cm1cHQtq9m8LzGmTU48i-QtZmBiWTc4RC_vSINdx4Zs-fIH3P-qNdlfUsTwapYcpXNNre1kKvtqqrb/s1600/DSC_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXeliuFRt5I7Tfqk_xMQFudssijErB4lpExldcHDFmtRd16YLK_GmBgLtBB7Am2cm1cHQtq9m8LzGmTU48i-QtZmBiWTc4RC_vSINdx4Zs-fIH3P-qNdlfUsTwapYcpXNNre1kKvtqqrb/s1600/DSC_0109.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I wanted to keep it inexpensive so purchased a small fake tree for €12 and tried not to buy any decorations apart front the LED lights.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXdwglDkVYMlWrAG8Ctf52qqtvvQhrjk-iW4_6VmBnar_WBjDYrtQURgqV6OmRddiuQOGGDo0eBAtUHWcz1Rf8elZG8i730f60DdWe7ayp-lE1cGF3sT0pJvco3eC1f3rRG6nDjSCCVTD/s1600/DSC_0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXdwglDkVYMlWrAG8Ctf52qqtvvQhrjk-iW4_6VmBnar_WBjDYrtQURgqV6OmRddiuQOGGDo0eBAtUHWcz1Rf8elZG8i730f60DdWe7ayp-lE1cGF3sT0pJvco3eC1f3rRG6nDjSCCVTD/s1600/DSC_0105.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I made these by drilling holes through pieces of cinnamon, threaded them onto a ribbon, tying a loop at the top and finishing with a lovely shiny conker.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXb0p_8gJ1M2gTMCy6x5oyP3iQTo_AvI-iDAs-nqZ5t-3m_Catzol1at0OH_ehZeiG5bqh_cHKbbJfPuedNTGGCQzWZP6hZnH1nOdpiU7eDB1pXiRnUiDZiJm1wznvokIa8mk11VRCo-0/s1600/DSC_0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXb0p_8gJ1M2gTMCy6x5oyP3iQTo_AvI-iDAs-nqZ5t-3m_Catzol1at0OH_ehZeiG5bqh_cHKbbJfPuedNTGGCQzWZP6hZnH1nOdpiU7eDB1pXiRnUiDZiJm1wznvokIa8mk11VRCo-0/s1600/DSC_0104.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I dried orange slices slowly in the airing cupboard and made bows from ribbon left over from some curtain tie-backs. I bought the bird and the orange glitter ribbon to make bows and everything else was repurposed including an old bracelet!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPxTj6LDS3kpszXYJZOMTB_oFl84k_ntYVlsXX7Gr4tanbZILVIxRwY3RaTMM2zQJHqgEKLWg7AopUYdLSZUI3ygXSQ1IRsJigofnyTcFs7HCaAgVCXe9a51P8oYBP1MOOtobMhAbAv4l/s1600/DSC_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPxTj6LDS3kpszXYJZOMTB_oFl84k_ntYVlsXX7Gr4tanbZILVIxRwY3RaTMM2zQJHqgEKLWg7AopUYdLSZUI3ygXSQ1IRsJigofnyTcFs7HCaAgVCXe9a51P8oYBP1MOOtobMhAbAv4l/s1600/DSC_0106.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm really happy with how it turned out and it's nice to have a bit of our Horse Chestnut Tree on our Christmas Tree!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wishing you all a very happy and healthy New Year!</span></div>
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Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-75667736270388957922014-12-30T14:10:00.000+00:002015-01-14T17:20:00.772+00:00Christmas House Tour 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hope you all had a very merry Christmas and that Santa was good! As I sort of threatened a Christmas House tour in my last post I thought I'd give it a go before 2014 is out. As I said, I started decorating early this year...and finished late! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ah the best laid plans...</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7D1abMMLDJnF70bHppbUIjWedAL9S_0wcc2666h4ZBWPLDAcBnHsPgsDJxzX-A9pu-iz43ViQMWOO3hpFkT3_UxpVmlNz81l-E1BCoyr9Y9juuKIV9IgilgrgO3ylmPiqWQjzLF0_d79/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7D1abMMLDJnF70bHppbUIjWedAL9S_0wcc2666h4ZBWPLDAcBnHsPgsDJxzX-A9pu-iz43ViQMWOO3hpFkT3_UxpVmlNz81l-E1BCoyr9Y9juuKIV9IgilgrgO3ylmPiqWQjzLF0_d79/s1600/photo-4.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://sweetauburnlife.blogspot.ie/2014/12/o-christmas-tree.html" target="_blank">O Christmas Tree!</a></span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I started out totally inspired, ready to deck those halls a little differently this year and have all done by our anniversary (a week before Christmas) so I could relax and enjoy thereafter. I ended up rushed, exhausted and surrounded by boxes, adding and tweaking until it was Christmas Eve! There has to be a better way - which I have to figure out before next year!! Suggestions welcome!</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUXjd0vbEsqG39L__XLu2M_8k80cTM5bFDtzqiB2NSsx0CerKGl68Hj4Za4A1v0dVUTz1ORtGITqG21uGzFyA8ySxBBo5ygxsL6XyLGZKgRV_PKZnDNS2M4L29Culixtw6817pECz9wUi/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUXjd0vbEsqG39L__XLu2M_8k80cTM5bFDtzqiB2NSsx0CerKGl68Hj4Za4A1v0dVUTz1ORtGITqG21uGzFyA8ySxBBo5ygxsL6XyLGZKgRV_PKZnDNS2M4L29Culixtw6817pECz9wUi/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some newly gifted additions to the tree this year</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUhyphenhyphenuC3ohYVSkEukwzikmiIMI1KUBjuYTuaYaTIOgVtWex1XoYKx1hqsgY9Edx0hdHMgzaWICbtF7CT_G-eEIelK2dcMqt7_oTwxoh1sQOiG1RW51Pjik6DlhdWGMvim2NFLez09q7Ysw/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUhyphenhyphenuC3ohYVSkEukwzikmiIMI1KUBjuYTuaYaTIOgVtWex1XoYKx1hqsgY9Edx0hdHMgzaWICbtF7CT_G-eEIelK2dcMqt7_oTwxoh1sQOiG1RW51Pjik6DlhdWGMvim2NFLez09q7Ysw/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This one came all the way from Germany</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiKG91GLrguogqk617oTcC23H2UrU-FeBsgkdiwiLYtIBBA0Yiw_WLyA41DdFDNZZtHRnOrlqvVOFLgWLFwMvqkwG1qY7kpuyi9QCEjRF6tuI5BFtzxRXPpVLLBhsjCx06nJVJmDtroLQ/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiKG91GLrguogqk617oTcC23H2UrU-FeBsgkdiwiLYtIBBA0Yiw_WLyA41DdFDNZZtHRnOrlqvVOFLgWLFwMvqkwG1qY7kpuyi9QCEjRF6tuI5BFtzxRXPpVLLBhsjCx06nJVJmDtroLQ/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This one came from Marks&Spencer</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">Decorating drama aside, I am pretty happy with how it turned out. So using my super duper new Christmas present from Mr. Auburn (a new camera!) and my usually crappy photography skills;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">here are some pictures of our home at Christmastime....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fireside is blazing bright...</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEKEiw_Iu1SN9EBNTanbmiAaywbbzc_EN1KxjrzDNW7JnvciPSetKYrLeKt9BMJIwIvls5hHwgLQyVIn5uDnvPf1PmLeMJV8FKnMl4bmArynHT7s6BTcoJpT9Q5FOLFHrYWYu3gbDj6aL/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEKEiw_Iu1SN9EBNTanbmiAaywbbzc_EN1KxjrzDNW7JnvciPSetKYrLeKt9BMJIwIvls5hHwgLQyVIn5uDnvPf1PmLeMJV8FKnMl4bmArynHT7s6BTcoJpT9Q5FOLFHrYWYu3gbDj6aL/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our Mantlepiece</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizv8ytHLfUv8VoqTDWeMHzg1-57HLBYIiuLhpMHCq5FHVTuYiOV2c17GFUg91TzQLhIG_PczpG4-c8fpgU8_cYatAMuM1qfns0wHOdsG6IJVHzp0b4Wg8hm2U0gvfbQXkLdhh0rgMLdSiW/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizv8ytHLfUv8VoqTDWeMHzg1-57HLBYIiuLhpMHCq5FHVTuYiOV2c17GFUg91TzQLhIG_PczpG4-c8fpgU8_cYatAMuM1qfns0wHOdsG6IJVHzp0b4Wg8hm2U0gvfbQXkLdhh0rgMLdSiW/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our coffee table</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_uemXmOM0rsz3dMeYCeTnfv5RJsqceqOFBgozUosGHPPi4TXPFbvSE_ZSMOMS2F4LNbJrpgkqf8Qn8fCpBOSX-hFE91wJkOUcFUsqZfWfmjYOFAMchhQX3lvyMz2aXrvejaR_lgp4rT5/s1600/DSC_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_uemXmOM0rsz3dMeYCeTnfv5RJsqceqOFBgozUosGHPPi4TXPFbvSE_ZSMOMS2F4LNbJrpgkqf8Qn8fCpBOSX-hFE91wJkOUcFUsqZfWfmjYOFAMchhQX3lvyMz2aXrvejaR_lgp4rT5/s1600/DSC_0038.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELBEF79mVcxoBy17mzsK_JMvXiv2epbSamoqXxseKcgh4xVECYipAzqMNJGoBsKddoMv98fzVyMYkUiy8DrqYsceIx_5zpYR9AMryUwtmWBsA1uofqNEh3gAzyZBlVcOYfrYhmmDYkel4/s1600/DSC_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELBEF79mVcxoBy17mzsK_JMvXiv2epbSamoqXxseKcgh4xVECYipAzqMNJGoBsKddoMv98fzVyMYkUiy8DrqYsceIx_5zpYR9AMryUwtmWBsA1uofqNEh3gAzyZBlVcOYfrYhmmDYkel4/s1600/DSC_0054.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Even rabbit can't escape </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTKIXmr2LE_tpEhnTduBoG8nvxFlhx_JyVQOqUrDKjNA49hHtFxN7WMmlbL0Bcn9aaL_2cE_b3XP_rWyDL4we2lcz6h3KFJcwgag4Ee3a8tKf21D5IZqFpkk59YPfw_E6Dl3KslXvEVil/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTKIXmr2LE_tpEhnTduBoG8nvxFlhx_JyVQOqUrDKjNA49hHtFxN7WMmlbL0Bcn9aaL_2cE_b3XP_rWyDL4we2lcz6h3KFJcwgag4Ee3a8tKf21D5IZqFpkk59YPfw_E6Dl3KslXvEVil/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The baby Jesus in the manger</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Christmas in the Kitchen...</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkobL4tMbKP-NPS8lWislLBFAzWJs9yZgrExc83ldVucqqu1a5CPY7MqpSf0ecubHh11EyLiPGTIo3BmEYE7rFBaxKr7DqGWhF9lhyphenhyphen6_GGwqjMQZ8GznP7Kwf4hwFJDTd7X8CKrjCT6sw/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkobL4tMbKP-NPS8lWislLBFAzWJs9yZgrExc83ldVucqqu1a5CPY7MqpSf0ecubHh11EyLiPGTIo3BmEYE7rFBaxKr7DqGWhF9lhyphenhyphen6_GGwqjMQZ8GznP7Kwf4hwFJDTd7X8CKrjCT6sw/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This little guy got a new <i>eau de nil</i> hat and scarf for Christmas</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Deck the Halls...</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sleigh Bells Ring!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This sleigh was a market find last year and last Christmas I laid it down in the front hall and piled Christmas presents on it. This year I decided to upturn it and add another vintage find from the same market this summer. The chance of finding a sleigh and ice skates in a market in the Midlands of Ireland must be like winning the lotto! I trimmed the top of the skates with fur I bought at a craft shop (the extra trimmed the tiny stockings on the tree in the kitchen window). Added some greenery and a sleigh bell of course and I love it!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our stair garland</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Top of the stairs</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am a huge Norman Rockwell fan and have been lusting after this print, <i>Home for Christmas,</i> for so long. This year I found it for sale on eBay and Mr. Auburn made it mine. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I LOVE IT!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As it is quite long and narrow, I tried to balance it with a fresh wreath of fir and bay.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIq7woWpDy9MEdG28dbCxl3An-DRMyKROtXaXUu0u6tlVqQ1e-wxZA3zj9DJWqOJgfFKsCIuEgpLc3cB9d2ptGVf-5H7Igg9nzwU4X0ACLdgcj75K720unxkvZaAKfaEHmQ0pTSmkhiZWB/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIq7woWpDy9MEdG28dbCxl3An-DRMyKROtXaXUu0u6tlVqQ1e-wxZA3zj9DJWqOJgfFKsCIuEgpLc3cB9d2ptGVf-5H7Igg9nzwU4X0ACLdgcj75K720unxkvZaAKfaEHmQ0pTSmkhiZWB/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And a Partridge in a Pear tree!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I had this idea for a long time and just executed it last year for the first time. I had sourced a partridge on eBay but lets say he wasn't exactly glamorous! He looks better on the more rustic kitchen tree. I searched for so long for pears and eventually found them in TK Maxx and sourced a better looking 'partridge' from Gisela Graham.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And to think in just a couple of days it has to all come down again!</span></div>
Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-653243655662787952014-12-18T12:14:00.000+00:002015-01-14T17:31:57.897+00:00O Christmas Tree!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well it has been several months since my last post, apologies again for my unannounced absence. Once again life and mainly work got in the way and now it seems to be Christmas! Despite my very best efforts including two days off work for the pre Christmas decorating clean and starting the actual decorating in late November, I'm still not done! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This November I became full of decorating inspiration. You know how it is, virtual Christmas house tours all over the net, festive blogs, pinterest, glossy Christmas magazines, magical shop windows! So, I decided to shake it up a bit this year, change things around, make some new additions. So many ideas, so much to do, so little time. I was feeling a little Christmas anxiety in the last week and then I decided to give myself a break. I don't have to get all the decorating done in one night, it can be a process. I will get everyone's gifts, I always do. I might even share my own Christmas House tour! Some of it looks really good, at least it would if all the boxes were back in the attic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> As with every Christmas it starts with the tree in the sitting room. We have done real cut trees in here, real potted trees and now we're back to the artificial tree again as I like to get it up last weekend in November. I have to say I miss the pine smell but I've got my fix elsewhere in the house. I love this tree every year. It's a great shape, it always looks full and symmetrical and we don't skimp on the decorations! I've often meant to count them but its alot! As this tree is in the window, we have to decorate all the way around, no cheating! We have our old favourites and usually add more each year. We just use golds and creams on this tree as it matches the decor best. Some came from lands far away, some made by our own fair hands here at home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The rest of the room gets its share too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Fireplace...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Crib...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A Christmas Stocking...</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And this?!..</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!</span></div>
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</span>Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-91262089830550810722014-10-05T09:47:00.000+01:002014-10-05T09:47:36.262+01:00Horse Chestnut Series - September!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Well Autumn is definitely creeping in after our Indian Summer here in Ireland. The September Horse Chestnut tree has a few less leaves and ...absolutely NO fruit left!</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVspfq9Rdj87774agrD8hT8BilP1vKCVngK4kyi-7_YYCa_WVgzIxqTmdUpeXgGKsuUrnod3S03v9bKd7uN7QcGuCIg3DzZVUZMklCzM6fEc2IFCkVuyLoQTo_Aa_Zu9hjhbGBbZK-fZ8/s1600/Chestie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVspfq9Rdj87774agrD8hT8BilP1vKCVngK4kyi-7_YYCa_WVgzIxqTmdUpeXgGKsuUrnod3S03v9bKd7uN7QcGuCIg3DzZVUZMklCzM6fEc2IFCkVuyLoQTo_Aa_Zu9hjhbGBbZK-fZ8/s1600/Chestie.jpg" height="640" width="457" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was going to tell you in this post that children nowadays didn't use Horse Chestnuts to play a game known as 'Conkers' but evidently it isn't true!</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IqC1syz9qVO3EHNh20PHjrk9ZIlwT9S-NJhn2ja_qo9dkPuKYIrfZk4DfJXwrWkitV1wMxPGBvB27vqOn5HpHF_2y8LYsyipChGzetOOixcCs0BcPHUl2izmSURo8oJ8bMism3_O5WKA/s1600/conker+in+shell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IqC1syz9qVO3EHNh20PHjrk9ZIlwT9S-NJhn2ja_qo9dkPuKYIrfZk4DfJXwrWkitV1wMxPGBvB27vqOn5HpHF_2y8LYsyipChGzetOOixcCs0BcPHUl2izmSURo8oJ8bMism3_O5WKA/s1600/conker+in+shell.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Every child in a 10 mile radius has carefully scoured every inch of grass beneath our Horse Chestnut in the past month and resorted to throwing a football to dislodge those that hadn't yet fallen! They even begged Mr. Auburn for his 6 ft 4 assistance.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mr. Auburn did manage to salvage one for me, it may have been the puniest one on the tree but nonetheless "<em>oddly oddly onker, my first conker</em>", that's what you're supposed to say for luck when you find your first conker of the year. Good job I have a seasoned stash from last year!</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Roald Dahl said '<em>...a great conker is one that has been stored in a dry place for at least a year. This matures it and makes it rock hard and therefore formidable.</em>'</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To play, you make a hole in your conker and thread through a string with a knot at the bottom. We used shoe laces at school, usually the ones from the shoes we were wearing! Taking turns, one opponent dangles their conker by the string while the other player holding the string in one hand and the conker in the other strikes the dangling conker.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sOkOqydwijXQgc0SKcRWoy51BJewoufHkrpYk5-ojJarcVBr276cgICiQ-1AyitH0cCbnAbQ1jDo1fKbD6t-vx6LHHA6lzfmET3wjW5NyC8f31WV-vKIqmTmKkhsBIF-_IiZDUYpZK_y/s1600/conkers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sOkOqydwijXQgc0SKcRWoy51BJewoufHkrpYk5-ojJarcVBr276cgICiQ-1AyitH0cCbnAbQ1jDo1fKbD6t-vx6LHHA6lzfmET3wjW5NyC8f31WV-vKIqmTmKkhsBIF-_IiZDUYpZK_y/s1600/conkers.JPG" height="276" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The aim - basically to destroy your opponents conker...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not as easy as it sounds!</span></div>
Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-37395461256947181042014-09-14T21:06:00.000+01:002015-01-14T17:35:45.900+00:00Decoupage and Craqueleur!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This post combines two of my favourite crafts...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You might remember decoupage was my craft for 2013. Remember the eggs and the birdhouses?</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2014's craft is Craqueleur, it started with the egg box and I'm loving it. I haven't perfected it but I'm loving it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Last weekend I combined the two! My mother had put these lovely p<span class="st"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">apier-mâché</span> </span>letters into my Christmas stocking a couple of years back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I bought some beautiful Italian decoupage paper on eBay and started with the vintage hot air balloon paper. I liked the end result but didn't love it. As a result I didn't start the second letter until this year. When I discovered Craqueleur I knew it would be the answer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> This time I went for the old map paper and 'decoupaged' like I was gift wrapping - much easier than all that cutting and I prefer the result. On went the Craqueleur in two stages (see </span><a href="http://sweetauburnlife.blogspot.ie/2014/07/egg-box-three-ways.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> for details) followed by some dark wax. Quite a bit of dark wax actually but I like the really 'aged' effect it gives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The J is a little 'mucky' in places but the M is good, I'm learning! Overall, I like the end result. Once again, dirty and aged fits in better at ours, noticing a trend?</span></div>
Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-66136391387852934302014-09-07T12:21:00.000+01:002014-09-07T12:21:43.642+01:00Gone Banana's!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Apologies for the distinct lack of blogging last month, I was super busy with work and stuff. I am hoping that September will fare a little better as I have looooads to share with you and can't wait to catch up on what you guys have been up to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So for today's quandary...what to you do with some ripe banana's?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A sweet treat for elevenses of course...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Banoffee Cupcakes!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Preheat the oven...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Line a cupcake tray with paper cases...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mash two ripe banana's...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In another bowl, beat 100g butter..</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">..2 eggs, 125g self raising flour, 100g castor sugar..</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> ..and a tsp baking powder until light and fluffy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fold in the mashed banana's.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Spoon half the mixture into the paper cases and add a spoon of Caramel into each..</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">..top with the remaining cupcake mixture and bake for 20mins.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To make the caramel frosting..</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFajebJ48CK9tUpUoBDvpXj4HfIiuJCnxsWkuNxTC9I5aNNki57JFD76tCpKVbc5j0rJEkblFfzOE0Ch6ndGLk6euTUsv7WTCDUL2yCzRkp7YyigdEwZnq7TwhcxAc8-90S04XSxXPclV/s1600/IMG_0546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFajebJ48CK9tUpUoBDvpXj4HfIiuJCnxsWkuNxTC9I5aNNki57JFD76tCpKVbc5j0rJEkblFfzOE0Ch6ndGLk6euTUsv7WTCDUL2yCzRkp7YyigdEwZnq7TwhcxAc8-90S04XSxXPclV/s400/IMG_0546.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">..beat together 100g caramel, 85g butter and 300g icing sugar.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2brS2oSiLiQn7wpG-wERQ72Tor-zIw6X82dlJTzEvMh_lurCmWvin2HTsP2mlsrTLTmbS6yrhU88wIzDG8supoYkO-nwRpIoKHZ_tkGJ6EIX_AFDLyrp_EvBG44Q625SVkP4My8BXplCa/s1600/IMG_0549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2brS2oSiLiQn7wpG-wERQ72Tor-zIw6X82dlJTzEvMh_lurCmWvin2HTsP2mlsrTLTmbS6yrhU88wIzDG8supoYkO-nwRpIoKHZ_tkGJ6EIX_AFDLyrp_EvBG44Q625SVkP4My8BXplCa/s400/IMG_0549.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Simply spread it on the cupcakes, put the kettle on...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6M79ENeLmf_b2aqHHr5EuZsbLrPrfBH9SWhZnUn5Yy1iTGGV0bxRj7JaYGXNPoy4yLsYH_aBrVem0LkHWB2knRcQYrW4Kp0xY-x-TkT3OpHsLsjFyO7AO3jJONw-mKTcmoYwfuy-aeBaV/s1600/IMG_0555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6M79ENeLmf_b2aqHHr5EuZsbLrPrfBH9SWhZnUn5Yy1iTGGV0bxRj7JaYGXNPoy4yLsYH_aBrVem0LkHWB2knRcQYrW4Kp0xY-x-TkT3OpHsLsjFyO7AO3jJONw-mKTcmoYwfuy-aeBaV/s400/IMG_0555.JPG" height="331" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> And Enjoy!!!!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The August Horse Chestnut looks relatively unchanged from last month. Maybe a few less leaves from all the wind and rain we have had here in Ireland.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Soon all the leaves will be gone but for now I am still enjoying its rich greenness; the first sight I see when I draw the curtains each morning.</span></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">"Our chestnut tree is in full bloom. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">It is covered with leaves and is even more beautiful than last year."</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Anne Frank, 1944</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Horse Chestnut is popularly known as the Anne Frank Tree. From the window of the Annexe when Ann and her family were hiding from the Nazis, Ann could see a large horse chestnut tree. For her it symbolised hope...</span></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">"Nearly every morning I go to the attic to blow the stuffy air out of my lungs, from my favourite spot on the floor I look up at the blue sky and the bare chestnut tree, on whose branches little raindrops shine, appearing like silver, and at the seagulls and other birds as they glide on the wind. As long as this exists, I thought, and I may live to see it, this sunshine, the cloudless skies, while this lasts I cannot be unhappy."</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anne's tree outlived its namesake by over fifty years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over that period the tree developed an aggressive fungus and was weakened. In 2007, the local authorities decided that the tree needed to be cut down for safety as 42% of its wood was rotten. However, a group of supporters came together with a plan to build a support construction around the tree and take over its maintenance. Despite their best efforts, the tree was blown down in a storm in August 2010, breaking off a meter above the ground. It was thought to be 150-170 years old.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4zExEFzAVvZ1K_ohnbO8KlkKQ1hj6rKyjZzVYzowNRzEX9qrXPiE1NAD-4YnfNYuzB9qZYVs4DXNfu76CGhI54bJFp96hNRKVLKJF35d3uruxsFsXqFLPT7hDWwWQreIPN6g-LmioZiG/s1600/200px-Annefranktree_edit1%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4zExEFzAVvZ1K_ohnbO8KlkKQ1hj6rKyjZzVYzowNRzEX9qrXPiE1NAD-4YnfNYuzB9qZYVs4DXNfu76CGhI54bJFp96hNRKVLKJF35d3uruxsFsXqFLPT7hDWwWQreIPN6g-LmioZiG/s1600/200px-Annefranktree_edit1%5B1%5D.jpg" height="400" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Anne Frank Tree in 2006</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fortunately, a few years prior to the falling of the tree, the stewards from The Anne Frank House began propagating saplings from the tree. The saplings were donated to various locations across the US including The 9/11 Memorial Park in New York and so Anne's beloved Horse Chestnut tree lives on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">The saplings are "powerful reminders of the horrors borne by hate and bigotry" and "living monuments to Anne's pursuit of peace and tolerance".</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sapling from the Anne Frank Tree</td></tr>
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Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-40166211231574865422014-07-29T22:01:00.001+01:002014-07-29T22:01:13.217+01:00Horse Chestnut Series - July!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-size: large;">"Summer has seen the flowers withered and died</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">But hides the new seed growing deep inside</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Spikey green fruit swell with the sun and the rain</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">The circle of life coming round yet again"</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtChvzwVCfRRqKGCmQ4ui-2FhAsYaVSkqDTTtH84uz-sJ9H7EZokqctjjPBJZm-kjTMljaYCKlljU7FNV-Gl60DW1Lt7qMNNGgCLEccIlu2bt-6DDA07YKkxu2BvSmG_ZrgVhM6BbcTBKG/s1600/20140729_194258_cropped2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtChvzwVCfRRqKGCmQ4ui-2FhAsYaVSkqDTTtH84uz-sJ9H7EZokqctjjPBJZm-kjTMljaYCKlljU7FNV-Gl60DW1Lt7qMNNGgCLEccIlu2bt-6DDA07YKkxu2BvSmG_ZrgVhM6BbcTBKG/s1600/20140729_194258_cropped2.jpg" height="640" width="516" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is now the end of July and officially the end of summer.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqmjiWiWM1meO0_PvnPp42oc_8HB3qoMxV3lMv5LZjaZs7LILEHpXYuJmQp6HzE-UnCBiW80infJ6lU5p4Y9iz3oPDIK_nsKoR47O74A22woQeDSCIPG46U8SrXLivYgmi2qDgvQIM33H/s1600/photo1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqmjiWiWM1meO0_PvnPp42oc_8HB3qoMxV3lMv5LZjaZs7LILEHpXYuJmQp6HzE-UnCBiW80infJ6lU5p4Y9iz3oPDIK_nsKoR47O74A22woQeDSCIPG46U8SrXLivYgmi2qDgvQIM33H/s1600/photo1.JPG" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Horse Chestnut now bears strange looking thorny green fruit; a result of the pollination that took place in March.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYr-cJs5EdRgEdNky8psyBItochwkqkKjcq0Oqpm1Hp-Ovghwm1MRBmcThRzBtHvtZC1xn8-z5c8bAszw-dxgw6y8aPQxyrztZ4rckKbThS7dwnOkRRPMjWyAgVnBf2O0SbrIqHOu80sn/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYr-cJs5EdRgEdNky8psyBItochwkqkKjcq0Oqpm1Hp-Ovghwm1MRBmcThRzBtHvtZC1xn8-z5c8bAszw-dxgw6y8aPQxyrztZ4rckKbThS7dwnOkRRPMjWyAgVnBf2O0SbrIqHOu80sn/s1600/photo.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> These thick, fleshy casings have sharp little spikes on the outside to protect the precious seed within which will be released in the weeks to come.</span></div>
Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-67696899840255430092014-07-27T09:35:00.001+01:002014-07-27T09:35:32.982+01:00Egg Box Three Ways!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You know Mr. Auburn bought this lovely egg box back </span><a href="http://sweetauburnlife.blogspot.ie/2013/03/an-eclectic-mix.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and I said I would do something with it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Well I did.....like three times!</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmBD-tuWGZDrOk59qeYqshPcCSckkjn1SOX17FYR3Mo9-zgdslOCPN_2C13Is4TgywTgop-V2cUhb7uq2FrfQ8U_uH2VUsUl2LlEKkF68YNX67w9RVPD7mQ5oCWzomblS6zkpAgqcOOdz/s1600/P1020111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmBD-tuWGZDrOk59qeYqshPcCSckkjn1SOX17FYR3Mo9-zgdslOCPN_2C13Is4TgywTgop-V2cUhb7uq2FrfQ8U_uH2VUsUl2LlEKkF68YNX67w9RVPD7mQ5oCWzomblS6zkpAgqcOOdz/s1600/P1020111.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For a long while, it sat on our worktop just holding eggs perfectly well in its original pale wood state, then it got Annie Sloaned.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7ui3Ouno9ua6BB4nqbu4OBiL23cpHnXkPDEhYvpDvCb3OOR4UV0eu5ghDUpHbaR5KMiJZ4-oWXhZfRiiiBwIU6Y7x4wXzTa0pd48g9Tnit8XPj98zXcyDJ0CzrWAqmtBDhnavG3UZyGa/s1600/P1020112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7ui3Ouno9ua6BB4nqbu4OBiL23cpHnXkPDEhYvpDvCb3OOR4UV0eu5ghDUpHbaR5KMiJZ4-oWXhZfRiiiBwIU6Y7x4wXzTa0pd48g9Tnit8XPj98zXcyDJ0CzrWAqmtBDhnavG3UZyGa/s1600/P1020112.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cue <strong>Makeover #1</strong>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In my wisdom I thought the ASCP duck egg wasn't a million miles from eau de nil, right? WRONG! It is 2 million. Also it was looking a little too pristine for our house.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LnLh9jFSA8pVGEb1dR_5pJ51JYYDLbbRVAnoZiPLoTjLO-oneZTlmoO2iDTFE81hvY0Ka1lSStMhqzDFtjJUzrEnEJpnLG_Ylrnw7VocTcjmgrxwbyOyMQ_ezHJ3vn3IYAvj4C5d8REV/s1600/IMG_1510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LnLh9jFSA8pVGEb1dR_5pJ51JYYDLbbRVAnoZiPLoTjLO-oneZTlmoO2iDTFE81hvY0Ka1lSStMhqzDFtjJUzrEnEJpnLG_Ylrnw7VocTcjmgrxwbyOyMQ_ezHJ3vn3IYAvj4C5d8REV/s1600/IMG_1510.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<strong> <span style="font-size: large;">Makeover #2.</span></strong><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps if I tone it down by white washing over the duck egg, and distress the edges a little with some sand paper that will make it work in my kitchen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Sorry forgot to take picture at this stage, I was starting to get a little fed up by now!!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It looked okay but still not right.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Who am I kidding, 99% of stuff in this house is off white or cream. Duck egg has to go!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Makeover #3</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Repaint the whole thing in Original white and make it look old...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once it was repainted in off white I decided to use some AS Craqueleur on it for some 'age'. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This was my first time to use it but it was really simple and I love the effect it gives. First paint on the base coat in small strokes and leave to dry. Then paint on the glaze and quickly dry with the hairdryer to make it crack! Thin coat = small crackles on small box.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then the scary bit - dark wax. I was panicking a lot doing this thinking I had ruined it again at one point but actually you don't have to be scared. I just kept working it in and used a little clear wax on areas I thought were looking a little too mucky.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Loving Craqueleur!!</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Third time's charm... dirty crackled off white fits right in I think!</span> </div>
Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-8870829991802942302014-07-12T21:21:00.000+01:002014-07-12T16:32:21.188+01:00Reloved Drawer Thingy!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I bought this in TK Max ages & ages ago because I really loved it and loved the price tag.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I brought it home and after disappointingly trying it in every room in the house, I conceded it that even though I loved it, the house didn't!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> This however was pre my </span><a href="http://sweetauburnlife.blogspot.ie/2014/05/annie-sloan-chalk-painted-table.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Annie Sloan campaign</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">!!</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I gave it two coats of <em>Original</em>, 'a warm slightly creamy off white'....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">...and distressed it quite a bit along the edges and to show off the lovely carved detail.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I decoupaged the insets of the little drawers with some Laura Ashley wallpaper I bought for about €6, <em><a href="http://sweetauburnlife.blogspot.ie/2014/04/meet-elenor.html" target="_blank">eau de nil</a></em> of course.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now I've uttered the three magic little French words you know it's going to work don't you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The whole thing got a couple of coats of wax and suddenly, the dining room said she'd gladly have the new and improved drawer thingy... </span></div>
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Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-38110358174291429142014-07-05T19:44:00.001+01:002014-07-12T16:31:32.712+01:00Hola amigos!<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;">Just spent an amazing week in the city of Málaga with friends. I had never been before but it is such a beautiful city, I will definitely return.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is one of the oldest cities in the world and therefore rich in history; in over 2,800 years it was founded by the Phoenicians, became a part of the Roman and Byzantine empires, came under Muslim Arabic and then Christian rule.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The people of Malaga appear deeply religious, most being Roman Catholic. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The city has a stunning cathedral Basílica de la Encarnación.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We were lucky enough to be in the city for an amazing procession on the Sunday evening, the streets were lined with people of all ages, men dressed in traditional robes carrying statues and beautifully decorated floats accompanied by music and song and showered with rose petals from the upper stories of buildings as they passed.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These processions take place throughout the year, those of holy week being particularly special. Indeed one of Malaga's famous sons, </span><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2605045/Antonio-Banderas-celebrates-Holy-Week-Malaga-old-brotherhood.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Antonio Banderas returns</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> to his brotherhood every Easter.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is of course birthplace to world renown artist Pablo Picasso.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Picasso's childhood home was on the second floor of the building you see behind his statue in this picture. While Picasso left Malaga as a young boy he had always wanted his work exhibited in the city. His daughter-in-law worked to realise this dream and now it holds 285 works donated by the family in the beautifully converted Buenavista Palace.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It must be a wonderful place for budding artists; home to Picasso and Revello de Toro, so many art galleries to see, lectures and workshops to attend and inspiring views all around. Indeed they can been seen on every street creating their own impressions of the city.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Malaga is rich in culture. On the eve of San Juan (St. John) we were party to a spectacular festival on Malagueta beach. A massive concert stage was erected and various acts performed. Huge bonfires were alight on the beach which was thronged with people young and old; eating, drinking and dancing into the small hours. At midnight many took a dip in the sea to wash away evil for the year ahead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Speaking of eating and drinking, I could not omit Tapas and Sangria, could I? From humble Spanish roots Sangria is now served around the world. Sangria is a sweet punch made with red wine and fruit, is served cold and is typically served to 'visitors'.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Along with the Sangria, Tapas is served in bars on every corner to the sound of Flamenco. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Huge varieties of small 'snack-size' dishes are served in small earthenware bowls. Some hot like meatballs in tomato sauce, prawns fried in garlic and oil (gambas al pil-pil), potato croquettes flavoured with ham, and some cold like cured meats, olives and cheeses. All equally delicious!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On our last night there we saw a Flamenco show. Flamenco is of course a type of Spanish folk music and dance with guitars and handclaps or palmas. It was absolutely enthralling, see for yourself...</span><br />
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Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7617145862582410600.post-47458885030159349022014-06-21T10:35:00.000+01:002014-07-12T16:30:23.745+01:00Horse Chestnut Series - June<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">As June draws to an end the showy flowers of early summer are all but gone.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As with lots of plants, the demise of their flowers gives way to fruit. This fruit will contain the seed or nut. The outer husk of this fruit is poisonous. In fact, the raw seed, bark, flower and leaf are all unsafe and can even cause death if ingested.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Looking at how huge the tree seems now in full leaf it reminded me of a poem my Granddad used to recite, a poem he learned in school as a boy; <em>The Village Blacksmith</em> by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></em> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Under the spreading chestnut tree</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>The village smithy stands;</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>The smith, a mighty man is he,</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>With large and sinewy hands;</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>And the muscles of his brawny arms</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Are strong as iron bands.</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: small;"></span></em> </div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">His hair is crisp, and black, and long,</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">His face is like the tan;</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">His brow is wet with honest sweat,</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">He earns whate'er he can.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">And looks the whole world in the face,</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">For he owes not any man.</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">As a child, I found it quite a sad poem about an honest, hardworking man who lost his wife at a young age and was trying to raise his children alone.</span></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">He goes on Sunday to the church,<br />
And sits among his boys;<br />
He hears the parson pray and preach,<br />
He hears his daughter's voice,<br />
Singing in the village choir,<br />
And it makes his heart rejoice.</span> </em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">It sounds to him like her mother's
voice,<br />
Singing in Paradise!<br />
He needs must think of her once more<br />
How in the grave she lies;<br />
And with his hard, rough hand he wipes<br />
A tear out of his eyes.</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The "spreading Chestnut tree" that he writes of fell victim to progress in 1876 and was cut down in order to widen the street. The children of the town had a beautiful chair made from the wood of the tree and it was presented to Longfellow on his 72nd birthday. A portion of a verse from the poem was etched along the rails of the chair...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>And the children coming home from school</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Look in at the open door;</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>And catch the burning sparks that fly</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Like chaff from the threshing-floor.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Longfellow was so touched by this gift from the children, he wrote a poem as a way of saying thanks...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">From My Armchair</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><em>Am I a king, that I should call my own<br />
This splendid Ebon throne?<br />
Or by what reason, or what right divine,<br />
Can I proclaim it mine? </em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Only perhaps, by right divine of song<br />
It may to me belong;<br />
Only because the spreading chestnut tree<br />
Of old was sung by me. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></em> </div>
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</em></span><em><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">There by the blacksmith's forge,<br />
beside the street,<br />
Its blossoms white and sweet<br />
Enticed the bees, until it seemed alive,<br />
And murmured like a hive. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
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</em></span><em><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">And when the winds of autumn, with a
shout,<br />
Tossed its great arms about.<br />
The shining chestnuts, bursting from the sheath,<br />
Dropped to the ground beneath. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></em> </div>
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</em></span><em><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">And now some fragments of its branches
bare,<br />
Shaped as a stately chair,<br />
Have by my hearthstone found a home at last,<br />
And a whisper of the past. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
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</em></span><em><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">And thus, dear children, have ye made
for me<br />
This day a jubilee.<br />
And to my more than threescore years and ten,<br />
Brought back my youth again. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></em> </div>
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</em></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><em>Only your love and remembrance could,<br />
Give life to this dead wood,<br />
And make these branches, leafless<br />
now so long, Blossom again in song.</em> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Henry Wadsworth Longfellow</span></i></div>
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Sweet Auburn Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08500998127522554277noreply@blogger.com0