tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27365735051933562532024-03-13T01:15:09.667+00:00MANOR HOUSE BLOGElaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-15924914067370528902016-12-19T21:16:00.000+00:002016-12-19T21:16:54.213+00:00FILMING AT THE MANOR HOUSE - BARCLAY'S INSURANCE<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Last week, we had a very exciting day here when advertising agency <a href="http://www.mccannbirmingham.co.uk/">Mccann Erikson</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">came to film a '<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/11/05/what-is-the-mannequin-challenge-bizarre-freezing-craze-among-tee/">mannequin challenge</a>' for <a href="http://www.barclays.co.uk/Insurance/Home/BarclaysHomeInsurance">Barclay's home insurance</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For those of you who are not familiar with a mannequin challenge, it's a viral video</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">craze that is sweeping the world featuring people freezing for the camera imitating mannequins whilst music plays in the background. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is the result....</span><br />
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-82371718666302452662016-12-12T19:46:00.000+00:002016-12-12T19:46:04.451+00:00GREENERY IN THE HOUSE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2017">Pantone</a> have recently announced their 'Colour of the Year 2017'. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's called 'Greenery' (Pantone 15-0343). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">'A refreshing and revitalizing shade - symbolic of new beginnings - </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">a fresh and zesty yellow-green that evokes the first days of spring.' </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQmsvUjkv4s/WE7t-voMGtI/AAAAAAAAF3U/6y3hNG6Je3IfHRpah32k2GNChao2j1x2ACLcB/s1600/green%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQmsvUjkv4s/WE7t-voMGtI/AAAAAAAAF3U/6y3hNG6Je3IfHRpah32k2GNChao2j1x2ACLcB/s640/green%2B1.jpg" width="409" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://jjmedia.com/locations/5185">source</a></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I understand the sentiment behind this colour but large amounts of Pantone's 'Greenery' is not a colour for our <a href="http://manorhouseblog.blogspot.co.uk/">house</a>. The photo</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> above</span> has just enough green for my liking. In fact the recycled shelves, bottles and leaves look great 'but' and there's a big 'but' and that is - the photo is mainly filled with white with a little emphasis on green.</span></div>
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<a href="https://jjmedia.com/locations/5185"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">source</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">So this is the thing (well as I see it anyway)....this new colour for 2017, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">in order for us to embrace it, can only be used as a hi-light - mainly in the form of house plants then teamed with a lots and lots of white, which is the best colour in the world. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Funny as it is, I think we've got the balance correct in the <a href="http://manorhouseblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/more-spare-bedroom-details.html">spare room</a> already!!</span></div>
Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-55423648878063150092016-12-02T17:42:00.003+00:002016-12-03T11:10:58.000+00:00DINING ROOM - ON THE WALLS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With Christmas only 23 days away, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">it's got me thinking about our first Christmas at The Manor House.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We were deep in the middle of having the <a href="http://manorhouseblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/dining-room-updates.html">dining room</a> renovated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Finishing off the room, was getting less and less likely as Christmas drew closer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our builders worked frantically to finish but unfortunately there just wasn't enough time to complete it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> In a mad panic and knowing we were having lots of family to stay, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">what could we do to 'spice up' the dining room for the festive time?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Richard had the bright idea to get Alfie and Jemima </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">to paint the walls with all the family members coming to stay. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">These were the results...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We had a fantastic family time, lots of food and games, laughter and happiness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was a lovely Christmas. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The room felt cozy and warm and the paintings added a unique fun element.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It
was a sad moment painting over the 'art' when the room eventually got
finished but I'm glad we have these photos to remember what they looked
like. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our dining room looked very different last year at Christmas<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and </span>w</span>ith a few more members added to the family (Scarlett 6, Albie 3 and Boo 2), we managed to all sit down around the table and have another happy meal together. This time, my <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">super </span>talented photograph<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">er</span> sister, <a href="http://www.charlottecarterphotography.com/">Charlotte</a> took this <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">image</span> to capture the magical moment. </span></div>
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Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-24400200807111689872016-11-29T15:45:00.000+00:002016-11-29T15:50:41.870+00:00KITCHEN : LIGHT AND BRIGHT<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sometimes when the day is a bit dull because the weather is awful and the skies are full of much rain and I'm thinking I wish we were on holiday in a sunny part of the world.... it's then that I have a reality check and realise how lucky we are to live in this house, whatever the weather. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o1Q_edzH_ms/WDNYxR68-dI/AAAAAAAAFyo/ZLNxeuF3nsQUg86EvllxoWgaNV_ffmb0gCLcB/s1600/dave%2Bkitchen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o1Q_edzH_ms/WDNYxR68-dI/AAAAAAAAFyo/ZLNxeuF3nsQUg86EvllxoWgaNV_ffmb0gCLcB/s640/dave%2Bkitchen.jpg" width="476" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We have achieved so much with <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">our hom</span>e. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We bought it knowing that it needed updating and <a href="http://manorhouseblog.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/kitchen-and-utility-renovations.html">renovating</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The room that I favour most, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">has to be</span> the kitchen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's a room that <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">we all </span> naturally gravitate towards, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">whether it be to sit and read a book<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> or </span>listen to music<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> or to </span>make <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and</span> eat food. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">has</span> </span>an advantage<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>that it's always filled with natural light<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(</span></span>even on the darkest of days<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">) -</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">no<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">rth,</span></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">south</span> du<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">al aspect<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> w<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">indows</span></span></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">enh<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">anced <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">by</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">any</span> </span></span>light boun<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">cing off<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> the white painted walls.</span></span></span></span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I like to remind myself of what the room looked like when we arrived......</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">BEFORE</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's changed a lot!!</span></div>
Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-39040836516937645422016-11-16T19:44:00.000+00:002016-11-16T19:44:51.905+00:00WINDFALLS FROM THE ORCHARD<div class="share-pictures-overlay" id="share-pictures-1">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's still very Autumnal here</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Leaves are slowly leaving their branches</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">and we're collecting numerous 'windfalls' from the orchard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One particular tree has some lovely juicy red cooking apples.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We can't eat them quick enough before more fall. It's difficult to decide what to make with them as we have apples 'coming out of our ears', </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> but today I made three small upside-down toffee apple puddings.</span></div>
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<br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-et4Zx4jBi0k/WCyypWcQxII/AAAAAAAAFyU/5RGYqLQITBQmj9pGFoOAxRlycLefzVatwCLcB/s1600/apple%2Bcake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-et4Zx4jBi0k/WCyypWcQxII/AAAAAAAAFyU/5RGYqLQITBQmj9pGFoOAxRlycLefzVatwCLcB/s400/apple%2Bcake.jpg" width="326" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">They are perfect for a Autumn pudding and delicious with a dollop of </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">crème fraîche</span>.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here's the gorgeous recipe<b> </b>-</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Instead of making three little cakes as I did, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">you can combine all the ingredients to make one larger size which shows off </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">the pretty fan shaped apples.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Serves 6- 8</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">topping</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">75g (3oz) light muscovado sugar</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">50g (20z) butter</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3 red dessert or cooking apples, core removed and thinly sliced</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">sponge</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">100g (4oz) butter</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">100g (4oz) caster sugar</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 eggs</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">175g (6oz) </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">self-raising flour<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> plus 1tsp baking powder</span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">zest of 1 small lemon</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Grease a 20cm (8") deep cake tin and line the base. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Measure the ingredients for the topping into a pan. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Place on low heat, stir until just melted and pour into the prepared tin. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Lay apple slices in a spiral on top.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Measure the ingredients for the sponge together into a bowl, beat until smooth. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Spoon over the apple (the mixture is fairly stiff) and spread out evenly to cover.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bake in a preheated oven 180C/160CFan/Gas 4 for about 40 - 45 minutes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Leave to cool for a couple of minutes in the tin.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Invert onto a serving plate, </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">remove the paper and serve warm with custard, cream or </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">crème fraîche</span>.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Taken from <a href="http://www.lucyyoung.co.uk/bk-aga-easy.html">Lucy Young</a> - Aga Easy </span></span></div>
Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-87838196386538891052016-10-25T17:45:00.001+01:002016-10-25T17:45:09.364+01:00AUTUMN IS HERE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Autumn has definitely arrived.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5ckRwcCEVw/WA-CR-_q6YI/AAAAAAAAFxs/S_oqTf28PAM3HXa4kGQLSdaco_RhGGCvwCEw/s400/orchard%2Baut%2B3.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The nights are getting darker, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">we're noticing colder weather and the leaves are changing colour</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">from green to rusts, to yellows, and oranges.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aqhZxVAXBzo/WA-CRIReVbI/AAAAAAAAFxk/XCuQ6G2aMf4j2wDvkLP1YJJEpM5voDBLACEw/s1600/orchard%2B2016%2Baut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aqhZxVAXBzo/WA-CRIReVbI/AAAAAAAAFxk/XCuQ6G2aMf4j2wDvkLP1YJJEpM5voDBLACEw/s640/orchard%2B2016%2Baut.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sGkMYMpdP94/WA-CRrterGI/AAAAAAAAFxo/GHwoS16qsHcJ-YUWrLS5Q__oIU9KTEo4gCEw/s1600/orchard%2Baut%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sGkMYMpdP94/WA-CRrterGI/AAAAAAAAFxo/GHwoS16qsHcJ-YUWrLS5Q__oIU9KTEo4gCEw/s640/orchard%2Baut%2B2.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The leaves are beginning to drop in the orchard,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">and in the garden by the house. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvgHwaNh3hY/WA-CQuD2pFI/AAAAAAAAFxg/JbSHjoFka4YU2MOLV8Pg6P6da5c88OLagCEw/s1600/orchard%2B2016%2Baut%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvgHwaNh3hY/WA-CQuD2pFI/AAAAAAAAFxg/JbSHjoFka4YU2MOLV8Pg6P6da5c88OLagCEw/s400/orchard%2B2016%2Baut%2B1.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Autumn evidence from the kitchen window.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0uA2heuyKeA/WA-CQvy9-VI/AAAAAAAAFxc/_ggdy5giBNsznFr4XRWXT08vlYoHFE8zQCEw/s1600/orchard%2Baut%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0uA2heuyKeA/WA-CQvy9-VI/AAAAAAAAFxc/_ggdy5giBNsznFr4XRWXT08vlYoHFE8zQCEw/s400/orchard%2Baut%2B1.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We've harvested herbs that grow in the vegetable garden.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">rosemary, sage, thyme and marjoram.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">They're hung upside down to dry, afterwards stored for use throughout the winter season. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jElCeNC8x24/WA-DJqz04OI/AAAAAAAAFx4/-qjMuKHtp08W0rjXqmxuepPbp1snhvKDACLcB/s1600/orchard%2Baut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jElCeNC8x24/WA-DJqz04OI/AAAAAAAAFx4/-qjMuKHtp08W0rjXqmxuepPbp1snhvKDACLcB/s400/orchard%2Baut.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And look there's two pumpkins!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Undecided yet, they'll either be put outside for Halloween night </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">or made into a <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/pumpkinpie_70659">pumpkin pie</a>.</span></div>
Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-78105118980971234232016-10-17T10:11:00.000+01:002016-10-17T10:11:00.633+01:00HOMEGROWN TOMATOES<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's been a while since I've written here, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">so thought it might be good to come back with a look at our homegrown tomatoes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yes they are green!!!! and yes they are on the window sill ripening....</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eq5ICJj-yfU/WASUM9Lu44I/AAAAAAAAFxA/GaP9bTo_e6EGxKKTCrdVvnsqFhpD25-4QCLcB/s1600/tomatoes%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eq5ICJj-yfU/WASUM9Lu44I/AAAAAAAAFxA/GaP9bTo_e6EGxKKTCrdVvnsqFhpD25-4QCLcB/s640/tomatoes%2B2.jpg" width="539" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">but look there's one that is red...</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OA5JApmlmSw/WASUP8RnazI/AAAAAAAAFxE/c1T9Ply2LJQgrGHuVHsi5ugNQP1BRa1iwCLcB/s1600/tomatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OA5JApmlmSw/WASUP8RnazI/AAAAAAAAFxE/c1T9Ply2LJQgrGHuVHsi5ugNQP1BRa1iwCLcB/s640/tomatoes.jpg" width="552" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and we're positive that with the lovely sunshine that we're experiencing, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">they'll all be red soon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Can't wait to eat them!!!</span></div>
Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-91852705636939032202016-03-23T20:44:00.005+00:002016-09-27T20:06:42.874+01:00PROUD PARENT MOMENT<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There are celebrations today at the Manor House. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Jemima passed her <a href="https://www.gov.uk/book-driving-test">driving test</a>......yay! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Not only did she pass with having had 12 lessons (<i>and lots of help from mum and dad</i>), </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">she also only got 6 minors!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The examiner said she <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.32px;">was one of the best young drivers of her age that he had examined. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, so proud and pleased for her.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cm5bQdnR1-E/VvL_bsEqSeI/AAAAAAAAFws/X21WKRAoi0IWKy6FVfKTeBhbEWtkdqxNg/s1600/around%2Bthe%2Bhouse%2B030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cm5bQdnR1-E/VvL_bsEqSeI/AAAAAAAAFws/X21WKRAoi0IWKy6FVfKTeBhbEWtkdqxNg/s640/around%2Bthe%2Bhouse%2B030.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Love you Jemima x</span></span></div>
Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-29624502128778192792016-03-18T19:12:00.000+00:002016-03-19T13:12:30.727+00:00CONCRETE WORKTOPS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've been following <a href="http://www.remodelista.com/posts/remodeling-101-concrete-kitchen-countertops/?utm_source=Remodelista%2FGardenista+Subscriber+List&utm_campaign=cdbb028173-Remodelista+Daily+Mail+Campaign&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_447a717cea-cdbb028173-379928461">Remodelista</a> for many years, getting daily updates on design ideas, amazing architec</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">tural projects, shopping and travel suggestions. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's a very interesting blog which I'm addicted too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Today they focused on concrete worktops, a subject that I am passionate about </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">as we have them in our kitchen. I am so, so happy with ours, which is certainly 'The star of the show' in our kitchen! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They have a solid, sturdiness mixed with a natural feel that no other worktop could provide.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Even over time the concrete will develop a patina with more use. How good is this?</span></div>
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<img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7r2YGgjTHJg/Vuu3ntg-J6I/AAAAAAAAFwU/AS7opMsYYdk_KfCKzy5y2Ca6WIbo0lHmg/s640/kitchen3.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The only slight draw back with concrete, is that we have to be cautious about are squirts of lemon juice or spillages of white wine. Generally, washing off instantly rectifies this problem though. Because ours is polished concrete we add a waterproof sealant to buff it up every now and again...'rub it on, rub it off', a bit like on the film 'Karate Kid' if you've ever seen it? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Once done, it shines like new again.</span></div>
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<img height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8S4CKbrrbLU/Vuu3nhiZuJI/AAAAAAAAFwY/E1u_oj1Eu9obAAQo9omCFWpKqmD14ChSA/s640/kitchen5.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Concrete worktops don't have to be grey in colour, in fact when people walk into our kitchen this is normally the first comment they make. Ours is a natural white.</span></div>
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<img height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wfb3ZjLq3Vw/Vuu3oICtfbI/AAAAAAAAFwc/OvgaN6YZxs8YAi_R2xMYAoCxOL2fH41tA/s640/kitchen6.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you're considering concrete worktops, I would highly recommend <a href="http://www.lowinfo.com/">Lowinfo</a>, this is the company that we worked with to produce ours. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have previously written a post about the process <a href="http://manorhouseblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/concrete-work-tops.html">here</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We are so pleased we chose concrete worktops.</span></div>
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<br />Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-23831184754250791102016-03-11T20:44:00.000+00:002016-03-15T13:37:21.447+00:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's exciting to see our house being used in a professional photograph, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">recognizing the chair, floor, curtains or plant that are everyday objects to us, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">which are then transformed into a backdrop to a client's advert, or an image on their website </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">or a promotional brochure. </span></div>
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<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N3Beu9-qskQ/VpjcFEJBLLI/AAAAAAAAFso/4oGotzqHq3A/s640/hj%2Bsocks%2Bladies-menu-1.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Take for instance the above photo used on <a href="https://www.hj.co.uk/">H J Socks</a> website. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">chaise longue</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> that stands in front of the window in the spare room... </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BF8K4NhoTG0/VpjbqlsmYdI/AAAAAAAAFsQ/R1YdJAY-ZcQ/s1600/hj%2Bsocks%2Bgenv-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BF8K4NhoTG0/VpjbqlsmYdI/AAAAAAAAFsQ/R1YdJAY-ZcQ/s640/hj%2Bsocks%2Bgenv-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the wing back chair in the conservatory, </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r-1BhmMxwM4/Vpjb0TmGziI/AAAAAAAAFsY/6YfVWhc5iOc/s1600/ProtrekHeader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r-1BhmMxwM4/Vpjb0TmGziI/AAAAAAAAFsY/6YfVWhc5iOc/s640/ProtrekHeader.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">or the gates into the orchard,</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00O8QdIPej0/VpjcATDakhI/AAAAAAAAFsg/xWfkEkLKh1o/s1600/Outdoor%2BInsert%2BHJ7452%2B-%2BHJ7451-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00O8QdIPej0/VpjcATDakhI/AAAAAAAAFsg/xWfkEkLKh1o/s640/Outdoor%2BInsert%2BHJ7452%2B-%2BHJ7451-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">or the steps up into the conservatory.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="Men's Socks" height="84" src="https://www.hj.co.uk/media/catalog/category/men_s-socks-banner.jpg" width="640" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Various shots from around the house and outside used by the client for a banner on their website.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our house can be rented out as a film and photo shoot locations </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">via <a href="http://jjlocations.com/locations_detail.php?l_id=4120">JJ Loctions</a> and <a href="http://www.shootfactory.co.uk/">Shoot Factory</a>.</span></div>
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Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-82133208428242953862016-03-11T11:37:00.000+00:002016-03-11T11:37:33.393+00:00OH WONDER - LOSE IT <div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Loving this music and video at the moment and just had to share it...</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VgwcPiCjQ-0" width="480"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Have a great weekend!</span></div>
Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-79189062003405007902016-03-07T20:16:00.001+00:002016-03-07T20:16:01.511+00:00MAIN BEDROOM DOOR<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I love this photo of the door into the main bedroom taken on a sunny summers day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There's something both mystical and serene about it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">White door, white walls and white floor, a hint of colour from green leaves in the glass vase. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The letters are </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">from </span><a href="http://www.poshgraffiti.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Posh Grafitti</a>.</div>
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Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-2697770796743384682016-02-15T15:30:00.000+00:002016-02-15T15:30:18.602+00:00WASHING-UP LIQUID YOU NEED TO TRY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of my thoughtful and very kind friends has just given me a lovely gift ...</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">washing-up liquid from </span><a href="http://daylesford.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Daylesford </a>. </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lucky for her, she visited the organic farm in Gloucestershire this weekend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She certainly knows how to spoil me </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and knew it would appeal to me. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I can't believe how excited I am about it!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vVt-c5WAWy8/VsHf1gtCzFI/AAAAAAAAFvs/O5chqedwtMk/s1600/daylesford%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vVt-c5WAWy8/VsHf1gtCzFI/AAAAAAAAFvs/O5chqedwtMk/s640/daylesford%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've just cleaned some very greasy saucepans and spoons. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is not just a pretty bottle of washing-up liquid, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">it effectively washes grease and grime leaving dishes sparkling and clean. </span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ii_e0PFA6jg/VsHf3CRak4I/AAAAAAAAFv0/86zeYMM30GY/s1600/daylesford3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ii_e0PFA6jg/VsHf3CRak4I/AAAAAAAAFv0/86zeYMM30GY/s640/daylesford3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center;">Environmentally kind, biodegradable, sensitive to skin with a beautiful scent of rosemary. It even looks good in a clear bottle with simple white and grey graphics so if you're anything like me, you won't be embarrassed to leave out on show in your kitchen. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9JSqCKkRAM/VsHf3gAJ-vI/AAAAAAAAFv8/lRNF50SFvNg/s1600/daylesford5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9JSqCKkRAM/VsHf3gAJ-vI/AAAAAAAAFv8/lRNF50SFvNg/s640/daylesford5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I can't rave on enough about it. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">All in all a perfect product...10 out of 10!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can buy it online <a href="http://daylesford.com/shop/homeware/cleaning/rosemary-washing-up-liquid-500ml/">here</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HSMe1T2EtOY/VsHf1uVMQOI/AAAAAAAAFwA/zNrOdYbcswo/s1600/daylesford%2Bwashing%2Bup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HSMe1T2EtOY/VsHf1uVMQOI/AAAAAAAAFwA/zNrOdYbcswo/s640/daylesford%2Bwashing%2Bup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-27084772879170340382016-01-31T15:12:00.001+00:002016-02-01T11:50:56.557+00:00HALL RENOVATIONS - A STONE FLOOR<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our hall has a grandness. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It has remained, the same as it was originally built back in 1870's. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The staircase is the prized feature, with its deep stairs and mahogany handrail. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is the hall as it looks today... </span><br />
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<img height="585" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwNy-YsX86o/ViFC84y04SI/AAAAAAAAFkc/fX9SiSHTkP4/s640/hall%2BD%2Bnow.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: start;">and looking the other way towards the front door...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When introduced to The Manor House, it was the <a href="http://manorhouseblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/it-started-with-hall.html">hall</a> that we walked into first. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Standing all together, our first impressions was of a room in need of updating and some renovations. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">High ceilings, large staircase, lots of space, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">mostly a light and airy room with beautiful original doors to rooms that </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">had</i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> to be explored. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Once we'd moved in and started renovating the house, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">generally our motto has been that not everything has to be expensive to update. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We always try to use what you have or clean, mend or add too it</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Under a green carpet in the hall, we found a natural stone floor. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was an exciting moment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We suspect that the sandstone had been sourced from a Mansfield quarry in Nottinghamshire around the 1800's when this part of the house was built. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p9se6RXrfJ8/Vq4jvdkK-HI/AAAAAAAAFuU/iTLc9xwNbxI/s400/floor.jpg" width="400" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(above) detail of stone floor</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">many years of walking on the floor, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">especially into rooms that were probably occupied by servants, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">some</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> areas </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">have become worn and indented.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We were keen to discard the carpet and </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">see the </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">distinctive beauty of the natural </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">stone floor. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">t's a </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">durable, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">unpretentious, honest flooring that </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">will last many decades and beyond.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">BEFORE (below)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We had to take the hall carpet up as soon as possible because I hated it (we didn't even have time to take any photos). The stair carpet we had to live with for many years before we decorated the hall and came up with a better solution.</span><br />
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<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gb4aDaTm10U/VjOl0t6BtTI/AAAAAAAAFlA/7s2ZCuiKU8s/s640/hall%2BD.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">BEFORE (below)</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KJV1B351CPo/VjOl0osRYjI/AAAAAAAAFlM/6LAj9QS_Rt8/s1600/hall%2BE%2Bbefore%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KJV1B351CPo/VjOl0osRYjI/AAAAAAAAFlM/6LAj9QS_Rt8/s640/hall%2BE%2Bbefore%2B.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-813741973299688022016-01-22T20:17:00.000+00:002016-01-22T20:21:40.778+00:00A HELP WITH SNOWDROPS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yesterday, there was a knock at the door. It was a lady I'd never met before. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">She wanted a 'cheeky favour' (her words, not mine).....</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"could she have some snowdrops from our orchard"?</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCVDbu5u7nc/VqKEPlVTAZI/AAAAAAAAFto/AAyXOXtRDoo/s1600/snow%2Bdrops%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCVDbu5u7nc/VqKEPlVTAZI/AAAAAAAAFto/AAyXOXtRDoo/s640/snow%2Bdrops%2B2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">She had struggled to find any snowdrops at the garden nurseries or shops near to us to buy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Her sister had recently died and seeing her sister's favourite flower were snowdrops, she </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">wanted some to put on her grave.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t40X5M7jdnU/VqKGsMBYpYI/AAAAAAAAFuA/oF53hU3lwak/s1600/snowdrops%2B2016%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t40X5M7jdnU/VqKGsMBYpYI/AAAAAAAAFuA/oF53hU3lwak/s640/snowdrops%2B2016%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Eager to help out, I suggested she dig up a few to take to the funeral today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's a lovely thought, that some of our Snowdrops (Galanthus) have found a new place to rest and grow each year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">All around the UK, gardens are open to show off their beautiful <a href="http://www.greatbritishgardens.co.uk/seasonal/snowdrops/national-gardens-scheme-snowdrops.html">Snowdrops</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Click on the link and you'll find recommended gardens open by the National Garden Scheme, to walk through.</span></div>
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Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-10179129877058414532016-01-14T15:00:00.001+00:002016-01-15T11:10:59.275+00:00COLD OUTSIDE - WARM INSIDE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The weather has changed and we're experiencing winter at last. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's cold outside but warm and cosy inside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This area in the kitchen is </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">lovely sit at, after a freezing cold walk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center;">Luckily, we have a wood burner to add extra heat if needed.</span><br />
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<img height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CFesIxn-uhw/VpjSAFXjSGI/AAAAAAAAFrs/_QWErAeH4IE/s640/cold%2Bfire%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We inherited it from the previous owner, who installed it probably in the late 70's. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To be honest, it's not my ideal looking burner. I would prefer something at little more</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">contemporary but by </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">saving money when we renovated </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">the <a href="http://manorhouseblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/kitchen-and-utility-reveal.html">kitchen</a>, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">we decided to keep it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On cold days like today, it's very good at it's job.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><img height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t0RjdePyQ18/VpjSwZrl7ZI/AAAAAAAAFr4/0bQ1a_x6YIs/s640/cold%2Bfire4.jpg" width="640" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bought at an antiques fair about 25 years ago, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">the school trunk is in its original state. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It works well as a table. We're not precious about it, so if anything gets spilt or knocked on it, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">we don't worry about it at all. Great for putting your feet up on too!</span></div>
Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-49343150437631726642016-01-07T19:24:00.000+00:002016-01-07T23:03:32.954+00:00CHRISTMAS MEMORIES<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christmas 2015 was a very special time for us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All my family came here over the Christmas period.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My wonderful sister, Charlotte </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">took some amazing photos. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Luckily for us, she is a professional</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">'children, family and lifestyle photographer'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(You can find her website </span><a href="http://www.charlottecarterphotography.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">here</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Her style is natural, vibrant and full of warmth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She used the house as a backdrop to capture our time together and here</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">is just a little taster of those treasured moments. </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: calluna; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">'Princess' Scarlett on the hall landing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love that Charlotte has managed to </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">include the Christmas tree down stairs, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">in this shot as well.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ebPREja9pEQ/Vo6UD0kXs_I/AAAAAAAAFoE/STSeGs9x4y8/s1600/xmas%2Bscart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ebPREja9pEQ/Vo6UD0kXs_I/AAAAAAAAFoE/STSeGs9x4y8/s640/xmas%2Bscart.jpg" width="353" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't we all love a reindeer-themed-sweatshirt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Just look at Ben's chubby little arms and wrists.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-snBdm4bedrA/Vo5zHFTGi8I/AAAAAAAAFmc/mTwsKZsV_I4/s1600/xmas12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-snBdm4bedrA/Vo5zHFTGi8I/AAAAAAAAFmc/mTwsKZsV_I4/s640/xmas12.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Albie on the stairs with his favourite present....Spencer.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CKy6UETRbT8/Vo5zF3z7JEI/AAAAAAAAFmI/gSEkkpkZQL8/s1600/xmas%2B15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CKy6UETRbT8/Vo5zF3z7JEI/AAAAAAAAFmI/gSEkkpkZQL8/s640/xmas%2B15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fun, laughter, wine and crackers at the dining table.</span></span></div>
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<img height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ttLATRmOES4/Vo5zG3khrsI/AAAAAAAAFmU/aX9J0fFyWNg/s640/xmas%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and a Christmas birthday celebration too... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thanks to Charlotte and all the family for making Christmas at The Manor House so special.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center;">The House can be hired for photo shoots or filming via location Company, <a href="http://www.shootfactory.co.uk/other-houses/1631/tv-video-photo-film-location.html">Shoot Factory</a>.</span></div>
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Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-61633558092934376432015-10-09T10:30:00.000+01:002015-10-09T10:30:01.879+01:00FRESH RASPBERRIES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> We're missing the Summer months and all that grows in the garden. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Summer favourites</span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">are</span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center;">fresh, juicy organic raspberries.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: start;">There is something lovely about taking a bowl from the kitchen, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: start;">walking into the garden and picking homegrown raspberries straight off the shrubs they've grown on.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: start;">Simply gorgeous and so healthy. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: start;">They couldn't grow fast enough for us. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: start;">We ate them added to our breakfast cereal with yoghurt, or mixed into a smoothie. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W50UXXtF-1I/VazYbJo9fnI/AAAAAAAAFeU/Htaz0YVKg1o/s1600/rasp%2Bbiscuits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W50UXXtF-1I/VazYbJo9fnI/AAAAAAAAFeU/Htaz0YVKg1o/s640/rasp%2Bbiscuits.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This recipe uses fresh raspberries and makes the most delicious cookies. Very quick to make in less than 7 minutes - great for an afternoon 'pick me up'....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Ingredients (serves 6)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cup of cashew flour (cashew nuts powdered in a blender)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/4 of a cup maples syrup</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/4 of a cup raw cacao butter, melted</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 cup of fresh raspberries</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Method</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In a bowl mix the cashew flour with the maple syrup and the melted cacao butter. Then add the fruits and mix evenly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Take a tray lined with greaseproof paper and drop spoonfuls of the mixture and shape it to desired cookie size with a spoon. Place the tray in the freezer to set and when the cookies are firm enough, remove them from the paper and place on a plate to serve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Inspired by a <a href="http://namafoods.com/">Nama</a> recipe.</span></div>
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Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-63529066203477702732015-10-02T13:01:00.001+01:002015-10-02T13:01:32.799+01:00HARVESTING THE GARDEN<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">October is here and with that Autumn has arrived, luckily nice and slowly this year as we're still enjoying sunny days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It seems a time to reflect on what we've </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">received from the garden and </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm amazed at how much we actually gain from it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There's always so many different varieties of apples...</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGnOnYDPfWU/Vg5fASarCLI/AAAAAAAAFhs/grBqWqfMWaw/s1600/apple%2Bchutney%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGnOnYDPfWU/Vg5fASarCLI/AAAAAAAAFhs/grBqWqfMWaw/s640/apple%2Bchutney%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">gorgeous juicy eating apples,</span></div>
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<img height="512" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJNlkRhJHig/Vg5mxW3mr2I/AAAAAAAAFio/DStHkwEuCq8/s640/apples%2Bbowl.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">to cooking apples (above), </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">great for crumbles or stewed and used with muesli at breakfast.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3a2DMOfM5Po/Vg5mrDu1pMI/AAAAAAAAFiM/5ki0-xpqNPQ/s1600/apple1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3a2DMOfM5Po/Vg5mrDu1pMI/AAAAAAAAFiM/5ki0-xpqNPQ/s640/apple1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pears (above). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not the best crop this year but we still managed a few to eat.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AaX9vtHTH24/Vg5msqZ7zVI/AAAAAAAAFiU/yZqM_ulYkUc/s1600/apple%2Btomato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="465" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AaX9vtHTH24/Vg5msqZ7zVI/AAAAAAAAFiU/yZqM_ulYkUc/s640/apple%2Btomato.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lots of tomatoes, grown in the vegetable plot.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2o-HMc_M8k/Vg5mxH9x2lI/AAAAAAAAFig/Lu4nqgguA5w/s1600/apples%2Bblack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="497" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2o-HMc_M8k/Vg5mxH9x2lI/AAAAAAAAFig/Lu4nqgguA5w/s640/apples%2Bblack.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">even the odd blackberry or two.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8GxPkdrCdJ4/Vg5mxA8gSpI/AAAAAAAAFic/dUxnEOBuF8A/s1600/apples%2Bgrapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8GxPkdrCdJ4/Vg5mxA8gSpI/AAAAAAAAFic/dUxnEOBuF8A/s640/apples%2Bgrapes.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the greenhouse, there's a grape vine. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aybOnM8gltU/Vg5m0LWBTuI/AAAAAAAAFi0/UCvq2Mf3Tuk/s1600/apples%2Bmirabelles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aybOnM8gltU/Vg5m0LWBTuI/AAAAAAAAFi0/UCvq2Mf3Tuk/s640/apples%2Bmirabelles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> So many <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirabelle_plum">Mirabelle plums</a>...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and an abundance of Victoria plums. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Gorgeous, also stewed and used at breakfast.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Etxpr3AoFiM/Vg5nbG7bacI/AAAAAAAAFjU/1RBtswUexD0/s1600/rasp%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Etxpr3AoFiM/Vg5nbG7bacI/AAAAAAAAFjU/1RBtswUexD0/s640/rasp%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The sweetest raspberries. No need for sugar to be added! </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-edcH1nI1Sfk/Vg5nj_8v2sI/AAAAAAAAFjc/33j9BoxBDQE/s1600/apples%2Bwalnuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-edcH1nI1Sfk/Vg5nj_8v2sI/AAAAAAAAFjc/33j9BoxBDQE/s640/apples%2Bwalnuts.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Walnuts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(if we're quick to get them before the squirrels do!!)</span></div>
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<img height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFrtYwjvsWo/Vg5nKsJ9LRI/AAAAAAAAFjE/b9lny2hRUzw/s640/oct%2B2013.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and lastly, a pumpkin which we'll pick for Halloween.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When everything is listed like this, I realise what lucky people we are to have all these free and organic harvests each year.</span></div>
Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-73827105920034666452015-08-13T10:21:00.000+01:002015-08-13T10:21:00.155+01:00ALLIUMS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qoC9eavvFQM/Vay6iTJER5I/AAAAAAAAFd8/lvMyCZD-4mw/s1600/allium1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qoC9eavvFQM/Vay6iTJER5I/AAAAAAAAFd8/lvMyCZD-4mw/s640/allium1.jpg" width="498" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Adding a bit of colour to the <a href="http://manorhouseblog.blogspot.co.uk/2014_08_01_archive.html">main bedroom</a>, in the form of a drying-out Allium. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Grown in the garden this year and thinking it's far </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">to beautiful to throw away, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">it now sits on the mantle piece in our bedroom. </span></div>
Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-32797857745216766632015-08-06T10:30:00.000+01:002015-08-06T10:30:02.278+01:00IT STARTED WITH A HALL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The first time we came to this house, it was only me that wanted to see it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We'd all stayed at a friend's house for the night and were having lots of fun. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the morning we needed to leave early in order to arrive on time for our appointment. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our children had already seen a lot of houses and weren't happy with traipsing around another one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We debated for ages whether to cancel the viewing....</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">eventually we walked up the path to the front door, rang the bell and the door opened to this....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Well, mostly this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(A green carpet was still down on the hall floor </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and the painting and wooden forks weren't there either). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(below) Walking into the house and looking back at the front door, we saw this...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I look at these photos now, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I find it hard to imagine why we </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">ALL</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> fell so in love with this house. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I knew the minute, I stood in the hall that I wanted to live here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It seems that when you get that 'gut feeling' that something is right, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">it's hard to let go of it. This house was perfect for us and we had to have it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's easy to be impressed with a properties good points and completely overlook the amount of work that is needed to <a href="http://manorhouseblog.blogspot.co.uk/">renovate</a> it. Looking beyond what we could see, it was easy to see it's potential. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The list of our 'wants' for a new home were easily matched and with great excitement three months later we moved in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This was only the beginning!</span></div>
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<br />Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-33576513257902090192015-07-30T10:30:00.000+01:002015-07-30T10:30:01.280+01:00ROCKING CHAIR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Can you help me out with a dilemma...</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-314-TKAzSFk/VZ1kRq1sgVI/AAAAAAAAFZA/EjPOORpcqgI/s1600/IMG_1345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-314-TKAzSFk/VZ1kRq1sgVI/AAAAAAAAFZA/EjPOORpcqgI/s640/IMG_1345.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">do I paint this rocking chair in a dark grey or leave it as it is?</span></div>
Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-12471676502687050482015-07-22T10:30:00.000+01:002015-07-22T10:30:02.496+01:00MORE SPARE BEDROOM DETAILS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the cupboard (below) in the spare bedroom are a collection of 'things' that have been gained over many years. 'Things' that are still as important as the day they were bought, found or given to us....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wooden 'Peace' sign from <a href="http://emilyreadettbayley.com/">Emily Readett-Bayley</a> - Handmade soap from <a href="http://www.anderra.co.uk/blog/sara-maria-strand-soap-at-covent-garden/">Sara Maria Strand</a> </span></div>
Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-28267451905245493792015-07-16T10:30:00.001+01:002015-07-16T10:30:01.050+01:00THE COMMON FOXGLOVE<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The common foxglove (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digitalis">Digitalis purpurea</a>) is one of my favourite flowers and suits an English country garden so well with it's grace and elegance.</span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's stems are tall and stately, thrive in light shade and are known to attract bumblebees to the garden.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />It's immaculate tubular flowers hang either side of the green stem, inside are tinged with speckled dots. They come in a variety of colours from purple, pinks through to white.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The foxglove's in our garden are in abundance this year. Conditions under an apple tree are favourable. There is adequate light and moisture. Foxgloves are biennial, producing flowers its second year. We have planted them two years running to have them next year as well, in the meantime, we must enjoy these ones this year.</span><br />
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Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736573505193356253.post-61220124025416185902015-07-09T10:30:00.000+01:002015-07-16T06:44:39.288+01:00FLOWERS IN FULL BLOOM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A closer look at some of the flowers in the garden....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This year has got to be best ever blooms we've seen from the flowers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This has to be put down to healthier soil. We have worked hard these past few years to produce our own compost by recycling organic materials such as leaves, vegetable scraps and grass cuttings. We've made a habit of adding compost to the soil each season because it's rich in nutrients and promotes soil microbes that aid plant growth. We are now seeing the benefits of our hard work. </span>Elaine Beerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920058126773129487noreply@blogger.com0