I adore these kitchens, but particularly the last one for its mix of different textures, elements, and the welcoming vibe I get from it. I'd love to cook and have a meal with friends or family in there. I can also see myself getting a cup of tea and wandering out that door and relaxing just outside. Plus, there's plenty of room for cats or other furry friends to wander around and laze about on the floor.
The table top in the second last picture is also amazing I think.
And, the view in that first picture..... WOW!
Happy weekend everyone. I hope you get the chance to share a meal with someone special (which includes one with just yourself!), and to enjoy simply relaxing in a room that makes you feel comfortable and nurtured.
Just been super busy doing a few very involved things that have gotten in the way of cyberspace time. Some have been resolved (school reports done, play for Ballarat National Theatre rehearsed and all performances over, new day career - BIG change - for next year organised), and some still to go.
However, it'll be pretty much back to normal here soon hopefully!
Bobbi, Sacha, and Jenn, I'll be coming to visit soon my friends!
To get into the spirit of the giving season, here's a lovely video about something that's really easy to give, and doesn't cost anything.
Side note.... hugs are great, and so is a home that feels like it's hugging you every time you walk in the door.
Some homes just have that feel of being grounded, stable, supportive, and nurturing...... like an old friend who's always there.
Furniture can go a long way to creating the 'old friend' vibe and atmosphere - and wood is always a soothing and cocooning material to work with.
This house, for instance (found whilst spending a spare half hour browsing the lovely blog Two Ellie), resonates with an atmosphere of old world charm.
Somewhere to nestle in, snuggle up, hibernate, and dream.
For me, the furniture is the standout reason for the waves of warmth and care this home gives out.... imagine what it would be like to be there amongst it, 'feeling the presence' of the beautiful wood, running your fingers over the smooth surfaces and lovely curves - aahh.
The earthy colours and hints of mother nature throughout the home (wooden vase, animal prints and objects, flowers etc) help as well, but the furniture is the hero for me!
Which leads to: 'How can I create a more nurturing atmosphere within my home? What's missing?'
Because: Your home is what you make it..... you can choose to consciously create an atmosphere that cradles, nurtures, and supports you throughout your life.
Cheers,
Linda.
P.S. Here's 2 more adorable kitten pics - because I simply couldn't resist! Imagine holding one of these lovelies in your lap and stroking it while it purrs and snuggles in to you!
P.P.S. And just because I love him sooooo much - here's the 'Super-star' cat (as referred to in the comments) of the A,B,C's Of A Nurturing Home post. He's just awesome! You can see him down the right-hand side of the blog too.
The last print I ordered from Marisol was this lovely print of Elsa and her little owl. My well known 'thing' for owls was in overdrive when I saw it, and it takes pride of place in a frame above one of my bookcases.
Everyone who sees it comments on it and I love it dearly.
Whilst browsing Marisol's Etsy Store the other day her print 'The Bright Forest' caught my eye and made me stop breathing for a split second! Now, if you know me well, you know I'm a 'red' girl. I have splashes of red in every room of my home. I cannot walk into a room in my house and feel completely at home if I don't have some red somewhere. Guess you could say, for whatever reason, I'm hardwired for red. I ooh and ahh over multitudes of beautiful interiors I see in mags and online without red in them, but I know if I transplanted the same colours into my home, I'd be having red withdrawals.
Well, I'm a well documented book lover. Can't live in a home without books. And, the colours would blend in perfectly with others in the room I want it for........ and, there's a little owl on the spine of one of the books..... and, there's also a fox on the spine of another one (another animal 'totem' of mine).
After deciding (well, the choice was out of my hands really, when the heart sings - I listen) I had to have those two prints, I then threw caution to the wind and got a little stationary set with other girls and 'spirit animals'.
Ask yourself: 'Do I have things around me that make my heart sing? What do I love or have a 'thing' about that I could find embodied in an object or picture?'
Which leads to: Are they on display where you can be uplifted by them every day?
Because: The smallest of things can bring a feeling of joy when you look at them. Surrounding yourself with items that are an extension of your inner feelings/thoughts/ideas/loves will furnish you with a home where you feel you truly belong.
Cheers,
Linda.
P.S. Oh.... My........Goodness! Whilst doing the links for this post to Marisol's Etsy Store, I just noticed the print below. Another gorgeous girl (dark hair this time) with an owl on her shoulder.
'I don't believe anything can do as much for a room as a glowing fire in an attractive fireplace. Men and dogs love an open fire - they show good sense. It is the heart of any room and should be kindled on the slightest provocation'.
I have a few special rituals or actions I go through to give my home's vibe a renewed lift....
...To make it bounce with new vibrance.
...To breathe new life into its 'soul'.
...To create a 'shift' in the way the air feels.
One little ritual I perform involves a simple piece of music, a favourite essential oil, and my windows!
Here's the 'Ritual Recipe':
Ingredients:
1. CD with the musical track 'Reel Around The Sun'. 2. Sage essential oil and oil burner/vaporiser. 3. Lots of natural light and air. 4. 10 - 20 minutes or so.
Method:
Go around to every room and open all the curtains/blinds.
Open windows where possible (an exit for stagnant air).
Put 4 or 5 drops of sage essential oil into your oil burner or vaporiser.
Start the musical track and turn the stereo right up!
Whilst the music is playing, move through every room in your house clapping in time with the music.
Repeat the musical track if necessary - make it as loud as you can put up with!
After the music has finished leave your oil burner going for as long as possible.
Leave your curtains and windows open for as long as possible.
Results:
Your home should feel invigorated.
The air should feel different.
Stuffy, stale, stagnant, and dull vibes should be blown away!
Notes:
Some of the sage essential oil may depart out the open windows, but enough will stay to impart its renowned 'space clearing' properties.
If it's a cold day or you're afraid of giving the neighbours a heart attack with the loud music, keep the windows closed but still open the curtains up!
This musical track in particular is one of the best ones I've found for clearing stale air, shifting 'bad' energy, and creating a crackling, new energetic vibe! It starts off very slowly and builds to a resounding finale, and all the clapping/tapping/drumming types of noises are excellent 'space clearers'.
Here it is.... all 8 minutes and 40 seconds if you'd like to hear it!
Ask yourself: 'Have I ever tried anything to rejuvenate the 'vibe' within my home? Do I regularly pay attention to the health of the 'vibe' within my home?'
Which leads to: If not, are you willing to try some 'vibe' rejuvenation?
Because: Our homes are not simply physical entities or 'shells' that encase our belongings. They have an energy presence as well... and we play the major role in keeping that energy 'fresh'.
Cheers,
Linda.
P.S. For excellent information on how 'real' professional space clearing works, read some of Karen Kingston's articles. She's regarded as one of the world's foremost authorities on the subject. Far more than mumbo jumbo it's considered a time honoured and revered way of clearing a home of stagnant, toxic, or unhealthy energy.
*From above - An altar in this sense is refering to a personal altar. You may already have one and not even know it. A mantel with treasured photos, a windowsill displaying a few loved items, a table with some objects paying homage to nature - rocks, shells, a lovely twig and leaves. An altar is a place to represent the things you are working on bringing into your life, the things you wish to pay respect and gratitude to.
Ask yourself: 'Does my home manifest many of the ABC's of a nurturing home?'
Which leads to: 'How can I create a more nurturing atmosphere within my home? What's missing?'
Because: Your home is what you make it..... you can choose to consciously create an atmosphere that cradles, nurtures, and supports you throughout your life.
NB. It's Julia's weekly blog party today over at Hooked On Houses. Join in the fun and see what everyone is 'hooked on' today!
