Grocery Shopping

I popped to the grocery store a few weeks ago for  some of Andrew's favorite British foods. It was a grocery store that I don't normally shop at, but it stocks British Food so I had to make an exception. While leaving the store, I noticed a silent auction set-up for a print that immediately caught my eye. It was definitely time to replace the framed print above our fireplace, so I doubled the minimum bid and wasn't surprised that I had the winning bid a few days later. OK, doubling the minimum bid was probably more than I needed to be successful.

 

The piece is framed beautifully and is probably worth much more than the print itself. Unfortunately, it's not framed with non-reflective glass (always do this!!) which is obvious in these photos. Nevertheless, this print of Authur Lismer's 'The Channel' is a welcome addition!

 

~ Have you been bundling-up on these cool crisp mornings? Here comes Autumn!... ~

Christmastime Dinner Party

 

My mom had us over to her lovely home for a dinner party last weekend; as our immediate family all have separate plans for Christmas Day dinner. Always a wonderful hostess, my mom thought of everything from the perfect place settings to gingerbread houses for our niece and nephew to decorate!

 

 

 

Are you ready for Santa? He's coming!
 

Snuggled

 

Have you been snuggled-up lately with our apparent October weather? Nothing beats the warm intimate glow of a fireplace this time of year. We had this one installed almost three years ago by Hearth and Home here in Calgary. We had an outstanding experience with this company and I highly recommend them if you are considering adding a fireplace to your home - either inside or out!

 

It's Halloween tomorrow! Our sweet cat Bertie is afraid of our decorations - so much for being a tough guy!

 

Have a Happy Halloween! 

Being Georgian

I'm captivated by the Georgian period so when we stumbled upon Dr. Samuel Johnson's Georgian home at 17 Gough Square in London, we just had to go inside! The 300 year old townhouse is just as it would be when Dr. Johnson lived there.  Dr. Johnson was a writer and lexicographer, and among many other things,  is known for writing the first dictionary.

 

‘...when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life’.

 

 - Dr. Samuel Johnson



 

 

 

 

On the second floor of the house was a dress-up station to try the Georgian wigs and period style clothing. We laughed while we dressed up as Georgians. The wigs and clothing were very heavy!

 

Dr. Johnson had great affection for his cat, 'Hodge'. This cat was so important to the doctor, that he frequently walked down to the fishmonger along the Thames himself  to buy oysters for Hodge.  There is a charming bronze tribute to Hodge in Gough Square depicted with his oysters.

'..but he is a very fine cat, a very fine cat indeed'

 

- Dr. Samuel Johnson

There is beautiful photography of the house on the website. Far better than what I have captured here, of course. Please have a look!

 

 

Christmas Vignettes

 A few Christmas touches around the house....It's the last weekend before Christmas. Are you ready?

 

My tip for less hectic holiday preparation? Avoid the malls and big box stores! Visit your local boutiques and butchers around the inner city. There is usually plenty of parking, no crowds, and specialized staff to help you with your purchase. Best of all, the quality of service and goods at great prices are worth it (You'd be surprised!).

 

My faves: Rustic Sourdough Bakery, The Better Butcher, Meez Cuisine, & Britannia Plaza Shops.   

 

 

Best Christmas wishes!

 

Fireside

 

Finally some photos of our new gas fireplace! The installation was completed a couple of weeks before our holiday so we had some time to enjoy it before we left. The gang at Hearth and Home (south) here in Calgary, AB did an outstanding job - thanks again!


The surround is from Muticast design. We originally chose the 'Oxford' mantle surround but it's a wider model and that would have involved moving the heat vent on the left so we went with the 'Regency'. I think it was the better option anyway; these things always work out you know!

 As you can see, this room was crying out for a fireplace between the garden doors. Another option I had considered was a grand sideboard but in the end we felt a fireplace would be something we would enjoy more.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!