golden light

Today was a gorgeous day, bright and breezy and oh so cold.  Perfect for wrapping up and having a play outdoors.  After lunch we drove to Smiths Strand, a lough shore beach close to where we live for some fresh air and an explore.

Mr F and I had a lot of fun regaling our little ones with stories of how we both visited this beach as children with our parents.  Independently of course.  We didn't meet until many years later.  It feels special to give our children the same experiences we had when we were little.

The light was beautiful turning all it touched golden.  The sun was low in the sky and already much of where we played was in shade but when the sun shone it was magical.  It has been so grey here lately we really appreciated this reprieve.

After a while we were sufficiently numb to call it a day and head home.  Back to relax by the fire.

Tonight I will be welcoming 'Mrs Christmas' back for the countdown to Christmas. The little ones can't wait. Wishing you all a cosy weekend.

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I love the colours in the pictures I took today.  The combination of blues, greys and yellows is one of my favourites.

nature in the home: autumn

Linking up with Lou for nature in the home.  An autumn posy gathered from the hedge in our garden, displayed in a old tin given to me by a family friend.  The foliage and berries are a pretty complement to the tin.

Apologies, as is usual for this season, grainy photographs on grey days.

lady luck

Have you ever experienced a run of exceptionally good luck.  I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I've been especially lucky.  I am delighted to have won not one, not two but three gorgeous blog giveaways.

So, in an effort to spread the luck and love I will be organising a little giveaway here soon.

In the meantime I just wanted to say a big thank you for my gorgeous gifts.  To Lou and Eloise for the gorgeous print and pouch.  Like many of you I really enjoy reading Lou's lovely blog and have admired Eloise's artwork forever. Her cloud print will be happily adorning my bedroom wall.

To Dawn for the postcards and calendar featuring her beautiful photographs. Dawn's blog at home with red features more of her stunning still life photography available in her shop.  Pop over to see her.  You won't regret it.

And to Jane for this perfect print.  Jane has designed a new range of wonderful art prints for her etsy shop littleteawagon.  I was delighted to receive this one.  The little boy reminds me of my own pair of boys.  I can't wait to get it framed and on the wall.

How lucky am I?

I have waited and waited for a bright day to take my own photos but general greyness meant I had to give up.  All photos link back to their original sources.

nature in the home: autumn

I've really missed Lou's nature in the home series and was delighted it returned again for autumn and winter. However, I have been a little distracted lately, so this is my first contribution this time around.

Leaves from the virginia creeper which weaves its way up and across the front of our house.  I love the heart shaped leaves and vibrant red colour.  The leaves are becoming sparse, blowing around our drive so I gathered a handful and brought them indoors.

I taped them to a door in the shape of a heart.  It makes me smile every time I go into the hall.  I'm so glad I rescued a few before they are all blown away.

Joining in with the lovely Lou for nature in the home.