Still having problems with Disqus! I’m going to delete the system but until then, if you would like to leave a comment and the comment box isn’t showing up, then just click the title of the post and hopefully that will sort it! I’m so sorry that this commenting system has been a bit of a disaster and hope this hasn’t inconvenienced any of my readers too much!
So the lovely Sarah of Modern Country Style is doing a bit of a linky party and has challenged us to define our blog.
Well, I’ve had this rolling around in my head for days now because it’s made me question why I’m actually doing this. It’s not as though I don’t know why I started a blog. I started it because I wanted a catalogue of the work that me and my fabulous W have done on our house since we moved in June 2010. But it’s evolved to much more than that as these things are wont to do.
I’ve read lots and lots of blogs over the last couple of years – some fantastic, some with amazing personalities, some that I later realised weren’t really my style, some with incredible inspiration, some that have left me a little flat, some about people who are working on their own homes just like us, and of course, many blogs which just like to talk about what is inspiring them at the moment. But ya know, that’s okay, we’re all on a bit of a journey with this blogging lark. We’re all just really trying to reach out, to find people that are effected in the same ways by the same things that we are. We all are just wanting to connect in some way, aren’t we?
| When I realised what I actually truly loved in interiors. Image from {this is glamorous} |
And yeah, that’s all I’m doing too. Connecting. Or trying to anyway.
Ya know, I have lived in many different places in my life. I moved 15 times over 15 years and every place I lived whether that was on my own in a little modern flat in Wisconsin or sharing a big Victorian house with 5 other girls in Denver, Colorado, or with a male footie-mad flatmate in Sittingbourne, Kent (UK) or at the seaside in Whitstable, Kent or “oop North” in Manchester, England with my amazing partner W in our beautiful Edwardian house, I’ve attempted to make each place my own. Whether that was just a few framed prints or a couple of candlesticks or a favourite vase, I always had something there with me to reflect a bit of who I was in my life at that time. And no matter where it’s been or how big that space I was occupying was, for me it was like an extension of my own skin, a place of comfort, a place I felt like I could entirely express myself. That’s all any of us want, though, isn’t it?
| When I realised just how much I loved an eclectic mix of styles. Image from Domino. |
However, I’ve realised something in the last 9 months or so since I’ve started this blog – that us bloggers do something a wee bit different.
We put ourselves out there.
We announce ourselves and say HEY THIS IS ME, WHAT DO YOU THINK?
And then we wait – with our fingernails between our teeth, hovering over the ‘publish’ button, wondering WHAT IF PEOPLE TELL ME WHAT THEY THINK?
| When I fell hard in love with chandeliers and tufted furniture and greys. Image from Elle Decor via greige. |
It’s a risk we take.
I’m happy to say that at this point in time (and I can say this quite comfortably as, let’s be honest, I don’t have a wildly popular blog and yes, that’s okay with me), everyone I’ve met in the ol’ Blogland has been lovely so far. No one (yet, fingers crossed) has made disparaging remarks about my taste, I’ve been applauded when I’ve done something well, I’ve been patted on the back with a ‘hey me too’ or ‘yeah it happens to the best of us’ when I’ve royally f**ked up and I’ve become a part of a wider community. The relationships I’ve formed with some amazing bloggers I now cherish.
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| Our living room |
“Swoon Worthy” was and still is something I was after in my own home and something I continue to strive for in my blog. Each person’s definition of what is swoon worthy is something entirely different of course as design – like any art – is entirely subjective. We all naturally look at things in a different way.
What does “swoon worthy” mean for me? Well it’s when I stumble across an image and have an almost physical reaction to it – practically lose my balance – something catches in my breath, makes my little heart gallop, makes me consider getting rid of everything I own so that I could buy something JUST LIKE THAT. Ok, so maybe not quite to that extent because who wants to carbon copy someone else’s fabulous ideas? But yeah, you’ve had that too, right?
| Case in point. Totally and utterly swoon worthy. Image originally found via Greige |
Well, that’s what I wanted for my own home. Except that I wanted it to be a reflection of ME, of these 30mumble years I’ve spent on this planet. A reflection of my experiences, of my travels, of my relationships, of my humour, my insight, my failings, my strengths. All of that. And this time, it had to reflect W as well – it had to be a work of correlation, of coming together, of – let’s be honest here – my vision and his ability ;)
Can an interior do that? Really? I don’t know. But I am happy to find out.
So for those of you who are only just coming by and have already read through how ever many words of utter ramblings of at times a questionably certifiable person… what could you find if you were to stumble upon Swoon Worthy?
Well let me just tell you.
You’ll find bits of inspiration.
Like how I took these images…
| Image from Elle Decor |
| Image from Ish & Chi |
And turned this…
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| Our sad guest bedroom when we moved in. |
Into this…
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| Our Guest Bedroom (in progress) |
Or how I looked at this…
| Domino Magazine image via |
And attempted to translate it into this…
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| Our dining room |
And how when I look at this…
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| Our kitchen (obviously in progress) |
…how very much I want it to eventually look something nearing this…
| Source unknown |
What else?
Well, I do love to travel even if only in my own mind. So my ‘Take Me Away’ posts usually cover some amazing, inspiring hotel, even if I may never get to go. Well, one can still dream, can’t one?
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| 40 Winks, London |
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| Brody House, Budapest |
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| Graham & Green, Casa Tota, Goa |
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| Telegraff Hotel, Estonia |
Oh and there’s plenty of before and afters as well. So this very sad neglected bench…
…eventually took pride of place in the garden when given a bit of love.
Or how this £50 eBay find…
…was freshened up to look like this…
Well, that’s a taste of it anyway. In the grand scheme of things, my journey has only just begun. I’m still learning as I go, still trying to define myself and my blog and I can’t do this here little blog all by myself. I WANT people to take this journey with me so we can learn together, be inspired together, share our ideas together. Connections people, connections. Only time will tell where this synergie will take us.
And if you’d like to follow my blog and become one of the Beautiful People then go on and click that little follow button above. It’s calorie free.
And if you’d like to see how other bloggers define their blogs, click the little button below.
This is such a great article! Love you blog – you write so well! <br />PS; I've been a bit quiet as Disquis wasnt working for me!! GRR! xx
I imagine you have led a very interesting life and was not surprised to find that you have lived in so many different places. <br />This is a lovely post, I think we do take a risk and want to connect with others. You made a difference to me when you commented on my writing, as a lot of people I know actually say sod all and give me little encouragement. In that sense, putting yourself out there
Awww thank you :) I'm so sorry you are having problems with commenting! Thanks so much for letting me know, I'm going to remove it as soon as I figure out how! lol
eeeeeeaaaaaassssiiiiilllllly one of my fav posts ever. you've expressed yourself so well and so authentically. i just finished my post for sarah's party and HATED THE TASK. really. ihave problems. but it was so good for me. i realized how my fear of committing, of editing, needs to go away. like you, my blog was just for me, a catalog to replace magazine tear sheets. until i heard from
Awww Tracy, you are so flippin lovely. Thank you for your lovely comment. I agree, I think we would get on as well and it's wonderful meeting you too – it's what I love about this blogging lark, connecting with people that otherwise, you'd never get a chance to and isn't that just so awesome? :) xxx
Michele, your kind comments have made my evening ;) This post was so stream of consciousness but honestly, before my fingers hit the keyboard, I didn't have a clue what I was going to say!! Certainly a challenging task so I am feelin' your pain. There is definitely a reciprocative kindness that is lovely to witness in our corner of the Blogosphere. Thank you for your friendship as well,
Hey cutiepips,<br /><br />I LOVE this post. You have such a BRILLIANT writing voice. I can hear you chatting to me!! You were one of the very first blogs I followed and I was a bit in awe for a while…until I realised how LOVELY you are!! I'm glad you got to be first!! <br /><br />Sarahxx
Red, I want to hug you now! *cyber hug* <br />I <i>love</i> everything you've said in this post, your blog, all your ideas and makeovers! You are so inspiring, truly, and I love following your journey. I am so glad I've met you in blogland, you give me the kind of like-minded connection I don't get in my offline world and you write it all so well! I feel like you're talking just
Your blog is lovely. I adore the way you take an inspirational photo of a room and make it work for your own room, and that eBay dresser is now gorgeous! I will definitely be back to visit soon x<br />www.lifeonorchardroad.com
You know, I'm risk adverse. I have no idea why I take this risk every week. I'm not having problems with Disqus, but now I'm worried that my readers are. Hmmm.
Hi Redilocks you write so well and did a great job defining your blog, I loved your re-dos especially that bench.. great job!
I loved the things you mentioned about defining your blog. I've been blogging for nearly a year and I still don't feel like I've defined what it is yet. I think we're all a 'sum of parts', and what is a perfect fit one day can be completely different to what we share the next. <br />Totally love your sources of inspiration and what you've been doing with your home –
Hi,<br />I am joining Sarah's lovely party from my vintage apartment in Chicago. So glad you joined, too.<br /><br />Fondly,<br />Glenda<br /><br />Gg – Notes on the Journey<br />Link #26<br /><br />ps. Wow, you have moved a lot. Glad that you know how to create a home wherever you live.
So happy I visited. You won me over as soon as you mentioned your "take me away" posts. Such a great idea. On top of all that, you have the most amazing couch! Needless to say, I'm your newest follower~
I enjoyed your post! I could totally relate to so much of what you said. I've moved a lot too. You've done an excellent job making your inspiration your reality. <br />I'm your newest follower and would be delighted to have you follow me back!<br />Have a wonderful day!<br />Tammy
I very much enjoyed your post! Well said!!<br />And that red chandelier……where did you get that??<br />I must have one!!!<br />I love your home!! It looks wonderful!! <br />Great job, I can't wait to see the kitchen!!<br /><br />I live in Golden, CO. when were you here?
I can't believe YOU would ever be in awe of ME? Oh you sweet thing you, thanks for the party & can't wait to check out everyone else's posts! xxx
I'm so glad I've met you too my sweet thing, right back at you x 10 ;) xxx
Aww thank you Nikki! Will definitely pay a visit :) xxx
It was just the comment box that seemed to keep disappearing. It might just be my blog, a bit of a glitch or something but good to keep an eye on it! It's doing my head in lol x
Thank you Deborah! xxx
Thank you Melissa and I totally agree, I think it's a constantly evolving process. It's lovely to have people along for the ride, though, isn't it? :) x
Hi Glenda, thanks for stopping by! And yes, it's definitely possible, even if it's only a few bits ;) x
Aww thank you so much Etcetorize (what a BRILLIANT name, love it) – so nice to have you aboard! x
I will definitely stop by your blog and so nice to have you aboard – welcome to the Beautiful People Club lol ;) x
Hi Jane, thanks so much! The chandelier was an eBay purchase about a year & a half ago – £55, I couldn't resist and I didn't even have anywhere to put it at the time lol It's got hearts attached to it, was so mad, I do adore it. <br /><br />I lived in Denver back in waaaaaay back in 1994 and lived there for just less than a year. Living with 5 girls was not something I ever wish
Hey Redlilocks, gorgeous post and brilliant makeovers! I think you hit the nail on the head with this 'defining' thing! Robx
Hi,<br />You have some great inspiration and you are translating them beautifully, I think, with your own twist to it.<br />A lovely read!<br />Hugs, Cindy
I Love what swoon worthy things you have done to your Home… and in particular your writing style… so very glad I discovered your Lovely Blog tonight thru Modern Country Style's great Blog Party. Defining my Blog made me reflect upon it too… and I came to the conclusion that I define it by my Passions… of which there are many and which are constantly evolving…<br /><br />Blessings
Thank you so much for visiting my blog, which led me to yours! You have such a great style. And you are very entertaining! I enjoyed reading this post and learning more about you. Your makeovers are amazing.
What a lovely post! I have never been to your blog before, but I am anxious to see what is in store, it sounds like your style of blogging is me and my style. I saw your link at the define your blog party. I had never been to that blog before either! This is what I love about blog land, one can find themselves enthralled for days on end.
If this isn't the perfect way to get to know you, I don't know what is!?! I loved how openly you shared and walked us though your inspirations, blog philosophy and your lovely home. <br /><br />I look forward to seeing your blog grow and develop – we are so fortunate to be able to come along on your journey.<br /><br />Have a lovely rest of the weekend.<br /><br />xx Charlotta
ya really "Swoon Worthy" was and still is something I was after in my own home and something I continue to strive for in your blog. Each person's definition of what is swoon worthy is something entirely different of course as design – like any art – is entirely subjective.as you provided.
nice transformation the painted white piece of furniture and love the grey wall behind.
Oh my…<br />The first picture is so amazing. Am about to move into a new rented house next September. All you put here are so inspiring. TFS :D.