Living Beautifully in the Red Hills

In 2016, on our first trip to the Cotswolds, Chris and I stayed with friends in a cottage called Longwood House in the picturesque village of Lower Oddington (and yes, there is indeed an Upper Oddington) near Stow-on-the-Wold and Moreton-in-Marsh.

One detail that I fell in LOVE with was the dishware that we dined on for all three meals. That kitchen was fully kitted out with (new-to-me at the time) Emma Bridgewater pottery.

"Oh, I'm so glad you're here! I am having a lavender emergency!"

These words coming from over my shoulder almost startled me on a lovely morning a few years ago as I turned the key and heard the familiar jingle of the bells hanging on the shop door...

What do I like about a hurkle-durkle morning? For me, it's a great time to grab a cup of coffee, nestle in, and catch up on journaling, reading, and even doing the crossword (which is the main reason I subscribe to get the newspaper delivered - no digital puzzles for me!)And, sometimes simply daydreaming is in order! Seriously, some of my most creative ideas for the business or for home projects come when my mind is free to wander within four cozy walls.

Lovely to behold was the laughter and chatter as the days unfolded, and strangers became acquaintances, and acquaintances became friends.

I can't wait to see what happens next ~ both creatively and community-wise!

As you may have heard, this year marks Jane Austen’s 250th birthday (on December 16th to be exact).

Fun things in honor of her are happening all over the place, like outdoor cinema nights featuring movies of her novels at Chatsworth House.

Stepping through that door was like discovering my creative home. The cozy way the light played across the painted furniture, the artfully arranged displays, the sense of activity - so inspiring!

We then traipsed across the street, under drapes of Spanish moss, glasses of wine or sparkling water in hand, to the second lovely home, where we were welcomed into the cozy kitchen and admired artwork by the owner’s sister on the walls.

Time certainly does fly when you are having fun! We were six years old for all of the past year, and now... we are SEVEN (even beyond A.A. Milne's iconic poem)! We absolutely cannot believe this weekend marks seven years since we opened our door on Broad Street in Thomasville...

When I am asked my favorite places to shop in London, it's so hard to answer: There are the little shops in Belgravia, Chelsea, and Pimlico. There are the fancy arcades, and Old Bond Street, and Portobello Road. And so much more! But my very favorite store to explore is Liberty...

Last Sunday, Chris made me “the happiest creature in the world” by going with me to experience Pride and Prejudice on the big screen. It was nostalgic to be back in a movie theatre, from watching previews to indulging in a large popcorn...

We could not have asked for a better instructor for us as a Chalk Paint® stockist, and now we are thrilled to offer the same experience to you ~ right in the four walls of our beloved shop...

Both Wolf Hall and Lucy Worsley Investigates elevate what may have first been presented to you from a dusty history book to an art form that depicts the humanity, drama, and lesser-known influences behind some of the most-trodden episodes in history. Sometimes, truth is indeed stranger than fiction!