CUT AND DRY

Have a Happy Weekend!

2012-01-27T14:23:00.016+01:00

{I know I could cut that little branch in the foreground out of the picture using photoshop, but I like it as it is. I love realness.}

Recipe for Happiness. In order to be happy I need:
Something to love, something to do, and something to pet!

What are you up to this weekend? We're taking a little road trip, and I look forward to catching up with you next Tuesday.

My lovelies, hope you have a wonderful, fun weekend! xx

I liked this hilarious YouTube video by yourfriendy. Oh my gosh, those kitties are ridiculously funny!

Some Things About Me (De Profundis)

2012-01-24T17:04:00.049+01:00

So, I used to be a health freak. I watched everything that I ate, was an excessive exerciser, but then I re-evaluated my decisions and took a step back and joined the "normal" folks. For a while I was I guess kind of critical of what others did or didn't do, but no one wants to be lectured to. You don't have to be obsessed over what you eat and how much you exercise. I am now practicing moderation...moderation is the key to life, in my opinion.

Mayo and olive paste. You can spread it on crackers, or put it in a sandwich with ham and cheese and a fresh sliced tomato. Yum!

I'm a fan of healthy homemade food, but every once in a while, it's fun to change things up a bit.

I often use my favourite photos from my trips as inspiration. These (above) are some of my favourites from my last trip to England.

I get attached to things. Holding on some things from the past-old letters, photos, decorative items, mementos of past delightful events- it is important to my sanity. When I lose something that was special to me I get sad for days...

I believe in friendship, but I don't appreciate being bad treated by those so-called "friends". I do a lot for my friends. I just want to be appreciated, it would be nice to get some thanks occasionally.

To me, a true friend is someone you can lean on when you need support, someone who always has your back, someone who cares enough to ask how you and yours are doing.
I always try to let my friends know that I'll always be there for them; and as Samuel Pepys said-mighty proud I am that I am able to have a spare bed for my friends.
To be honest I'm very angry with a friend of mine. He has become unbelievably ungrateful. And I feel really bad...
Alas...nothing wounds more deeply than ungratefulness.

Well, those were some things you probably didn't know about me.

What about you? xx

Sharing with This or That Thursday by the wonderful Deb.

Update: An award-winning famous Greek film director/producer and one of my beloved film makers Theodoros Angelopoulos died today after being hit by a motorcycle. I feel socked and sadness at his loss...

Blue Hour: Plymouth Barbican + Have a Romantic Weekend!

2012-01-20T14:22:00.027+01:00

The old harbour sparkles at sunset as night descends over Plymouth Barbican. While in Plymouth nothing had brought me so much pleasure than walking around and taking pictures of the old harbour area of Plymouth, Devon, England...

marvelling (marveling) at the tranquility and the stars above.

It wasn't nighttime, but the view was still magical and romantic.

May night had fallen soft and warm, enwrapping with its grape-bloom colour and its scents the billion caprices, intrigues, passions, longings, and the regrets of men and women.

John Galsworthy, The Forsyte Saga.

Hope you have a happy weekend, my lovelies! xx

Sharing with Tips and Pics Tuesday .

Plus one Cut and Dry post about Plymouth Barbican and Barbican photos you may have missed.

Deceiving Winter

2012-01-17T14:35:00.029+01:00

There is a calm that descends over the garden as winter hits. The frenzy of the growing season is over. The flowers fade to brown, but thankfully there are still some good blooms and many gorgeous plants to enjoy.

I found myself utterly and entirely infatuated with the outdoors. These photos do a little help explaining why.
Flowers make me incredibly happy and lift my spirits. I hope they do the same for you.

Is there anything still in bloom where you live? xx

Sharing with Share the Joy , and Saturday Sareenity .

Note: We are also switching the 'Five Likes Tuesday' series (in which we can share five of our favourite things from the past week) to a twice-a-month post. (This series will now be on every first and last Tuesday of each month.)

Have a Delicious Weekend + Coca-Cola

2012-01-13T14:37:00.049+01:00

An 1890's ad showing Hilda Clark, an American model and actress in formal 19th century attire. The advertisement is entitled: "Drink Coca-Cola 5c/. How awesome is this ad!

Coca-Cola is no doubt, the most recognized brand in the world, sold in more than 200 countries, and one of the symbols of America. Is there anywhere in the world that doesn't sell it? You may travel to the ends of the earth...then you'll find a Coca-Cola ad. How amazing!

The famous Coca-Cola bottle was created by bottle designer Earl R. Dean in 1915. The prototype never made it to production since its middle diameter was larger than its base, making it unstable on conveyor belts.

Today's Coca-Cola bottle; almost similar in shape to the original 1915 concept drawing by Earl R. Dean. What a beautiful bottle design!

(Photos of Coca-Cola bottle taken in 2011.)

Try adding a slice of lemon to your Coke. It makes it taste surprisingly good. (At least for my taste buds.)

I rarely drink Coke, but I do like it when I drink it. I think it's great after a good, greasy meal. My favourite soda is Cherry Coke. The cherry flavour is subtle but definitely there, it tastes pretty darn good and exactly like a cherry coke should.

What is your favourite soft drink? Do you like Coca-Cola? xx

(Top photo via Wikipedia)

Five Likes Tuesday

2012-01-10T18:41:00.014+01:00

Pomegranate and white light flowing through it.

There's something about pomegranates that is so undeniably festive. Also, this lovely fruit is a great source of antioxidants.

So, how do you jump that gap from holidays back to your regular routine? I don't know about you, but I am still trying to get back in the groove with my tasks and goals, I guess; I am still trying to return to my hurried and hectic life after a relaxing holiday.
I've had a quiet but lovely holiday week filled with extra special time with friends and family, and lots of delicious food. I've even manage to squeeze in some time to just relax after all the hustle and bustle of December; and I am feeling guilty, (not really) about devouring all my favourite foods. I admit it; just can't get enough of them...

Strawberry cupcake.

Sweet berries.

Rich, smooth, buttery chocolate. Did you know that the world's most expensive chocolate is Chocopologie by Knipschildt .
Cost: $2,600 per pound! Oh, my gosh!

Fresh-baked multi-grain bread rolls and butter.

I love fresh-baked bread and/or pan fried bread seriously. If there were no bread I would have no reason to live! One of the worst things that ever happened was when carbs got a bad reputation!

What is your most favourite food that you can't get enough of? I'd love to hear. xx

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T11:03:00.022+01:00

Happy (almost) New Year, everyone! I' d like to take a moment to tell you all how grateful I am for your friendships, for all the visits and sweet comments. Thank you all so much for such a wonderful year! It has been so much fun to have you here...aw, I am so glad we crossed trails!
May every day of the New Year glow with good cheer and happiness for you and your family.
Here's to hoping that 2012 is a fabulous year for all of us!

Cheers to a better and brighter tomorrow!

I just want to reach through the screen and hug you all!

Be safe and celebrate! xx

P.S. I'm away on holiday. Just wanted to drop in and send you my warmest wishes across the miles for the New Year.

*Comments Off*

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-26T14:17:00.035+01:00

Merry Christmas! I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas.
Thank you so much to all of you who keep me inspired with all your interaction; I also thank you for being so supportive of Cut and Dry.
Wishing all of you peace and happiness for the festive season!

I'm off on a short holiday. Looking forward to catch up with you all soon! Lots of love! xx

Joining with Project Alicia .

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-23T14:22:00.077+01:00

How will you spend the holidays this year? I'll be spending Christmas with my family and look forward to lovingly welcoming and hugging some beloved relatives of mine.

At this point, I'd like to encourage all who will be spending Christmas Eve alone through choice, or not through choice.
I have had Christmas all alone, once, and it was not my favourite Christmas, but there are definitely ways to make it better.
Make a list of what makes it feel like Christmas. Put up a tree, or hang some lights and garlands.
Bring some Christmas magic into your home.
May this holiday season be so special that you never ever feel lonely again and be surrounded by loved ones throughout!

Here are a few little bits of Christmas.

Christmas is a time of making memories, a time of remembering...

Home sweet home...

London, Holiday season 2010.

Selfridges Department Store in Oxford Street, London. Holiday season 2010.

Potatoes: fried, and spiced-up. Yummy!
Plymouth Christmas Market, Holiday Season 2010.

Plymouth Christmas Market is situated in the centre of Plymouth, UK, providing a wonderfully memorable experience to everyone.
This event promises a host of tasty treats and original, handmade arts and crafts.

Christmas treats.

Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and may this festival bring abundant joy and happiness in your life!

My darlings, may your holidays be filled with special memories shared with your loved ones.
May all your dreams come true in the New Year! Lots of love! xx

P.S. Here's my very first Christmas post in 2009, if you'd like to see.

What Are Your Simple Joys in Life?

2011-12-20T15:02:00.045+01:00

Well, I get so busy at times that I don't cherish the little joys and simple pleasures of life. Sigh! But there are, and always will be, simple, little things around us that still naturally calm the mind and greatly lift the spirits. I have at least a couple handfuls of simple, little pleasures...
Here are some of my favourite feel-good moments through pictures.

Popping into vintage shops.

Pink flowers.

One of life's simple pleasures is a beautiful bunch of flowers. I love having fresh flowers in my space.

That first sip of coffee in the morning.

Eating ice-cream while watching a good movie is one of those things that makes you think...life is good!

Vintage framed mirrors hanging on my wall.

A real wreath that gives off all that important scent of pine.

A Xmas wreath looks great no matter where you hang it. I hang mine on the front door.
The custom of using wreaths as Christmas decoration dates to 16th century Germany, where Lutherans created the Advent wreath.

Citrus fruits.

Fish and Chips (French fries), served with mushy peas.

A popular take-away food in the UK, Ireland, Canada, and Australia; maybe in other countries, too.

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."
Robert Brault

What are your favourite simple pleasures in life? I'd love to hear. xx

All Things Jolly + Have a Jolly Good Weekend!

2011-12-16T14:38:00.043+01:00

Adorably Cute Pomeranian Puppy Print .

A little bit of jolliness today. So grateful for wonderfully fun creative ideas for gifts found on Highton Ridley~ Fine Art Photography Store over at: Zazzle .

While it's reasonable to cut back on spending during the holidays, don't let that suck the joy out of the actual act of giving itself.
It's always fun and so exciting to give and receive gifts with the loved ones not only during the holidays, but all year long as well.
I believe that it is often the giver, rather than the recipient, who reaps the biggest gains from a gift.
Seeing the reflection on their face when you give someone a little gift is a really wonderful moment and something you can never forget; my heart always feels better when I can see the smiles in their hearts.
I really prefer giving gifts, but I'm only human so I think receiving a gift is nice, too!
Ah, the sheer joy of exchanging gifts...

Here are just a few of the gift items by Mark Highton Ridley , one of my beloved photographers and a good friend of mine, that reflect a fresh, quirky style. Have a look here for more.

I Iz Snoozin Poster

Golden Cosmos-wrapped canvas Canvas Print

Motivation Words poster print . I'd love to hang this one in my little office.

Desiderata- One, Two, Three Snow! Poster . This one is intended to complement the idea of silence and peace.

I heart Windsor Castle mousepad

Funny Snowman Joke Coffee Mug .

Ponies At Watering Hole mug.

Santa Bear with Hat and Muff Mug

Chocolate Panda hoody

Cute Yearling Foal keychain

Wood Crane's Bill rising into the light Blackberry Bold Cases

I don't love to brave the crowds so I do all my Christmas shopping on line. I have to admit that I'm one of those people who wait until the last minute to grab something special.
If you're like me, I'd highly recommend these simple and cute gift ideas for your last minute gifts.

What better than giving someone a gift of art!

My lovelies, hope you have a blissful weekend! xx

(Gift items via Highton Ridley's Zazzle Store.)

Five Likes Tuesday

2011-12-13T14:25:00.035+01:00

Twinkle lights.

Christmas day will be here eventually and I can't help but wonder if Christmas magic it's only for kids. Realizing that many of us (including me) will have someone we love missing from the celebrations this year, it's easy to want to echo the Grinch's sentiment- " I must find a way to keep Christmas from coming!"

But it helps to remember what Christmas really means...peace, love and a joy of life every day of the year.

And it's always important to remember the simple things in life that bring you joy. After all, it is the little things that count and help us enjoy every day.

Focusing on what brightens our day, even in the smallest ways, I think it's a great way to get yourself in a good mood.

Christmas ornaments.

Christmas fairy tale decoration. (Without a doubt, this one always brought out the "child" in me!).

Winter blooms.

A chocolate cake with a strawberry topping.

I read somewhere that "Christmas gets all glammed up, but at the heart of it all, it celebrates a very quiet moment..." xx

Sharing with Show Off Your Shot.

Leaves, Blog Love + Have a Great Weekend!

2011-12-09T14:04:00.013+01:00

I love the changing of the leaves...
I love the autumn leaves of red and gold. They are so beautiful!

Although Fall is pretty much over for this year (according to United States unofficial tradition the fall season ends around December 21), there are still places around the world where you can still enjoy a beautiful autumn day.

Leaves in the golden hour.

Well, to my unexpected surprise this beautiful blog award came my way recently, and I'd like to take the time out to say a big thank you to the wonderful Marcia over at Learning Ideas Grades K-8. Marcia has such a lovely blog and always brings a smile to my face.
Marcia, thank you so much, indeed. I'm really flattered and honoured!

Go and visit her blog if you haven't already.

Now, I'm too bad with rules so I've decided that I'm going to give this adorable blog award to all of you honouring the friendship that you, guys, have given me.
I really appreciate all of you so much.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend, my lovelies! xx

I love This or That Thursday by the wonderful Deb.

Getting Into the Holiday Spirit

2011-12-06T13:58:00.039+01:00

On the first days of December. Something about these little scenes way calling me to shoot them.

Slowly but surely I'm getting into the holiday spirit. I'm not in a super Christmassy mood this year, but all those things...sounds, decorations, sights, lights and gatherings just make me feel happy inside. I love holiday songs, ah, this one tops the cake. Nothing like music of the season to get us in the spirit of Christmas. It's definitely an entertaining way to get into the holidays. I love classics and somewhat nostalgic Christmas music, Christmas Carols, and last but not least my all time favourite Last Christmas.

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas and I can almost hear The Little Drummer Boy playing his drum...

Are you feeling the holiday spirit yet? What are you doing to get into the swing of it?

Happy Holidays, everyone! xx

I love The Creative Exchange by the wonderful Lisa.

P.S. The Little Drummer Boy is one I grew up with, I love it so much! This song was also the inspiration for a 1968 animated TV special by the same name.

My Aunts + Have a Wonderful Weekend!

2011-12-02T11:52:00.014+01:00

What are your plans for the weekend? My beloved aunts are visiting this weekend and it's so nice to have them around. Because of distance I only see them three or four times a year, but these visits are an essential part of our lives. My aunts and I usually do at least two sleepovers while they are here. The way it usually goes is that we play games, and talk until very late at night which I love it! My aunts also like to talk about Christmases and we all love to recall in great detail certain stories told over and over again, enjoyable ribaldry!

So I'll be away from the computer for the next four days, but I'll try to pop in and read your blogs when I can.

Hope you have a wonderful, sweet weekend filled with joy and delights!

I love Sweet Shot Tuesday by the lovely Darcy.

Have a great one, my lovelies! xx

Five Likes Tuesday

2011-11-29T14:02:00.037+01:00

I'm not frightened of what people think anymore. Because, when you 're a teenager or in your early 20's, you're always frightened of what people we will think. When you're young, you're trying on lots of selves. And then suddenly at about 28 all the pieces of the jigsaw start to fit together comfortably. (By Rosamund Pike)

I really like this quote and find it to be quite brilliant and so very true. The point that I was trying to make with posting this quote was that I do care about what people think to a point. Actually, to be truly happy with who I am is okay, and if others cannot deal with that then sorry, it's their issue not mine. That said, as I'm getting older and wiser I can no longer worry what other people think or feel about my decisions about me.

What about you? xx

I love This or That Thursday by the wonderful Deb.

Have a Giggle-y Weekend!

2011-11-25T17:52:00.017+01:00

Why God made pets. They help you when you're down,

They protect our children,

They have "great" expectations,

They look out for the smaller ones,

They show us how to relax...

This was sent to me in an e-mail and it's so adorable that I had to share it with you. The bottom photo is so funny! I almost split out my coffee on this one.

Hope you have a gorgeous weekend, my dears! xx

(Photos by FunnyPostcard.Com)

Five Likes Tuesday

2011-11-22T14:48:00.028+01:00

While looking up vacation photos from my last trip to England I also stumbled across this one. This beautiful walking path at Torpoint, Cornwall looks so inviting right about now.

My home has already started to take on the feeling of winter, so the flowers around my house are all deep, purple tones. Apart from other seasonal things it's a nice way to embrace the transitioning of seasons and add a beautiful glow with autumnal hues.

One of my favourite indulgences is Sweet Cheese Filo Rolls. These are made from filo pastry sheets, and can be filled with butter (melted), caster sugar, and a sweetened mixture of fresh cheeses, (cream cheese, fresh ricotta, softened, fresh cottage cheese) or possibly sweetened whipped cream as a filling. They're oh, so crisp, and light, and easy to prepare.

I bought this pair of fancy, striped, wool/mohair, knee-high socks. There is nothing better than curling up in comfy pants and warm socks on cold winter-y days.

Braided hairstyle. A classic and cute hairstyle that is simple, fun and easy to do and also a great way to keep long hair neat and up off the face. Modern trends may come and go but the classics stays forever.

What's your favourite hairstyle? Does your hair look better long or short? xx

Update: Happy Thanksgiving to all my fabulous American blog friends. I hope you all have a great and blessed day!

Have a Great Fall Weekend!

2011-11-18T14:21:00.098+01:00

I'm grateful for autumn, for the cooler weather, for autumn colours and smells, for the first fire in a wood fireplace on a crisp autumn evening, for pumpkin soups and pies, for the wind rusting the leaves, for the crisp air and the sight of geese honking as they fly overhead...

Mother Nature did all the work and provided all the colours, shades, and shapes. I was just at the right place at the right time!

Have a wonderful weekend, my lovelies!

No matter how you spend it, may it be filled with joy and delights.

Here's one Cut And Dry post-video that I'm sure you'll find it quite amusing. How about a Ba-Donka-Donk? :)

Have a great one! xx

Five Likes Tuesday

2011-11-15T13:34:00.030+01:00

What are five things that currently make you happy? These days my list is: Blackberries.

Devouring (blushing!) a delicious pork pie.

Tasting a fabulous, whimsical strawberry cupcake. (British English: fairy cake. Australian English: patty cake or cup cake). Interesting!

A hot (like really hot) cup of green tea; perfect after a heavy day at work.

A beautiful wreath made from fresh apples to decorate my home; perfect at this time of year.

Tell me yours! xx

Affordable, Contemporary Art + Have an Arty Weekend!

2011-11-11T14:11:00.028+01:00

I'm excited to say that I'm linking to a brilliant photographer today and I'll be sharing gorgeous fine art photos and artwork gifts.
Mark Highton Ridley is a highly skilled and creative photographer and also one of the greatest fine art photographers in England today.
He has had work published in Photo magazines, and the BBC has frequently shown his work as well.
His quirky style and aspects of capturing things around has always drawn me to him.
I love the way he can take ordinary scenes and make them extraordinary...he can apply a new perspective to standard approaches to images. In other words he adds something new to the contemporary fine art photography.

I have always admired his dedication and passion for his work.
His photos sometimes incorporate a deep insight, and are many
potentially expressive shots. He's mainly a Black &White photographer , but his photography approach go artistically further than that.

Here's a well-rounded set of pieces that would make any house feel happy.

Formally he's revealing his interest in colour HDR and tone-mapping techniques.

Parthenon Marble In Green.

Here's a an inspiring shot from his last trip to Athens, Greece in April 2010.
I loved his idea of making this in artefact; What I love about this picture is the fact that he gave this shot a treatment that would be dramatically extraordinary. It surely looks like it's made of glass. Don't you think?

Twisting it to a whole different perspective can be amazing!

Who says photography is limited to what a standard frame one can see.

Much of his work and other artwork is available as posters and canvas prints.

You can find gorgeous fine art photos for less than a Gant shirt. You can also find beautiful postcards, t-shirts, plates, mugs and other gifts. Along with his B&W photography, his gallery contains a large handful of HDR tone mapped images.

Visit his Zazzle store here and have a look at his full gallery for more.

If your house and friends are craving affordable fine art photos and artwork gifts I would recommend it 1,000 times over.

This is the fine art photography that I would recommend to anyone who wants their home to feel pretty, especially if you love a fine art work that is affordable. It would be a great investment and also just so nice to hang around the house as frames.

What a terrific idea for holiday cards and gifts this year as well! :)

Some art is worthwhile because is beautiful!

My darlings, I hope you have a wonderful weekend! xx

(Photos via Highton-Ridley~Fine Art Photography)

Transformations

2011-11-08T14:17:00.087+01:00

"...But you don't know about love. If there hadn't been a sixth day, man would not exist; copper would always be just copper, and lead just lead. It's true that everything has its destiny, but one day that destiny would be realized.
So each thing has to transform itself into something better, and to acquire a new destiny, until someday, the Soul of the World becomes one thing only."

The sun thought about that, and decided to shine more brightly.

"That's what alchemists do. They show that, when we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too."
"Well, why did you say that I don't know about love?" the sun asked the boy.

"Because it's not love to be static like the desert, nor is it love to roam the world like the wind. And it's not love to see everything from a distance like you do.

Love is the force that transforms and improves the Soul of the World. When I first reached through it, I thought the Soul of the World was perfect. But later, I could see that it was like other aspects of creation, and had its own passions and wars. It is we who nourish the Soul of the World, and the world we live in will be either better or worse, depending on whether we become better or worse.
And that's where the power of love comes in.

Because when we love, we always strive to become better than we are."

How inspiring! xx

I love The Creative Exchange by Lisa.

Linking to Photography Challenge by Faith.

(The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. This is the fascinating story of Santiago, a shepherd boy who dreams of travelling the world to seek the most wonderful treasures known to man.)

Thank You So Much!

2011-11-06T20:37:00.003+01:00

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your kind words, thoughts, and love.
Thank you so much all of you for being so supportive...it means so much to me.

Thank you one and all.
Your kindness and sympathy are more appreciated than any words can ever express. xx

*Comments Off*

Still Not Ready to Say Goodbye...

2011-11-01T13:32:00.016+01:00

Yesterday a very wonderful person passed away, my colleague, friend, Sophia.

I haven't felt like blogging the past couple of days. I am so sad, her death did hit me hard...still not ready to say goodbye.

I feel numb and not really be able to react at all. I can't believe this has happened.

She was a really nice, kind, caring, loving person who could always make people laugh, always smiling around and willing to go the extreme mile to help you.

The whole office is still in a state of shock, even big, tough guys cried and still shed a few tears today.

I love you, Sophia. I truly miss you so much.
Rest in peace...

Swan of Grace + Have a Happy Weekend!

2011-10-28T15:06:00.030+02:00

While in Leamington Spa, England, I went for a walk in Jephson Gardens and came across a man feeding ducks and swans with bread. He had about five slices of bread and he threw bits of it towards them. Needless to say the swans fought a little over it, but they seemed to enjoy it.

"Halo, I'm a Scotsman!", said the man... "I enjoy feeding swans. Take a slice of bread and throw it in them on the water. It's fun!".

There were loads of ducks around us and they looked quite hungry.

What a happy swan patiently waiting for a treat!

I've heard that it is bad to feed ducks bread, but one of my earliest memories as a child was feeding the ducks at our local pond, and that helped formed my love for wildlife.

What about you?

My lovelies, have a nice, graceful weekend! xx

P.S. Click on the photos for enlarging.