Dreaming of the Country

The Joy of Plants

2013-06-17T09:27:00.000+01:00

House plants and flowers are a great way to bring splashes of colour into your home and soften a room’s harsh edges.

We have quite a few large plants dotted around our home, but as Ivy becomes more mobile we’re beginning to baby-proof and that means taking everything up a level. Our large potted trees are being removed and I’m trying to find some suitable houseplants which are small enough to be on a shelf but can still make a big difference to our rooms.

I love the colour, beauty and fragrance that flowers bring to a room but cut flowers can be a bit expensive if bought regularly so I was really excited when the FlowerCouncil of Holland offered to send me a beautiful orchid for our newly baby-proofed home!

The flowers are absolutely gorgeous and I’ve already had several comments on what a beautiful plant it is – it has quickly become the centre of interest in the room.

However, my favourite thing about it is its amazing fragrance. I have a real thing about my house smelling nice, and these flowers give out a wonderful sweet sherberty aroma – much better than artificial air fresheners!

According to the Flower Council of Holland not only do flowers and plants look beautiful, they can also help boost your mood, offer health benefits and provide comfort and I can well believe it. There is something special about bringing the natural world into your home!

If you would like to get your hands on one of these fabulous houseplants why not enter Dr Plant’s competition on Facebook to win a plant for your home – just click here!

Disclaimer: I was sent this plant for the purpose of this review but all the thoughts and opinions are my own!

24/52: Father's Day

2013-06-15T22:18:00.000+01:00

24/52 You love playing with your Daddy and you always get excited when he walks through the door. You have been practicing getting into a crawling position much more in the last week although you still haven’t worked out how to move along yet!

Josh, thank you for working so hard, being so supportive and for being such a good Dad to Ivy. Happy Father’s Day! We love you!

See the rest of Ivy's portraits here
Linking with Jodi

Favourite Holiday Memories

2013-06-14T07:47:00.001+01:00

I'm guest posting over at Catch a Single Thought about my favourite holiday memories today. Make sure you check it out!

You also have a few hours to enter my giveaway - don't forget you can enter on Facebook or Twitter more than once!

2013 Bucket List #10: Chepstow Castle

2013-06-13T17:49:00.000+01:00

One of the good things about living in South Wales is that there are lots of historic castles around to explore.

Last week we headed off to Chepstow Castle and had a great day out.

Construction began on Chepstow Castle in 1067. I just love that we can still visit buildings that were built and lived in NINE HUNDRED YEARS AGO. How mad is that?!

I also liked Chepstow because I have recently read some historical-fiction novels about the characters that owned or lived in the the castle over the years – namely William Marshall and Roger Bigod. It was easy to imagine them in-situ!

My favourite part of the castle though was the doors. Built no later than the 1190s it was amazing to get so close to something that would have been used by so many people over so many years.

It was a great way to kick off our 2013 Bucket List!

What's in my changing bag?

2013-06-11T08:40:00.002+01:00

I'm guest posting today over at Make Do and Push about my snazzy new changing bag...make sure you check it out!

Also - don't forget you still have a few days to ENTER MY GIVEAWAY for a visitors' book with sea-themed photographs.