A new venture inspired by Nature ....

I know ... I've abandoned this place way too long, but all for a good reason.
It's not that I haven't took any photos, but not the kind I usually share over here.

The last couple of weeks my living room was turned up side down while being used as a 'photo studio'.
All because of the fact that Mr. Reed Warbler and me are starting a new (ad)venture together.

Our love for both Nature and Interior has taken shape in our own Webshop and so very pleased I can finally share it with you ....

As long as we're a couple, I'm the one with the creative ideas and so fortunate with my husband who brings them into reality.
Therefore there will be, alongside New and Vintage items, also our own The Reed Warbler collection.

Most of these items created by my husband like for instance this Bench for the little ones ....

 And some bespoke knitting from my hand, such as this personalised little Dress ....

But most of our products we've sourced with the thought of bringing Nature indoors under our - for instance - category Botanical ....

Picture Frame 

Vintage Books

Botanical School Chart

Although I knew it would be a lot of work 'building' a shop on line, it still took more time than I had expected.
But is was so worth it, because I'm so very happy with the end result.

There's one person in special to thank for, because without him there wouldn't be a shop at all, and that is our youngest son.
Not only he's responsible for the design and everything that comes with it, but also his enthusiasm and confidence has kept me going when doubting sometimes.
All this makes this new venture even more special and counting my blessings even more.

We still have quite a few new products to be added over the next months, so I hope you will stay tuned as we will be adding more stock along the way.

As we're already halfway November it's all about cosy up at home and preparing for Christmas.
So very chuffed with one of our seasonal items, our own produced Hanging Christmas (Advent) Tree ....

  Which is - when all numbered paper bags are opened - also a lovely Christmas display ....

If you want to have a browse .... there's more to find here

Have a lovely weekend!

Anita
~ xo ~

Sister's day ....

Since our parents are no longer with us, my sisters and I go for a day out together on a regular bases. Realising how precious family is and therefore appreciating each others company even more.

Last Friday we decided to spend our day at the Tea garden Eemnes and this was the very welcoming entrance ....  

And listening to this ones loudly welcome set it all off ....

This lovely corner with the beautifully filled cupboard was just asking for our presence .... 

Completed with this delicious High Tea ....

Like having High Tea in a secluded forest ....

With lovely displays everywhere ....

Knowing my mum would have loved this, it was a comforting thought maybe she was still with us because this one was around us all day ....

Enjoying her own delicatessen ....

And just about our last round at this wonderful place I found this beauty right at the end of the garden ....

We spend the whole day in these beautiful surroundings and chatted through the day with only one interruption, visiting the nice shop also on the premises.

And now it's back to the order of the day and slowly getting ready for our annual escape to my beloved England.
In two weeks time we'll be on our way and I just can't wait to be reunited with my second homeland.

Happy Friday, have a lovely weekend!

Anita
~xo~

Easter (spring) 'cake' ....

This year I was aiming for something different than the traditional branches to get into the Easter spirit.

If only because of the comments from the men household in which I live. Especially because to them it's more like an obstacle then an addition to the atmosphere (or in other words .... it mainly obstructs their view on the television) 

A while ago I saw this lovely flower (wedding) cake from The Flowerbird on Instagram and it instantly gave me inspiration for an Easter (spring) display ....

Is it only me that when I'm looking for something, it's just not available or ridiculous expensive.

So I decided to make a cheaper version, of what I had in mind as basics, myself.

Therefore I bought this simple candle holder and sink scale in order to glue them to another. 

Together with floral foam (soaked in water) shaped to the size of the scale and moss they form the basis of my spring arrangement. 

Before the real decorating could start I made a hole in the middle and added the Narcissus Bridal Crown which I really love for its fragrance ....

After that I started decorating with these gorgeous roses and spring branches (using a cocktail stick to make a little hole before adding them ) ....

And some Easter decorations with the necessary 'tools' to secure them ....

After gradually adding all of its 'ingredients' this is the end result ....

Though I'm rather pleased with the end result, I braced myself for the expected comment that the men in this house would have preferred an edible cake.

So to keep them happy I prepared something edible too .... 

The narcissus make their expectation more than true, because the living room is filled with a gorgeous springlike scent .... 

Wishing you a happy Easter!

Anita
~xo~

DIY.... fruit salad for the birds

The main reason for my visit to the garden centre last week was to buy a birthday present for my sister and some white pansies. While walking through the centre I just couldn't resist all the colourful fruit and pumpkins that are offered this time of the year.
Not really sure what to do with it I also bought two flowerpots, moss, some small apples and checker berry. In my bicycle basket it already looked like a cheerful fruity party ....

With only some more sphagnum, floral foam and cocktail sticks the fruit gradually got its destination ....

I first covered the iron bowl with moss ....

Then filled it with floral foam ( on the picture shown later in this post it has just one layer )
When you add another layer it will be slightly higher ....

Then cover it all with moss ....

By using a cocktail stick you can add the fruit. For the pumpkins I used a cordless drill to make a small hole before adding it with a cocktail stick ....

And voila, the birds can have their party ....

For the moment it's still on my dining table as it is a lovely Autumnal display ....

The birthday present came naturally and with still some fruit left I also made a welcome gift for my niece's her new (first) home ....

Enjoy Autumn,

Anita xo