Medieval Manor in Devon

This might be my last post until January 23 so I'd like to wish you all a very merry Christmas, Happy New Year and happy holidays, and... try not to forget me! <br /><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And my last post before Christmas takes us to Devon, in England. Jan-Eric and Jennifer Österlund live in this 1830 manor house which has never been extended and is a typical medieval hall house. A 14th century manor all dressed up for Christmas. If you'd like to read the whole story just click <a href="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/readers-homes/readers-homes/rural-manor-christmas" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-06.jpg" src="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-06.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-01.jpg" src="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-01.jpg" /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-04.jpg" src="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-04.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four men were needed to carry the impressive tree into the great hall and a wooden frame was specially built to support it safely.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-02.jpg" src="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The oak door dates from the 1560s.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-03.jpg" src="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fireplace in the great hall was installed by William Sherman; his initials and those of his wife are carved as part of the frieze. The Flemish tapestry, c1680, illustrates the Story of Samson.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-05.jpg" src="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-05.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-07.jpg" src="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-07.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-09.jpg" src="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-09.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-10.jpg" src="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-10.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-11.jpg" src="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-12.jpg" src="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-12.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-13.jpg" src="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-13.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-14.jpg" src="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-14.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-08.jpg" src="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1211osterlund-08.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">All images from <a href="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a>.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><b></b><br /><b></b>

Medieval Manor in Devon

This might be my last post until January 23 so I'd like to wish you all a very merry Christmas, Happy New Year and happy holidays, and... try not to forget me! And my last post before Christmas takes us to Devon, in England. Jan-Eric and Jennifer Österlund live in this 1830 manor house which has ne…

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Red and Green in Sweden

Hello dear friends, am enjoying my holidays with the whole family. Pure bliss. Here's a Christmassy post with reds and greens for you today. Have a great week and I'll see you before Christmas.<br /><br /><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="427" src="http://www.skonahem.com/Global/Skonahem/inspirerande-hem/hemreportage/jul-i-jugendvillan/jul018.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="750" src="http://www.skonahem.com/Global/Skonahem/inspirerande-hem/hemreportage/jul-i-jugendvillan/jul006.jpg" width="500" /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.skonahem.com/Global/Skonahem/inspirerande-hem/hemreportage/jul-i-jugendvillan/jul007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="http://www.skonahem.com/Global/Skonahem/inspirerande-hem/hemreportage/jul-i-jugendvillan/jul007.jpg" border="0" height="751" src="http://www.skonahem.com/Global/Skonahem/inspirerande-hem/hemreportage/jul-i-jugendvillan/jul007.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><img height="757" src="http://www.skonahem.com/Global/Skonahem/inspirerande-hem/hemreportage/jul-i-jugendvillan/jul002.jpg" width="504" /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="749" src="http://www.skonahem.com/Global/Skonahem/inspirerande-hem/hemreportage/jul-i-jugendvillan/jul003.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="752" src="http://www.skonahem.com/Global/Skonahem/inspirerande-hem/hemreportage/jul-i-jugendvillan/jul011.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" height="322" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; width: 450px;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://www.skonahem.com/scaled/440x0/Global/Skonahem/inspirerande-hem/hemreportage/jul-i-jugendvillan/jul001.jpg?h=17100920da160338267db797219b9f69" height="332" src="http://www.skonahem.com/scaled/440x0/Global/Skonahem/inspirerande-hem/hemreportage/jul-i-jugendvillan/jul001.jpg?h=17100920da160338267db797219b9f69" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="751" src="http://www.skonahem.com/Global/Skonahem/inspirerande-hem/hemreportage/jul-i-jugendvillan/jul005.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="501" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="749" src="http://www.skonahem.com/Global/Skonahem/inspirerande-hem/hemreportage/jul-i-jugendvillan/jul013.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><img height="749" src="http://www.skonahem.com/Global/Skonahem/inspirerande-hem/hemreportage/jul-i-jugendvillan/jul014.jpg" width="500" /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="749" src="http://www.skonahem.com/Global/Skonahem/inspirerande-hem/hemreportage/jul-i-jugendvillan/jul008.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="751" src="http://www.skonahem.com/Global/Skonahem/inspirerande-hem/hemreportage/jul-i-jugendvillan/jul017.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="501" /></td></tr><tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption">Photography by Pernilla Hed<br /><br />All images from <a href="http://www.skonahem.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div>

Red and Green in Sweden

Hello dear friends, am enjoying my holidays with the whole family. Pure bliss. Here's a Christmassy post with reds and greens for you today. Have a great week and I'll see you before Christmas.Photography by Pernilla HedAll images from here.…

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Why I Still Believe in Santa Claus

<div style="text-align: center;">I grew up in a household of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">"believers".</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbb3aw0x9b_Tc099xZZ_jCaaMozUNZvkfS5K847spKFzNQXtecZ3dIDQU3YElB1GA9uFWHbjksnlTGC-UNq3Jf16EEuoFXPY_A4D1Aqbm7ZbKddv6ClHNWE9T5B-ArR4VeHMhn5Q9am9LP/s1600/6a0134862984b3970c0162fd7c1e24970d-500wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbb3aw0x9b_Tc099xZZ_jCaaMozUNZvkfS5K847spKFzNQXtecZ3dIDQU3YElB1GA9uFWHbjksnlTGC-UNq3Jf16EEuoFXPY_A4D1Aqbm7ZbKddv6ClHNWE9T5B-ArR4VeHMhn5Q9am9LP/s320/6a0134862984b3970c0162fd7c1e24970d-500wi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Me and my sibs were fortunate to have eager and well-meaning parents who raised us believing in Santa. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I can still recall Santa's gifts to me particularly my most favorite - my "Day and Night Barbie doll"...</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gPIjy4G4cj9CFrXdkzVSN_h0C_kOln5I7L3mJxVmA2d6DteR68I9pVK8MTQv5j2woZLAfFQ_PLyLu8NsSvu20dVlXqYZE-BHWjEoWDAAnnmMos-bLAz1ACGjREcqpN_Ir31e059pwZ-k/s1600/SUC50571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gPIjy4G4cj9CFrXdkzVSN_h0C_kOln5I7L3mJxVmA2d6DteR68I9pVK8MTQv5j2woZLAfFQ_PLyLu8NsSvu20dVlXqYZE-BHWjEoWDAAnnmMos-bLAz1ACGjREcqpN_Ir31e059pwZ-k/s400/SUC50571.JPG" width="168" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still have this little beauty</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">.....and remember the huge Voltron Robot my brother got!</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaXk2vTfj4WLrCIFCIgUqw9B9qa-h2gUErAqDaAX7JinxWLTDsHDIBBqLkfdLLp3juHiWuAs0_BAbrNwIL20kgGeBEj4_ysYcW0mY6WuzR4mu-sEBdY5oFmvDfg65kMUQRMtYeLpOVs6m/s1600/Voltron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaXk2vTfj4WLrCIFCIgUqw9B9qa-h2gUErAqDaAX7JinxWLTDsHDIBBqLkfdLLp3juHiWuAs0_BAbrNwIL20kgGeBEj4_ysYcW0mY6WuzR4mu-sEBdY5oFmvDfg65kMUQRMtYeLpOVs6m/s400/Voltron.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy brings back memories of Keith! Sigh!<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Image from http://uatwblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/all-i-want-for-christmas-pt-2.html</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Yes, we wrote our letters..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs48xZ3irAv11l3enyL1zFM9RyflvqtWhampZ66bi_Htt3K3tL_9c0vZY_ZdTdkjTjXfgWdY9dGlCveuZr5LPz8_mYzasE9o5nr-LQ-IDF2g_ef6mJoetgbagves4IoGinwtgy6axlEPMl/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs48xZ3irAv11l3enyL1zFM9RyflvqtWhampZ66bi_Htt3K3tL_9c0vZY_ZdTdkjTjXfgWdY9dGlCveuZr5LPz8_mYzasE9o5nr-LQ-IDF2g_ef6mJoetgbagves4IoGinwtgy6axlEPMl/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">we got our wishes...</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURoF9VVw5QIDc7kDRPBxyUqKndnI66N-X1UisF9SvPKaAwGowccSl82K9_uCQ93d-bQv8F6vrI5FiG_CMBWGRtLJaPzqYaf8bY0s2VgL_OX0I1UXUU2Ry82HF83Ku1f3HFp1zon0arbRT/s1600/434661-Diverse-Christmas-Kids-Opening-Gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURoF9VVw5QIDc7kDRPBxyUqKndnI66N-X1UisF9SvPKaAwGowccSl82K9_uCQ93d-bQv8F6vrI5FiG_CMBWGRtLJaPzqYaf8bY0s2VgL_OX0I1UXUU2Ry82HF83Ku1f3HFp1zon0arbRT/s320/434661-Diverse-Christmas-Kids-Opening-Gifts.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.clipartof.com/portfolio/bnpdesignstudio/christmas-gift</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">and we eventually discovered <span style="color: #cc0000;">THE CABINET</span> where "all the magic happens"...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN41-5vec5j0OvSDyUE0I6wQNQGgi16tdv94e-xQWxA4sWy3s0sLWQ99HKExtx5gwjbH7kRJ2P6M_FFSJ8LoJ2pYXRlvxCYskSsbZ7DBDX_DK9Enw2D0yMxzc6SZLSx7UoGTSmvyJNGkqQ/s1600/narnia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN41-5vec5j0OvSDyUE0I6wQNQGgi16tdv94e-xQWxA4sWy3s0sLWQ99HKExtx5gwjbH7kRJ2P6M_FFSJ8LoJ2pYXRlvxCYskSsbZ7DBDX_DK9Enw2D0yMxzc6SZLSx7UoGTSmvyJNGkqQ/s320/narnia.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from http://www.noddegamra.co.uk/man-finds-woman-living-in-closet/199/</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> But despite all the skeptics I've encountered throughout my life, and of course, the "disappointment" I felt when I discovered the "magic Cabinet", I was determined to make my kids believe.. </div><div style="text-align: center;">WHY you ask?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is WHY...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkC-cAe8V835v1qsBYPQR2lHDve0v-tewpMFuHqZgosM8F0OHElVn3aDqSLJwVKbgFfxFIRGTWaKLkj5jsQVB2t3uvDrGwXtbGpNHz9E-IXxRpuY4R8WcCHMKCd-zNoQWQ6OZyf3uphrj/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkC-cAe8V835v1qsBYPQR2lHDve0v-tewpMFuHqZgosM8F0OHElVn3aDqSLJwVKbgFfxFIRGTWaKLkj5jsQVB2t3uvDrGwXtbGpNHz9E-IXxRpuY4R8WcCHMKCd-zNoQWQ6OZyf3uphrj/s640/DSC_0024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I can't believe it, I can't believe it!"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCK0IlUonK47UKiOO6ofaDobcJwiZlG69DKpmXwp332JsZTTB5Mq715TKMnan2GrhTznyousoJhFYtj2m5FrFeEN4FkeFIHMuy4r7CYwi-_tyQ8ObHRRWlgNJihk_QOSVAolW_9_Ls_lg/s1600/DSC_0052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCK0IlUonK47UKiOO6ofaDobcJwiZlG69DKpmXwp332JsZTTB5Mq715TKMnan2GrhTznyousoJhFYtj2m5FrFeEN4FkeFIHMuy4r7CYwi-_tyQ8ObHRRWlgNJihk_QOSVAolW_9_Ls_lg/s640/DSC_0052.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HAPPY-NESS</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The happiness and genuine delight in discovering something on Christmas morning is just an awesome feeling! Imagine, a big old man in a red suit, took the time and effort to fly half-way across the globe just to bring you presents!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> It was not about the present at all ( most of the time), it was about the the thought of someone magical giving it to me!!!</div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuTVY5ZUnipl6gnIoik5CVsKJ5caZv9j_ApxOp8WNlI23hiHuLGANnhTSKUmpulWJ02pX-geWmjDE53mztdEYNx0JqvCm0TAAolosZM8b9Owxscxb6bbu3DGgQAwfmrxKQUY9cQ83FFEY/s1600/cokelore_santa_1951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuTVY5ZUnipl6gnIoik5CVsKJ5caZv9j_ApxOp8WNlI23hiHuLGANnhTSKUmpulWJ02pX-geWmjDE53mztdEYNx0JqvCm0TAAolosZM8b9Owxscxb6bbu3DGgQAwfmrxKQUY9cQ83FFEY/s640/cokelore_santa_1951.jpg" width="524" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just look at him!<br />Image from http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/heritage/cokelore_santa.html<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">I still feel the giddiness I felt when I was little whenever I see my kids face light up on Christmas morning when they see the milk glass emptied, the cookies gone and the presents there- </div><div style="text-align: center;"> that to me is where the real magic is! </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">We all believe in something that is beyond what we understand </span></i>- be it GOD, Allah, or the Universe. And though we may not see these beings, we know they are there. And though I do not worship Santa, the magic he brings every Christmas is very special to me, as a "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">believer"</span>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My kids have asked me all sorts of question about how things are made possible in one night. Especially my older one, he always wonders about how Santa does "his thing". </div><div style="text-align: center;">And that wonder is what makes him write to Santa year in and year out, challenging him with weird requests (saber tooth tiger skull last year and for this year,  video games not yet released!), so that he may continue believing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And you know what, even if he doesn't get his weird requests sometimes,  he is the one who manages to answer the questions for us! Simply Amazing! That is because I can feel, he wants to believe and continue believing in this great man!</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">So to all you "Smart ones" out there who <b>still <i>keep on insisting that SANTA IS NOT REAL</i></b>, and who keep trying to convince us believers that "you know better".  Well, I say to you - heckle us all you want,  cajole us into <i>Not believing</i> all you want, but in end, you will not succeed!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Because <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">SANTA CLAUS</span></b> is not just a person to us,  he is the epitome of the magic and wonder of the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Christmas season</span>, and that to me, can NEVER be altered or changed by any smartie! </div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">Have a Magical Christmas everyone!! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">HOHOHOHO!!!</span></div>

Why I Still Believe in Santa Claus

I grew up in a household of "believers".Me and my sibs were fortunate to have eager and well-meaning parents who raised us believing in Santa. I can still recall Santa's gifts to me particularly my most favorite - my "Day and Night Barbie doll"...Still have this little beauty.....and remember the hu…

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W & W

That means white and wood, and it's a combination you will find throughout this home in Spain.<br />Relaxing earth tones, lots of natural wood, different textures and interesting fabrics. Come and have a look.<br /><br /><br /><img name="foto" src="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/espacios/360/360_1_1g.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/">Nuevo Estilo</a></span><br /><br /><img name="foto" src="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/espacios/360/360_1_2g.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/">Nuevo Estilo</a></span><br /><br /><img name="foto" src="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/espacios/360/360_1_3g.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/">Nuevo Estilo</a></span><br /><br /><img name="foto" src="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/espacios/360/360_1_4g.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/">Nuevo Estilo</a></span><br /><br /><img name="foto" src="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/espacios/360/360_1_5g.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/"></a></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/">Nuevo Estilo</a></span><br /><br /><img name="foto" src="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/espacios/360/360_1_6g.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/">Nuevo Estilo</a></span><br /><br /><img name="foto" src="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/espacios/360/360_1_7g.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/">Nuevo Estilo</a></span><br /><br /><img name="foto" src="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/espacios/360/360_1_8g.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/">Nuevo Estilo</a><br /><br /></span><img name="foto" src="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/espacios/360/360_1_9g.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/">Nuevo Estilo</a><br /><br /></span><img name="foto" src="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/espacios/360/360_1_10g.jpg" /><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/"><br />Nuevo Estilo</a></span><br /><br />Hope to be back next week with a couple of posts. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend, my friends!<br /><br />All images from <a href="http://www.nuevo-estilo.es/">here</a>.

W & W

That means white and wood, and it's a combination you will find throughout this home in Spain.Relaxing earth tones, lots of natural wood, different textures and interesting fabrics. Come and have a look.Nuevo EstiloNuevo EstiloNuevo EstiloNuevo EstiloNuevo EstiloNuevo EstiloNuevo EstiloNuevo EstiloN…

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FLASHBACK: Christmas 2010

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Christmas Decor in our Rented home in 2010</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizuEMxatWIGEAxu_hCmMkss9P1OnxvxMTM1Ca0ZK_q4fFEwDi15V_9lvwZrzGsIWYVn_C-rgzWgHguSH9eIm1G7f_M8y_GLr62vQ9JMCMRZKd4gawWEpdvDwga48i6pBuGHvcoWpuvduNS/s1600/DSC_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizuEMxatWIGEAxu_hCmMkss9P1OnxvxMTM1Ca0ZK_q4fFEwDi15V_9lvwZrzGsIWYVn_C-rgzWgHguSH9eIm1G7f_M8y_GLr62vQ9JMCMRZKd4gawWEpdvDwga48i6pBuGHvcoWpuvduNS/s640/DSC_0079.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrn07MObm_uPWWna1wOYcuNnPQQu0ciizmJIlyc_dfqclk9kEk9UHmPOkXvqdxTHr8qf7jAJxnkWIj2aP-ZFZtDNkON2PayoZ-A6W7wqOi2sr_vKL6f6q5EB9bfD3nMdXBT1L2qI0GfTy/s1600/DSC_0080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrn07MObm_uPWWna1wOYcuNnPQQu0ciizmJIlyc_dfqclk9kEk9UHmPOkXvqdxTHr8qf7jAJxnkWIj2aP-ZFZtDNkON2PayoZ-A6W7wqOi2sr_vKL6f6q5EB9bfD3nMdXBT1L2qI0GfTy/s640/DSC_0080.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHFiZWQtIA7GZIpvxLKbQhJLbTTjgWfjoXXahN0qcruajUngLw-o0OpGDGr1uxhD9zwUSKWbcGzIMXpyFM-X9eBOHF8gr6n4iRhVeI7LqR-v1QilBFBLwgzzXAEeoQqS85igt2wzteh0a/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHFiZWQtIA7GZIpvxLKbQhJLbTTjgWfjoXXahN0qcruajUngLw-o0OpGDGr1uxhD9zwUSKWbcGzIMXpyFM-X9eBOHF8gr6n4iRhVeI7LqR-v1QilBFBLwgzzXAEeoQqS85igt2wzteh0a/s400/DSC_0081.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQgXjZUL4Cyz1k0SoKkYwoAW3gw59-38FUeiAU3FbSeYlI_dBeAONOx3Ir16XKXKuCbTEOvWZXrg1BWrC_2x-6fMGczzjjA_9i-ont4S0GbNgvmZRfwyt58Dyomn3262rGrCD-9egr5AJ/s1600/DSC_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQgXjZUL4Cyz1k0SoKkYwoAW3gw59-38FUeiAU3FbSeYlI_dBeAONOx3Ir16XKXKuCbTEOvWZXrg1BWrC_2x-6fMGczzjjA_9i-ont4S0GbNgvmZRfwyt58Dyomn3262rGrCD-9egr5AJ/s400/DSC_0064.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

FLASHBACK: Christmas 2010

The Christmas Decor in our Rented home in 2010…

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Georgian Townhouse

Sandy and Peter Borchert won the Period Living Readers' Award for Best Townhouse 2011. Located in Wiltshire, South West England, it used to be a mill and was later converted into a home. The Borcherts recently renovated it preserving its Georgian style. If you'd like to read the story behind the house go <a href="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/readers-homes/readers-homes/restoring-georgian-townhouse">here</a>. <strong><br /><br /><img alt="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1111borchert-02.jpg" src="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1111borchert-02.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1111borchert-04.jpg" src="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1111borchert-04.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out;" /><br /><br /><img alt="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1111borchert-01.jpg" src="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1111borchert-01.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out;" /><br /><br /><img alt="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1111borchert-03.jpg" src="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1111borchert-03.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out;" /><br /><br /><img alt="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1111borchert-05.jpg" src="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1111borchert-05.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1111borchert-06.jpg" src="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1111borchert-06.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out;" /><br /><br /><img alt="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1111borchert-08.jpg" src="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1111borchert-08.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out;" /><br /><br /><img alt="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1111borchert-07.jpg" src="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1111borchert-07.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1111borchert-09.jpg" src="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/sites/default/files/1111borchert-09.jpg" /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">All images from </span><a style="font-weight: normal;" href="http://www.periodliving.co.uk/">here</a><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span><br /></strong>

Georgian Townhouse

Sandy and Peter Borchert won the Period Living Readers' Award for Best Townhouse 2011. Located in Wiltshire, South West England, it used to be a mill and was later converted into a home. The Borcherts recently renovated it preserving its Georgian style. If you'd like to read the story behind the hou…

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