Something for you to read...

So as you know, i was lost in the virtual world of Second Life for quite some time... I became so absorbed, i lost my real life self and struggled to do pretty much anything else online..  And sadly i neglected All Things Shabby Chic.  

I uninstalled and deleted Second Life (for the saviour of my mind) and have decided to put that energy into writing a short novel based on the experiences and lessons learned there.  

This place, for those of you who never found it, was a surreal and enhanced way to live any life you could imagine.  At some points it was to be noted and reminded that there were real people with real feelings on the other side, but the roleplaying was sometimes so real that you only had concern for the character and not the controller.

I've decided to keep my story on Blogger, and would love it if you would all check it out.

It may just be a game, but to me, it gave me some sense of who i am and what directions in life i want to take.  So despite leaving me with insomnia and a lack of social life, i enjoyed the last 4/5 months more than i'd like to admit and met some of the most incredible people i'll ever know.

Once Upon A Time

Say What? AN UPDATE?

... *pokes her head around the corner* ...

Hi hi.. I'm here *waves* Sorry it's been such a long time since i updated.  I got sucked into Second Life and all other online activity came to a stop.. I feel terrible for being so neglectful.  I suddenly thought that some may start to worry why i hadn't made an appearance for such a time.  

It's been a real low few months for me.  I've been sucked into hibernation.  My last house project was back in the summer and my precious carpet now has ketchup stains.  I stepped into Laura Ashley just after Xmas to spend my new gift card.. And i stepped straight back out.  I lost the buzz and i blame this grotty weather.  However i'm awaking from this 'coma' and feel all ready to start planning for Spring.  YES.. I am eager for winter to end *sighs*

Let me know what you have all been up to, although i am on a major blog catch up right now.. I've missed you all so much.  I've missed the new ideas and the excitement and everything else that goes into the passion of making home the absolute expression of all of you wonderful people.

*Hugs all around*

Lea

Blog Give-Away Winner... and update

Just a quick post, to let you know the winner of my blog giveaway has been drawn.  (Drawn by my lovely husband)

*Drum Roll*

And the dear blogger to win is, Claire, over at Serendipity Loves New York.

Thank you all for taking part,

Lea xx

{Insert ramblings.... } 

May i also just say a big thank you to Sian for my bag, and let her know i'll sort payment out this week... An updated blog of my bag and lavender bag to follow as soon as broadband is set up...

{Insert More Ramblings..}

We got our phone line at long last... BT decided that we didn't actually need to pay £150 deposit.  So phone line will be connected and live on Monday 13th October... Our 1st year marriage anniversary hehehe... 

Short Good-Bye

Hello, just to let you know, i won't be updating until the end of the month.  Since moving here, we had to cancel our BT line, therefore losing broadband.  So i was delighted to discover mobile broadband.  But unfortunately i only get 3GB usage a month, and having downloaded multiplayer programme, 'Second Life', i used it all up lol.  

The draw for my layout giveaway is being done tomorrow, and i will work on that for the winner, but that is all until the new monthly usage starts.

I am trying to get a BT line again, however the £130 connection fee is terrible, but the fact they also want £150 deposit is even worse.  We simply can not afford it at this time, and im very upset with them.

Enjoy October, and catch up with you all as soon as possible xx

French Chic

There is no denying that when it came to style, France got it right.  I would like to tell you more about it, but i've been researching now for 3 hours and it's coming up close to 1am.  So i cheated and copied and pasted a very brief description.

Along with Milan and New York, Paris is sometimes called the "fashion capital of the world". The association of France with fashion (French: la mode) dates largely to the reign of Louis XIV ^[26] when the luxury goods industries in France came increasingly under royal control and the French royal court became, arguably, the arbiter of taste and style in Europe.

The most beautiful movie i have ever seen is with no doubts, Marie Antionette.  The palace alone was fascinating to see on screen.  My husband has been there.  I'm incredibly jealous, but he has promised to take me for our anniversary next year.

Her gowns, shoes, fans, furniture, friends and lifestyle was so glamourous.  The colours so rich and full that i almost felt i could reach out and feel the texture of their clothes.

I have tried to capture a french feel in my home, but i have a long way to go.  I found a shop on eBay though this evening,  and i got incredibly excited over the cheap prices.

Clickie

The above two imagesa are previews of what they sell.  Incredibly stunning.

French Furniture Inspiration

Autumn Ideas

Autumn is my favourite season.  I love the warm colours, the sweet scent in the air and the cosy feel of the heating being put on after summer.  I was looking for some ideas for decorating the home, because why only decorate at Christmas?

Perfect for your outside areas... I could sit there and read all day.

Use pumpkins to decorate vases and ornaments.

This wreath is so beautiful, and hung on your front door, it will give visitors a warm welcome.

Perfect table decorations for dinner parties and romantic nights in.

A nice way to decorate your side units and hall tables.

Have fun with decorating champagne flutes and wine glasses.  Or why not your coffee and tea cups?

Great for mantle pieces.

Use vintage style tins and boxes to display rich coloured bouquets, indoors or outdoors.

Luxury Autumn Themed Interiors... 

By the way, thank you ladies for your input on what sort of style to go for with my Daughter's bedroom.  I think the second from last image was the winner, and we will be using that for inspiration :)

Lea xx

Elegant Girly Rooms

When we moved into our house, Madisyn was Dora crazy, but in the short months we have been here she has decided she no longer likes Dora as much.  Which is a shame because her entire bedroom is kitted out with Dora.  I told Ash this before we designed her bedroom, but he insisted she had the room she had begged for.  I gave in and forgot about the ideas i had for decorating it.  But now she doesn't like Dora anymore, i see this as an oppourtunity to decorate the bedroom in a way that will grow with her.  I have so many ideas though, and can't make my mind up.  I love these pictures i found this evening.  They are classy and classic, but still girly and fun.

Circle of Blog Friends

Wouldn't it be nice for there to be a community of blog friends.  I created this poster today, hoping it would work it's way around and bring our circle closer together.

(Copy and paste the following in your blog post)

You've been Blog Friend Tagged!!

Send this poster to another blog friend, and let them know they are thought of... If you recieve this poster, then send it on again...

Display your poster proudly in your sidebar, and watch as we become a circle of blogging buddies.