Be Home Free

drum roll please ...... today I am launching my own hashtag!!!

I'm so excited about the possibilities, so here's what it's all about.  

After much cogitating and talking with friends I finally settled on the tag #BeHomeFree and for me this will encompass a multitude of different things.

The dictionary definition of "Be Home Free" is to be certain to succeed at something because you have done the most difficult part of it.  I feel like this in my life, now in my 50's, I'm happy with the way life is going, and semi-retirement means more time to pursue happiness and well being.

As a crafter, this could also mean that you have broken the back of a project you are working on, which I certainly know the feeling of. 

As this blog is about life and style as I see it, then there are many other aspects to the words.  

To BE - in the moment, taking time for yourself, a simple meditation that takes the stress away .... 

HOME - where-ever you lay your hat, making a space personal so that you feel cozy and good, let me see your favourite aspects of your home, little corners, personal objects that you like to have with you ... HOME is many things to many people. 

FREE - out and about exploring, adventures and travels. What style do you like to wear when you are away from home? What do you always take with you? Cool and beautiful places to stay and visit ... freedom, what does that mean to you? 

Freedom from convention, free style, if you are like me and not conforming to the stereotype of your age group or gender then here is something that I want to discuss. 

I will be setting the prompts for these different aspects over on Instagram and announcing the winners here on this blog, I already have a handful of great sponsors for this hashtag so there is something for everyone here.

One of my most liked photos on Instagram was of the string of bottles from Rose & Grey so they have kindly said that they would give one away to the winner of the hashtag competition, how fab is that.

So all you have to do is post a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #behomefree and at the end of the month I will announce across all social media the name of the winner and sharing their photo too. If you don't have instagram but you do have twitter then send it to me there, my link is ... @janiceissitt

So, please put it in your diaries, the hashtag launches today June 1st and the closing date for our first competition will be at the end of the month, post your photos any day of the week and I will be doing a round up each week of how the #behomefree community is growing.  

I can't wait to see your interpretation of the phrase, and for this first month I would like to you to post a photo that shows 

....... a sense of home and how you see it. 

x

Swedish Air and Antiques

As you may know, I pop to Sweden quite a lot to see my best mates, my god-daughters and to photograph for the Van Asch catalogue. On this last trip I also had the opportunity to meet again, a group of business women and chatted to them about expanding their network with the use of a hashtag, so when this little plan comes together, they will be looking for brand representatives in the blogging world and for other Scandinavian women to join in with that community.  I will be spreading the word to all you Scandophiles (is that a word) as soon as the plan comes to fruition.  

I really fancied a bit of a country jaunt to somewhere unexplored for myself and my friends, somewhere not too far from Stockholm as we had the girls in the car, affordable and fun, so we got onto Air bnb and found some great places.

We most fancied exploring around Uppsala, and I always love to pop to Sigtuna, so we plumped for this little cottage, in the garden of the Air bnb owners, near to a castle called Vik.  

Nothing says Sweden more than these little red houses with the green and white around the windows.

Our little dolls house of a cottage was absolutely adorable, it did seem to need a bit of an airing to our towney noses however, but as it was only one night we treated it as an adventure more than a luxury.  After much driving around in circles, we finally found it, directions could have been  a bit better, luckily though we kept phoning the owners and telling them where we were, eventually we found the road between the big red barns that led to the cottage in the woods.

Inside there were some super cute rooms.  On route we visited many Loppis and as the weather had taken a sharp cold turn, we bought some extra layers and dress up clothes for a night of watching Eurovision in our play house.

I have written before about Loppis, but if you aren't familiar with that term let me explain.  A Loppis is a kind of junk shop, garage sale, carboot, kinda thing. Anyone can put a sign up outside their house with "Loppis" written on it and you just go and have a good old rummage.  They vary enormously, some are just a small garage of unwanted items, some are a thriving cornucopia of antiques and collectables run in a professional manner.  Some are a dusty old mess and others beautifully laid out and displayed.

The great thing about Loppis is that there is something for everyone, so you can give the youngsters some money and they go off and find all kinds of toys, jewellery, dress up clothes, while mum is swooning over old tins, kitchenalia and furniture.

I found lots of lovely wooden things, chopping boards, the big scoop, pastry cutters, cake tins, enamel ware and so on.

And a trip to visit Van Asch wouldn't be complete without the collecting of mad props for photos, this time we hired some taxidermy from a tattoo shop in Stockholm.  We checked that the taxidermy was all ethically sourced and came away with a swan and a crow.  I also managed to pick up these cute little antlers (antlers - why am I so obsessed with them?) as I'm working on my logo of antlers and flowers.  If any illustrators out there could draw and paint me a really detailed one I would love that. During the break down of the set we built I also managed to drop a heavy backdrop on my foot and chipped the bone in my toe - pain like no other I have ever experienced and the first time I've ever broken a bone!

I would definitely do the Air bnb in Sweden again for a one night road trip with the girls, they are very reasonably priced too and a very authentic experience.

Until next week then - hey da, vi ses.

Healing Aromas

My house smells incredible at the moment, it is a real feast for the senses in every aspect. I often talk about colour and how it affects mood, but this week it's all about aromas.

For a few years now I've been getting a bit obsessed with fragranced candles, probably coinciding with a quite a few things.  I have very sensitive sinuses and have started to get a bad reaction to anything with fumes, like paint, glue, bleach ... you get the picture.  It manifests in the most awful headaches and sometimes allergy like symptoms, like Im coming down with the flu. So, calming of the nose is much required.

Without spending the whole blog post talking about my ailments, I have also at times suffered with anxiety and at the peak of that I became obsessed with lavender bags. So it's just starting to dawn on me that there really must be something behind aromatherapy, and although I'm not the greatest representative for natural therapies, you have to admit that there is definitely something to be said for recognising our bodies demands and functions.

The theory behind aromatherapy is that through the inhalation of essential oils, the brain is stimulated and connects to the limbic system, a complex system of nerves and networks which control instinct and emotions.  Having tackled personally the illogical affects of anxiety, I completely understand the fight or flight mechanism, and the ways to control fear. So reaching them through the nose makes perfect sense to me.  

In these photos you can see the diffuser from Organic Aromas.com which I asked if I could try out, I was keen to witness the inhalation of essential oils through a diffuser which doesn't adulterate the pure aroma. While it does plug in and makes a pleasing colour glow at it's core, there is no heat or water involved in this process, yet it produces an extremely fine mist, a vapour of pure essential oil, straight into the atmosphere. 

In this process the original chemical structure of the oil remains intact and the fine vapour is quickly absorbed into the body. This little teardrop works it's magic in a far more efficient way than anything else around.

 My diffuser came with a bottle of Signature Blend, which contains;

 Elemi, Clary Sage, Cajeput, Bergamot, and Chamomile Morocco. I did find this has a slightly medical smell, but on further investigation realised that it is really suitable for me right now, as I've currently had a few medical procedures. Here's what all the elements do: 

Elemi is conducive to the healing of wounds and can promote the growth of new skin.

Clary Sage has anti-depressant and anti-septic elements.

Cajeput has disinfectant function and is good for respiratory system and to boost immune system.

Bergamot is thought to lower body temperature and is a good sedative.

Chamomile is also calming and a powerful anti-inflammatory.

I'm also going to try a few of the other blends as I do like nice earthy warm smells like patchouli, rosewood and frankincense.

Trying to relax is really an art-form, it can take quite a lot of effort to wind down when you have a busy life. Having had some major changes in my life ten years ago I can honestly say it took many years to unwind from the pace of London. It's all about balance but putting that into practise can be harder than it looks.  Smell, breathing, it's key to relaxing and clearing the mind, and can help you to focus and meditate.

And of course, breathing the aromatherapy vapour is something that can be done while doing so many other things, reading and knitting would be my choice.


After my first real blast with the vapour, during the evening, I slept better than I had done for a very long time, a good deep sleep when normally I wake having hot flushes (oh Im painting such a glamorous picture here aren't I), I slept so well in fact I overslept and forgot to watch Game Of Thrones. I'm a bit shocked at how well it worked actually. 

If you pick up a copy of either 91 Magazine or Homes & Antiques, you will see some small contributions from me this month.  Both are excellent reads to take your mind off the day to day.

Isn't it strange how memories connected to scent and sound are the strongest, they can be connected to some very powerful emotions too.
I probably like patchouli because we all wore it back in the 70's with our hippy beads and cheesecloth.  If smell can carry you back to a different time and place then perhaps we don't give it enough credit.

A lot of discussion is had between bloggers about how much we talk about our personal lives, I think it's important to be honest but not bore the pants off people, to be positive and realistic at the same time, so when you read a blog, whether it's mine or another, remember that no-one has a perfect life, we all have dark moods, health problems and other worries. Maybe the duty of a blogger is to entertain and inform and also look at the beauty around us, but in doing so that may make our lives seem unreal.  

I don't want to be the old lady at the back of the bus who never stops going on about her hospital visits, but if my experiences can help someone else feel less alone with theirs, then I will aim to do that here. 

For more information about the Organic Aroma diffuser range have a look at https://organicaromas.com/

Jungle on the table

This month's topic for the Urban Jungle Bloggers is showing plants as a table centerpiece or decoration, what a good idea so long as it's your shorter plants, after all, we want to see our guests through the jungle don't we?

 I don't think I would have thought of doing this as an actual thing if Igor and Judith hadn't chosen it as a styling prompt. Flowers are pretty and obvious, but considering I usually keep a few of my plant gang on the dining table anyway, it wasn't too much of a stretch to the imagination. 

I don't really find myself entertaining too much,  so the table setting is purely for me, with my planty friends of course and a few cats at my ankles. As I'm not much of a cook, and I work from home, If Im meeting with friends I like to go out for a change of scene.  However, one really should make an effort as much as possible, and so even when it's just a simple salad or breakfast eggs, it's more inviting to eat at the table when its decorated with flowers or plants.

Open Studios

This week I have had the great pleasure to visit, not one but two amazing artists at their studios, both of whom I could easily just take all their work home it is so special. Both are participating in their local Open Studios, Anne Marie Butlin as part of Crouch End Open Studios and Wendy Johnson for the upcoming Bucks Open Studios.  

Wendy is still preparing for the opening night so much of her work was not available to photograph, Im going to pop along to the private view as I really want to own some of her Japanese Raku pieces.  

Raku is the name for the type of firing, a process which involves many stages of work.  Firstly the bisque item is fired in a normal electric kiln at precisely the right temperature for it to withstand the next few stages of work.  It is then covered in liquid clay - slip, over which a Raku glaze is applied.  This is then ready for the next specialised firing of an outdoor kiln and then being plunged into sawdust.  The carbon of the burning sawdust creates the black marbled effect on the work.  When removed from the sawdust the item starts to cool and the outer layer of slip peels off to reveal the pattern underneath. 

What I particularly like about this technique is the very matt surface, it becomes something other than traditional ceramic. It also lends itself to sit perfectly with a minimal black and white interior scheme. 

Painter Anne Marie Butlin works from her cute studio at the bottom of the garden and her work divides into two main categories, floral (still life) and portrait. 

I bought a painting from Anne Marie last year which has featured in may of my photos, it hangs in my bedroom currently.  As I like to photograph little still life pictures at home her paintings really speak to me, I love the style of her brush strokes and the colour palette she uses.  It is very easy to live with Anne Maries work in your home. 

If you would like to see more of these two artists please have a look at http://www.anne-mariebutlin.com/index.html where you can also see her current exhibitions.

Wendy Johnson can be found at her studio in Great Missenden Buckinghamshire, and the Bucks Open Studios runs from 11th to 26th June, more information on their website including a map of how to find Orchard Studios. Wendy also teaches from here if you are interested to learn from this master craftswoman.

Buying original art is something I'm passionate about, I would rather spend money on a painting that a sofa, the original versus the mass produced, there really is no competition in my opinion.  
Open Studios happen all over the country and to meet the artists is so great for them also as they often work in isolation and want feedback.  It's a great way to spend a weekend too, something a bit different, so dont be nervous to try it, you aren't obliged to make a purchase but I bet you fall in love with something just like I did.

making it wonderful everyday

The latest hashtag I've been going crazy for is the Ikea one, #WonderfulEveryday. It completely describes what I'm trying to achieve in my life.

It warms the cockles of my heart that so many people are embracing the concept of slow living, something I definitely did not do in my youth, but I'm well and truly ready for it now. 

Whether approaching retirement or just choosing not to work so much, filling the empty spaces between what you have to do and need to do, is very important. Time is precious and as it ticks away I'm making plans, always making sure that there is something to look forward to in the diary.  Taking life by the scruff of the neck and giving it a massive shake. But fulfillment doesn't have to be frantic. 

Keeping my hands busy at all times, making things for myself or others, this ethos of creating something from nothing is integral in my life.  A hand knitted gift is always well received. It is also very therapeutic, a great stress reliever and proven to lower blood pressure. 

Volunteering in areas that you love, donating your precious time to help others, there is nothing more rewarding.  For me it's animals and particularly wildlife and on our rescue missions we meet other animal lovers who, like us, will go the extra mile to help out the wildlife around them. Fresh air, finding new places and interacting with nature, all these go along with the work.

Earlier this week we were called out to save a swan who had been attacked, unfortunately she did not make it and died on top of her eggs on the nest. We moved her body so that the male swan could take over, he seems to be doing very well on his own, so we hope he manages to rear the baby signets as a single parent. The people living locally are buying swan food and keeping a very close eye on him. So many people were deeply upset by the death of the female swan, there are a lot of other animal lovers out there. 

No these aren't swan eggs, they are quail eggs which were bought out of some complete madness by my other half. So I used them in some photos. They may go in a salad.  Tattoos, oh yes lots more planned, Ive got bookings with three more brilliant lady tattooists including Rebecca Vincent and Aimee Cornwell. And whilst this might sound like a bizarre way to nurture yourself, yes it is very painful - silly question - it is an incredible culture to be involved with. 

Lots of travel booked too, I can't believe how cheap flights can be if you are able to travel at any time. So Sweden next week, Romania in the Autumn (I shall be talking more about that soon), and plenty of exploring around the UK.  

So whatever the extent you go to in pursuing some nurturing for yourself, whether its a small bunch of flowers, some lovely healthy food or an adventure, I hope you find some moments between the madness to explore - both the physical and mental.

Share your love where you can good people, and be good to yourself. 

Dark Walls and Styling The Seasons

I simply couldn't resist painting more walls, well it's been a few weeks after all!  You may remember that I painted my upper hall landing white which lasted less than one day, I then painted half of it in graphite chalk paint, which is very matt and black.  I loved it so much I have now continued the colour around the sides, and despite protests from him indoors, that it will make the area seem dark and gloomy, I don't get that vibe at all.

The upper hall landing doesn't get much natural light but it is an area that gets walked through a lot and so I think this is a great place to display pictures and art, as you come up the stairs you can view the walls from the bottom up and it's the perfect area to play with dramatic looks.  

I'm collecting works of art connected to tattoos.  Either by tattooists like Amy Williams and Angelique Houtkamp, or of tattooed women.  The frames are all old ones from ebay.

I find that the drama of the dark walls showcases everything you put in front of it, either pictures, furniture or flowers.

Metallics work well with black, as it can tone down the gaudiness.  My favourite kinds of frames are old gilt gesso ones and Im always looking out for them as they work very well grouped together on picture walls. The continuation of deep rich colour holds the smaller objects together so that it doesn't look bitty.

So far I'm not feeling that the dark walls are making this small area feel smaller, but instead I'm noticing the light and how it falls.  I particularly like it with my new seagrass flooring.

I have been making posies for May Day, an old tradition is to hang them on your neighbors front door but I will probably be selfish and keep them for myself this year as the fragrance from the sweet peas and blue bells is intoxicating.

May holiday was originally a Roman festival for Floralia, the goddess of flowers so it would only be appropriate to have little floral arrangements around the home. 

Happy May Day.

Chalk paint by Annie Sloan, woven basket by Southwood Stores, limited edition prints by Angelique Houtkamp from Salon Serpent Tattoo Parlour.

Take me outdoors

This year I have decided is the year of me.  Feeling thankful to only have minor health niggles, I am pushing myself to do as much as I can in terms of personal development, fulfillment and improvement, both inside and out. 

So thank you to everyone who follows my discoveries here, and as I try to pack it all in, with just the odd afternoon nap, I will be posting more frequently about all the things that make me smile and affect this woman of a certain age, (don't mention the menopause).

As a blogger I have access to try out many different things and I promise that on this blog I only feature items that I have personally approved and photographed.  Luckily for me I tend to be approached by the coolest companies, but whatever the product I hope to put my personal twist to it, and maybe my enthusiasm will encourage you to try it too. 

Last week was all about the outdoors, so this home body, put on her boots and left the comfort zone of home for a few days in the fresh air, something that usually only happens in small doses when I'm doing a wildlife rescue.

A visit to an instagram meet in East Sussex for WWIM13  and a ramble in the bluebell woods got me thinking about exploring the UK more and particularly finding interesting places to stay.

When I worked in the music business I travelled extensively with recording artists, literally to every corner of the globe, we were on the road for years doing promotion. I would fly back only to plan the next schedule of travel and interviews and then off again.  Fortunately we were entitled to business class and first rate hotels, and whilst I was terribly spoilt there is always a down side to everything.  Hotels all begin to look the same and nowadays I find that Im quite picky about what I am paying for. 

So for me hotels can be a double edged sword. Whilst I should be enjoying the change of surroundings, often the accommodation is somewhat lacking in imagination and pizazz, which got me thinking that really, a hotel needs to be more than just a place to sleep. And it's not all about expense either, as we realised when we visited The Welsh House, it's about so much more.

I was never a fan of camping or caravans, due to the fact that back in the annals of history, camping involved a flimsy piece of tarp, a narrow straight jacket of a sleeping bag, on hard, damp and bumpy ground.  The one time I stayed in a caravan in the 1980's I awoke to discover the walls and windows running with condensation and let's not mention being kept awake all night by the other campers. But all that has changed.

So what has happened to peak my interest in this area now - one word - glamping.

What a brilliant idea. The internet has made is possible for individuals to rent out a space, whether it's a room in their house for b and b or something really cool on their grounds like a yurt or an airstream. Breaking away from a chain is very rewarding.

Some of my favourite bloggers are part of a collective for Canopy And Stars, an online collection of unusual places to stay, specializing in outdoor accommodation with a luxurious twist. From tree houses, camper vans, boats, shepherds huts to yurts, geo-domes and safari tents, they have curated a site with the best of these in the UK and parts of Europe.

I'm so happy that through instagram I have found so many cool new things and I've already booked my first Yurt which is situated in a part of Norfolk that I've been meaning to explore for some time.  A new skill for me will be to learn to cook outside, and I shall be consulting with the Beach Hut Cook for tips and ideas on that.  

I got quite hooked looking on the Canopy And Stars website, oohing and ahhhing over all the places that I simply must try out, my bucket list is endless. As I travel either solo or with my other half, we have a fantastic selection to choose from and for me I'm particularly interested if there are photo opportunities. I'm not the most hardy of people but I often surprise myself with my flexibility and optimism in any given situation. Be sure that you will see it on here as I tick it off the list, reporting back to the readers who, maybe like myself, get more adventurous with age and not less.