What have I been up to lately?
Below is a little collage of photos I took recently. I have spent a lot of time indoors as the weather hasn't been great. Today was miserable, however whenever I go out I bring my camera with me.

From top left:
1.Sunset yesterday evening over the lake shore- how beautiful is that sky.
2. A lovely graceful swan on the lake
3. Sparkly fairy lights on my kitchen dresser, I visited IKEA a few weeks ago and bought more fairylights.
4. Reading The Hidden Cottage- I'm enjoying it but reading it quite slowly.
5. A winter walk in the local woods- the landscape is just beautiful in Winter.
6. Eating fruit this weather to keep the colds and flus away.
7. A visit to the park.
8. Another evening sky at home, spot my favourite tree too.
9. Our cottage through the hedge.

What have you been photographing lately? It is hard believe it is the 1st December, I'm listening to Michael Buble Christmas and drinking tea at the fire. Roll on Christmas......

Apologies everyone I don't have the source for these images, as I saved them last year, but if any of you know where I picked them up, please let me know and I'll source them. Thanks. Hope it's beginning to get festive where ever you are!

This Christmas I attended two weddings. Have a look at the venues, what do you think? I have been to 6 weddings this year. I like attending weddings, but when you have a lot of them you don't enjoy them as much. In Ireland, weddings generally start around 1:00 in the day with the church ceremony and then the reception is in a hotel straight after. On arrival you receive tea and then later in the evening around 6:00 a full  5-6 course dinner is served. Speeches take place, then a band with dancing, some more snacks and tea and then dj with disco music. So a wedding day here is a very long day- finished late about 3:00 in the morning. What are weddings like in your country? I have never been to an outdoor wedding as the weather isn't good enough here in Ireland. Here are a few photographs from the two venues to share with you.

{Images from Farnham Estate}

{Images from Lough Erne Resort}

* All photographs above are from Ideal Home

We all like our homes to be welcoming at Christmas Time, after all first impressions are the most important so why not decorate your hallway/entrance with lots of Christmas cheer. The natural look is always the nicest, maybe some pine cones, Christmas wreaths and garlands, holly, ivy, misteloe, a small Christmas tree or plant, then add some red ribbon, bows, bells, glitter and decorations. Some christmas scented candles create a lovely smell but be careful lightling them while they are unattended, so maybe on the safer side opt for some christmas pot pourri, of cinnamon, orange slices and spices. You could try and make your own, here are some good recipes and ideas I came across at the Daisy Shop. From now until Christmas I am going to collect pine cones and be on the look out for holly and mistletoe for nearer to Christmas time. If you have any Christmas decorating ideas or crafts, I'd love if you would share them with us.