"O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree! True symbol of eternity!Your boughs are green through out the year, Resplendent in a life sincere.O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree! True symbol of eternity!"

Christmas-Tree-Farm-Creative-Countryside

Choosing our Christmas tree is an annual family tradition. We have journeyed to the same farm each year to select a tree that will remind us that nature does not succumb to the frosts and flurries of winter entirely, and that despite the elements we can house some warmth of the earth over the festive period. The smell of the tree is evocative of winter evenings as a child spent standing tip-toed on chairs trying desperately to reach the upper branches to hang stars and baubles before joyfully shouting in my parents to show them the finished result. As I have got older, the urge to decorate and string garlands of lights has only intensified, and this year is no exception.

Christmas-Creative-Countryside

Over the weekend we selected a 7ft Nordman and it now stands in pride of place in the corner of our living room. We though Bella might find it a strange addition to the home, but so far she's not really paid much attention to it! We try to decorate quite traditionally, with some wooden decorations and a star for the top. My favourite baubles are those we have received from family members; there are a number that twinkle in the soft sparkle of the lights that originally hung on my grandparents' tree, and I love to look up and be reminded of happy times together.

Christmas-2-Creative-Countryside

I use some of the lower branches for my Christmas wreath, adding only a few pine cones and a bright ribbon to complete the effect. For an easy wreath tutorial head over and read my autumn wreath post here.

What does your home look like at Christmas time?

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Well, it's been a little while, and it honestly feels quite strange and wonderful to finally open a new blog post and begin to write. The last month has been hectic, emotional, stressful, joyous and a whole host of other things I won't go into on here, but I finally feel like I'm coming out the other side. The blog has, inevitably, been neglected amongst the chaos, so if you're still here and still reading - thank you!

One of the happier moments of the month has been the arrival of our new puppy, Bella.

Bella-Creative-Countryside

Labradors are usually one of the easier breeds to train, and Bella has been a delight, especially now she's had her final injection and we can take her out for walks. However, it hasn't always been easy, and there have been some frantic moments as she likes to eat anything and everything (another typical labrador trait, I fear...). We have both agreed, though, that her addition to the household now makes us feel like a fully functioning family, and her greeting at the end of a long, hard day at work brushes worries and stresses aside.

We've also been lucky enough to taste the first of our home-grown apples.

Apples-Creative-Countryside

Last year the trees did not fruit and we were truly disappointed; this year the branches are weighed down by the crisp apples and they have been delicious. Perhaps next year there will be enough of the cooking apples for making a pie or two? I've not really relished the change of seasons in terms of altering what we eat just yet, but this week I am determined to start varying my recipe choices. I'm thinking roasted butternut squash, mushroom soup with crusty bread and some sort of pie definitely needs to feature. What have you been eating so far this season?

Some other good news is the development of our new house in the village - the first stones have been laid!

Building-Creative-Countryside

The initial stages of the build have been fairly slow, but things are now moving along and I'm looking forward to seeing the evolution of our new home. I'm already excitedly planning floor tiles and kitchen units, even though these choices still seem a long way off, but there's no harm in being prepared!

I've got a few days off work now anyway, so I'm hoping to make my return to writing a permanent change; I've got so many post ideas I just need to get around to actually writing them! What have you been up to in my absence anyway? Any posts I should be reading that I might have missed out on?

Wishing you a wonderful start to the week!

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Morning lovelies, I've been lusting after florals and bits for the garden this month, so I thought I'd share some inspiration for a summer shopping list.

1. Antique Rose Cushion  (John Lewis) | £30.00

2. Hanging Memory Candle (Nordic House) | £5.50

3. Ceramic Travel Mug (Matalan) | £4.00

4. Garden Deck Chair (Argos) | £29.99

5. The Vintage Tea Party Book (Amazon) | £18.00

6. Barbecue Tool Set (Not On The Highstreet) | £34.95

7. Oil and Vinegar Bottles (Lakeland) | £12.49

Do you have any other items on your summer shopping list? Which of these is your favourite? I'm wavering between the ceramic mug and the candles; surely enough the cheer up the gloomiest of days?!

CC x

April has been a month spent mainly outdoors; just as it should be!

(From top left) Barter Books - a bibliophile's heaven; chocolate Easter bakes courtesy of my mum; the views walking up to Lindisfarne Castle; framing the view at Dunstanburgh Castle; a spring-like fusion of floral colours; Hadrian's wall; beautiful blossom; a somewhat old-fashioned method of transport; a hazy holiday sunset.

What have you been up to this month?

CC x