If you’ve come here today hoping for pretty pictures, I’ll just apologise now and tell you there isn’t going to be any. If you want to see what the reality is behind all those pretty pictures, however, welcome to my post!

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Work started this weekend on the flooring. It was our goal to get all the old floorboards up and install the new pine flooring in two halves over the course of the weekend and then start staining and sealing this week. I’ll apologise firstly that my post is a bit late today but you’ll hopefully understand why shortly.

The weekend started out with Wayne coming home from work feeling a bit under the weather – sore throat mostly but when I suggested holding off with the floors, he said he was fine, we will start and all will go to plan. Saturday morning he felt a bit worse but insisting he was still well enough to continue (you can see where this is going already, can’t you?).

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We began by ripping out the old hearth. It wasn’t original by any means and I hated the tiles. It was just ugly, it stuck too far out into the room and I was so incredibly happy to see the back of it. You’ll see as well that we ripped out the back panel, hoping that it was covering a deeper fireplace but alas, it was all bricks! So yeah, that needs to be patched back up (a bit of MDF as it’ll be tiled over anyway, no biggie).

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We also removed the skirting boards where we needed to get underneath to the wall and removed all the trim work. Then Wayne started on the floorboards.

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Laying flooring like this is basically just a very long and arduous process of pulling up a few at a time, hand moving each individual board (or what’s left of it) outside, removing all the old nails and cleaning the 100+ years of rubble and dirt laying on the joists, measuring out the new board, cutting it to size, fitting the tongue and groove to the one next to it, using a mallet to bang it into place, making sure it’s in the right spot vertically and hammering it back into the joists. Over and over and over.

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Quito, as you can imagine, was very excited by all the noise and commotion.

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By the end of Saturday after 7 hours of straight work, we’d managed to complete half the flooring as planned. Hurrah!

Wayne was exhausted, however, and his sore throat was even worse. Again, I told him he didn’t have to continue on Sunday if he wasn’t up to it. “No, I’ve started it, we need to get it done.” Okay. No point in arguing with an exhausted man on a mission. I cleaned up best I could (SO MUCH DUST) so that work could start again in the morning.

(This picture was taken the following morning, obviously by the time we finished on Saturday night, it was dark!)

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Sunday morning, Wayne woke up feeling bloody awful. His sore throat was at the point he could barely swallow, his voice was gone, he had aches and pains from the day before and hadn’t slept much.

Are you sure??

Yes, let’s keep going.

Okay, then.

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Quito was not as sure about all the noise and commotion the following day and just wanted to sleep. You weren’t the only one, little man!

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I swear I tried to talk Wayne out of it but he’s not the type to get “man flu” or wallow in sickness so I stepped aside and let him get on with it. By 4pm, we had two tricky pieces left that required trimming and fitting into uneven spaces at both ends and he was seriously flagging and his energy levels were non-existent. He laid down for a bit to watch the football.

I’ll finish it during half-time.

Erm… are you mad?!

Oh, yeah, he was insistent he would finish the job. Well, half time came and he came upstairs where I was working. He looked like a broken man.

Oh god, I just can’t do it.

Well, I could have told you that.

So I told him to lay back down. I got to work cleaning up all the mess and dust and then prepared dinner.

He couldn’t finish his dinner and started to develop a temperature. He was so sick, you guys. And I felt so bad for him. And I wished we’d not started the work this weekend because he has a very physically demanding job as it is and then he did more physical labour for hours on end all weekend. So I spent the rest of the evening just taking care of him until he went off to bed early. Thankfully, his fever broke in the night and he actually got up and went to work today. Either he’s completely mad or he’s a hero, I’m not sure which one.

Anyway, that meant I didn’t have time to edit photos and write this post until today so that’s why my post is late.

So here’s where we ended up… as you can see most of the new flooring is laid now. Quito decided he would model for you. To the left is the skirting board that had been removed.

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We’re missing two pieces that need to be cut to size and fitted but hopefully that shouldn’t take too long to sort.

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The floors need to be scoured clean in preparation for the stain and once the stain is down, we can seal them. Whether that happens this week, however, remains to be seen. Hopefully if Wayne is feeling a bit better as the week progresses, then we’ll ‘tag-team’ it like we did in the office with me doing a coat in the morning and him doing one in the evening. Fingers crossed!

In the meantime, I’m happy the work is done and hoping firstly, that Wayne is feeling better soon because I love him and I hate to see him sick and secondly, that I don’t catch whatever he’s got. Wish me luck.

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Meet Kimberly
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Amara IBA19 Winner Home Styling
Vuelio Top 10 2020
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Ad (Press Sample) There are few kitchen products that are considered absolute classics but there is one that I have lusted after for YEARS and that is the utterly iconic @lecreusetuk large casserole pot. 🤩

For nearly a century, Le Creuset has been trusted for its superior performance, lasting quality and iconic design and the enamelled cast iron allows incredible versatility - not only can you use it with just about any heat source (from induction, glass, electric etc), you can also do everything from stir-fry to slow cooking to baking a cake in it and more. 

So, imagine my delight when Le Creuset got in touch to ask if I'd like to shoot their brand new colourway 🍑 Pêche 🍑 in my kitchen. I mean, there couldn't be a more perfect colour match with that juicy coral shade which if you've followed my account for any length of time, you'll know is one of my all-time favourites (not to mention that beautiful soft gold knob! 😍). The matching petite casserole dish and mugs are the perfect companions but you could easily mix and match this colourway with Le Creuset's other designs (Might I suggest the Sea Salt, a soft blue-green which would be gorgeous with Pêche). This new juicy summer shade is currently available exclusively at Le Creuset Official. I'd love to know which colourway is your favourite in the range?

#lecreuset #kitchendesign #kitchenstyling #kitchinspo #victorianhome #englishhome
My little neglected makeup/dressing room has had a glow up 🥰

#swoonworthy #beforeandafter #dressingroom #makeupvanity #closetgoals
My new rug can't compete with that belly.

Rug is from @laredoute_uk (not an ad) not that anyone cares 😅

#kitchendesign
I've really loved making these pretty reusable Christmas crackers! I'm still in the process of finding cute bits for filling them but they'll definitely be a centrepiece for my table this year!🎄💕

Suggestions for what to fill them with coming soon!

(By the way, I'm not a skilled seamstress so I'm sure my techniques can be improved but just sharing what worked for me 🤗😅)

Let me know if this is something you'd try? ❤️

#swoonworthy #christmasdecor #christmascraft #diychristmas #diycrafts #easysewingproject
On 22 October 2022, I married my best friend! I can't believe it's been a whole year (and one day) I've been calling @2nilup my husband 🥰 We've been together for 15 years now and I simply can't and wouldn't want to imagine my life without him ❤️ 

#youandmeagainsttheworld #2222 

Photography: @violajayphotography 
Flowers: @primroseavenuefloral 
Dress: @camillawithlove
DIY REFILLABLE CHRISTMAS CRACKERS 🎄🎉

I've been thinking about making refillable crackers for so many years now - I just hate the waste the disposal ones create! So I'm so excited I've finally gotten around to starting this project!

I will be sharing more details on how to make them as well as ideas for what to fill them with too so stay tuned for more but in the meantime, what do you think? 

#swoonworthy #diychristmas #christmasdecor #christmascraft #easysewingproject #sustainableliving #ecofriendlyliving
Just wanted to introduce my latest plant baby in my dining room 🪴

It's from @botanique_shrewsbury and it's a Peparomia (I am probably pronouncing it wrong, I keep wanting to say
GUEST BEDROOM REVEAL 🌟

I decided on a whim, 2 weeks before we were expecting visiting family, that our guest bedroom was in desperate need of a refresh.

Well there's nothing like an impending deadline to light a 🔥 under my 🍑 and I managed to clear out the clutter, repaint the woodwork, ceilings and walls and hang wallpaper as well as restyle the room in one week 😅 (Meisha was zero help 😼)

I'm calling it Boho Vintage Victorian Grandma 😆

This wasn't sponsored in any way but the wallpaper and bedding is from @lauraashleyuk and the paint is @earthbornpaints Peach Baby - everything else I already had!

What do you think of the new look? ❤️

#bedroombeforeandafter #guestroom
#bedroommakeover
#beforeandafter
#bedroomdecor #cottagecore #vintagestyle #victorianhouse #ihavethisthingwithpink #bengalsofinstagram
🔥JOIN US ROUND THE FIRE PIT! 🔥

ad | One of my favorite things to do in summer is sit around the fire pit in the evenings with a cold beer 🍻 There's just something incredibly relaxing watching those flames and embers crackle, warming yourself up and taking the edge off falling temperatures as the sun sets!

Thanks to @homefireuk they've made the whole process incredibly easy and enjoyable with their Handy Firepit Bundle which include 2 bags of kindling, 2 bags of natural firestarters and 3 large bags of kiln-dried logs 🪵 for a really great price! 

No more standing around waiting for things to light properly or billowing smoke from wet wood, everything burns beautifully! ☺️ We literally sat around this for hours as the logs last so long, long after the sun set, just chatting and enjoying ourselves! 🥰🍻🔥

Do you love a good firepit in the summer?

#homefire #readytoburn #smokelessbyhomefire #heartofyourhome #logsbyhomefire #summerideas #firepit #gardenideas
San Sebastian photo dump - just a tiny selection 😄

We have had such a fabulous holiday to Basque Country - our first 4 days spent in the beautiful city of San Sebastian, land of pintxos, stunning architecture and some damn good wine.

#sansebastian #travelgram #photodump
A little kitchen reshuffle today so I thought I'd share 🥰

It's been 4 years since we created this space and it's still one of my favourites ♥️

#kitchendesign #kitchendecor #kitcheninspiration #kitchenideas #openshelvingkitchen #kitchenstyling
Ad 🩷 Before and after Deck makeover! 🩷

This little decked patio was looking worse for wear after a wet winter but @frenchicpaint came to the rescue with their beautiful Dusty Blush Alfresco Paint, perfect for all your outdoor projects!

The deck has been a few colours over the past few years but this is definitely the most fun and gives the whole space such a tropical vibe - even in Shrewsbury! 🏝️ 🦩🍹😄

The paint has incredible coverage and was so nice to use - I loved the tools they provided too, especially the oval brush which got into all the nooks and crannies easily!

Let me know what you think of the new colour! 

#frenchicpaint #beforeandafter #deckmakeover #gardeninspiration #gardeninspo #outdoorproject
So on a whim I decided to paint the bedroom pink yesterday 😅🩷

This room has been neglected for so long as I've wanted to fully redecorate for about 3 years now but there are always other bigger priorities or a lack of time/energy/money so I keep putting it off 🙃🙃🙃 (tell me I'm not the only one) but happily this didn't cost a penny as I used what I already had although it did take me the best part of a day!

I went through my paint stash and found that I had extra @coatpaints Percy from when I did the living room early last year -- well I'm not one to let something this good go to waste (honestly this paint is absolutely wonderful to work with and has amazing coverage) and my goodness it's just so pretty in here 🥰 I also moved my pink curtains from my office into here and the whole room just glows!

I might actually be able to live with the mural a little longer until the room gets the attention it deserves! Let me know if you like the change ♥️

*For those who are wondering, it used to be white walls and I had grey curtains! 😅

#swoonworthy #bedroomdecor #bedroommakeover #bedroomdesign #pinkpinkpink #pinkinteriors
A little photo dump from my recent living room shoot because I still love to dig into the details of a still photo 😄💕

#swoonworthy #swoonworthyscents #livingroominspo #livingroomdesign #photodump
ad How to De-stress at Home in 6 Simple Steps 😊

April has been #stressawarenessmonth and so I've teamed up with the wonderful @frenchbedroom to share a few simple tips in creating a cosy sanctuary at home!

One of my favourite ways to add a feeling of comfort and relaxation is with glorious touchable textures and the stunning Mulberry Silk ruffled cushion from French Bedroom not only looks spectacular but feels incredible too! Pairing this with other feel-good fabrics will add depth to your design and will beg you to sink in and unwind 😍

French Bedroom are also now stocking my own home fragrance brand @swoonworthyscents candles, adding another element of calm with scent to your home. I chose No 02 Sunday Morning for my living room with rejuvenating Jasmine and refreshing pine and lemon notes 🥰

Check out my latest blog post for more tips on creating a relaxing sanctuary in your home via the link in my bio!

#swoonworthy #swoonworthyscents #frenchbedroom #livingroominspo #livingroomdesign #calming #aesthetic #cottagecoreaesthetic
Who needs pancakes when you can have Lemon Drizzle Cake with Lemoncello glaze?! 😉🍋

I've had such a craving for this cake for a while so figured I'd make it today! This is a recipe from @bbcgoodfood and it's rather gorgeous 🥰

#baking #lemondrizzle #lemoncake #bakewithlove #shrovetuesday
Are you lucky enough to be owned by a cat? 🐈🐾

#bengallove #bengalsofinstagram #bengalcat #bengal #catsofinstagram #catlife
Finally managed to get the gallery wall completed in our hallway!

I couldn't have been happier with @violajayphotography capturing our little intimate wedding in October and knew as soon as I saw the photos I had to print them for our home! I admit, I've never been one to hang photos but it's probably because all we ever had after 14 years together was selfies 😂🤷🏽‍♀️ I'm so pleased we finally have some lovely shots of us together 🥰

Do you have photos of you/your partner/your family up around your home?? 🤔

#gallerywall #autumnwedding #hallwaydesign #hallwayinspo
✨These little vintage copper pans needed some TLC! ✨

After searching for a while for vintage copper pans, I found these on eBay - they looked quite grim on the ad but I knew they could be shined up nicely! A little @barkeepersfriend later (not an ad!) and I'm loving how they look in my kitchen 🥰

Let me know if you like the new addition ❤️

#kitcheninspo #kitchendesign #vintagestyle #kitchenstyling
Oh hey living room, nice to have you back ☺️

I always feel very ready to remove the excess of Christmas decor pretty much as soon as the 26th arrives but I've been later than usual this Twixmas as we've both been unwell the last couple weeks 🤦🏽‍♀️ Nevertheless, I've managed to get things packed away and I styled this little faux arrangement today for my coffee table so ya know, small victories 😄🙌🏽

#livingroom #livingroominspo #fauxflowers #coffeetabledecor