A few more photographs from New York

A quick post showing a few of the many photographs we took in New York. What an amazing city - it has certainly changed since my last visit but that was around 20 odd years ago.

Meanwhile, since my return life's been a bit of a whirlwind. Rushed up to the north of England to see my daughter before her exams and then back home via an evening in London. There I had the pleasure of a wonderful meeting with not only one but two of my favourite bloggers together.  Susan (Deja Pseu) of 'Une Femme d'un certain age' AND Alyson from 'That's Not My Age'.   I know, how completely lucky was I ?  Both fantastic, interesting and gorgeous women. 

And if life couldn't get any better I am off for a day and a night tomorrow to Paris!  Will let you know all about that later on.

Above - Mr NT on The High Line - showing some scarf action

Me in my (NBP) - new best park. Bryant Park

9/11 beautiful tribute park.

Favourite building. The Chrysler.

This was too good for words. A million calories a slice

Gardens at the Frick.

And lastly my NBP. Again. 

Dear New York. I want to return already. 

A post from NEW YORK

Yes, I am here in the Big Apple.

Can't quite believe it and having such a fabulous time enjoying all the familiar landmarks, shopping (a little) and eating (a lot). Mr Neutral Territory and I are having a rendezvous to celebrate our 15th Wedding Anniversary on Thursday but 'wifi' In our hotel is rather slow and a bit hit and miss so I'll post more with plenty of photos when I return. I promise.

Indigo Antiques - back where I used to work...

I'm always happy to go back and help out at this gorgeous place and the weekend before last they had a Spring Open Day and asked me to work for a couple of days.

Lots of wonderful things to see (and the customers bought loads too so we were busy ringing up the cash tills all day).  Delicious drinks and nibbles were served - probably one of the reasons Indigo Open Days are always well attended.  And here to follow for you to feast your eyes on : lots of  photographs of the gorgeous 'Spring-like' showroom just before we opened the doors : 

www.indigoantiques.com

Clearing Clutter and Sorting Stuff

So sorry I have been absent recently - not a post done since Easter time...  Naughty.

I have had an excuse though as I've been doing the above - Clearing Clutter and Sorting Stuff....  

At the moment this seems to make up the main part of each day.  The cottage here in UK has to be cleared and what is left is going into storage (which = $$$ so the more I clear the less it will cost!)  Some belongings are coming back to Australia with me which makes me happy...  And, I'm even more happy because my daughter is coming back to Australia too.  (Visas willing!)   

My 'sabbatical' here has nearly come to an end (well, beginning of July actually) and the light at the end of the tunnel can be glimpsed for my daughter with the end of her University days in sight.

So true

I was reading a really good article a few years ago about "downsizing" / clearing clutter and I was so impressed with the piece I kept it (yes, more clutter!).  However,  I've  been referring to it rather a lot recently and so much of it makes perfect sense.  I thought I would share some of the points that the author Jo Foley made just in case you are thinking of undertaking anything similar :

• If you decide to downsize / sort your "stuff and clutter" DON'T leave it too late - it needs stamina and do it at least 5 years before you think you need to.
• Allow plenty of time - getting rid of your stuff is a time consuming business.
• DON'T expect to profit from downsizing. People, shops and dealers are not desperate to take or buy your stuff.  People are more and more picky these days.
• Don't fool yourself - it's very unlikely you are harbouring a treasure. Anywhere.
• Start off gently and train yourself to get rid of something every day. Then a bag a week and ultimately a bag a day.
• You may even have to pay people to take things you don't want. Don't worry if they make money from it - it's out of your house and away from your life.
• Look on websites where you can give away things for free - like the special section of gumtree.com.
• Don't be sentimental about clothes and baubles but do be about your children's school reports, photos, your first doll,  your Dad's medals etc. and keep these in ONE treasure chest.
• Ask others for help and advice.
• Throw your home open to nieces, nephews, godchildren etc and invite them to take what they want to set up their homes.

Anyone got any other good tips?

Happy Clearing.....

Why do I have so much of it?

Easter Greetings

Cheep, cheep, cheep!

Wishing you all a wonderful Easter break.
Loved these cute little yellow chicks all squished in together - especially their beady eyes.

And look what arrived on Thursday morning :

  Lovely flowers.- from Mr NT .. I know - v. lucky....

And a beautiful candle too - 

Have a happy time whatever you may be up to..... x

Party Pics from last weekend (and a rather gorgeous young man for you to see)

I had to re-think what I wore to the engagement party last weekend - this was the weather on the way to the venue.... Snow and freezing temperatures.

Never mind - the khaki leopard babes are snuggled back in their box ready for another outing. Did not want to spoil their loveliness in any way the first time they appeared.

Daughter and I... ready to go.  Woollen scarves as extra accessories.  I am wearing a sparkly sequin jacket (Zara) with another little bit of sparkle in a kind of light sweatshirt type top underneath - the lighter stripes have a bit of glitter.

Us at the party... Daughter kindly 'did' my makeup

Enjoying a glass of fizz... straight to my cheeks!  You can see the sparkle in the top a little more.

And finally, the pic I enticed you with....Daughter with a dear friend of ours...  (brother of the 'engagement girl')....Such a nice young man and he is going to be a 'regular' soon on a British soap opera - HOLBY CITY.

Have you been to any good parties recently... what did you wear?  Do you always reach for the same kind of outfit and what do you feel most comfortable in for an evening occasion?

Khaki Leopard Babies

I have been getting rid of things recently rather than buying more which has fitted in quite well with the concept of Frugal February.
Sorting out and chucking clothing and possessions etc. in order to make the mammoth task of packing a little easier.   However, when these gorgeous shoes flitted by my radar I could NOT resist.  I fell for them hook, line and sinker.  Guilty as charged.

They tick so many boxes :

• Leopardy pattern
• Khaki colourway
• Reasonable heel height
• Comfortable with a slightly cushioned insole ;-)
• Good value for money

I absolutely LOVE them....  (Oh, and if you are interested they are from ZARA and currently still on their website)

Happy weekend whatever you may be doing.  Myself and the "khaki 'pards" are off to a party together.

Very exciting.