A Reflection of 2012 - & Most Popular Posts

Looking back at 2012 it's been one of the toughest of my life. Watching my mother lose her battle with cancer, my life has virtually been on hold. However, this blog "Lee Caroline - A World of Inspiration", has kept me going, it has been an inspiration not just for my readers but for myself too. LC has been an outlet for my semi starved, creative side, a place to share the wonderful interiors, recipes, art, crafts and DIY I discover in my daily trips around the Internet. More importantly, I've  discovered a world of wonderful and caring people, total strangers that drop by from afar taking time to comment on a postm and people giving encouragement, sharing a little of their lives with you. I just want to say, you have no idea how much this has meant to me. I have not met you personally, but I've felt encouraged and uplifted and at times consoled through the comments and sometimes personal emails I get from those who have been touched in some way by something they have read or seen on my blog.

2013 will be a new year for me, a new beginning and I have vowed to spend equal time on my blog and my painting. I'm finally purchasing that elusive DSLR in February. My new camera will enable me to share high quality images of homes and beautiful things that I see in New Zealand. I am quite excited about this and have lots of great posts planned.  Looking back over 2013 I've made a short list of some of my most viewed posts to share again. I want to thank everyone for their support throughout 2012 and I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

French Country Style Bedroom Makeover......Read more

Country Kitchen Makeover Ideas....Read More

Bathrooms, beautiful ideas to inspire you....... Read More 

Blue and White Interiors. Read more...... Read more

DIY French Wash Furniture......Read more 

Country Cottage Bedroom Ideas...... Read more

DIY Mini Vintage Cake Stand . Instructions......Read more

Thought for the Week......Read More

Ideas For My Dining Area - With a French Touch of Course!

I'm still on a mission to create a dining spot in my open plan living area.  I will be hanging a mirror adjacent to the table,  the reason being to create a feeling of more space.  Much of the time the drop leaf table will be folded down and against the wall in front of the mirror. I aim to create an attractive vignette of French style accessories on the table top when not in use.  I have created a mood board beneath to give an impression of the final look.  All of the products below are from Layla Grace I intend to purchase my accessories in New Zealand, achieving a similar style.  I am excited about changing this area in my home and will be sharing a before and after with you as I did with my bedroom makeover. 

I have a collection of blue ginger jars so this could be another idea of accessorizing & layering....

Helpful hint: Use an odd number of items when grouping

I am currently sanding and preparing the antique pine drop leaf  table I purchased ready for applying the French wash finish.  I will share with you step by step renovating my table next week.  I will be purchasing my paint from Porters Paints who specialise in paint finishes. I phoned them last week and they were incredibly helpful so I intend to visit armed with my fan deck of  pantone colours to enable them to match my chosen colour. I'm probably going to paint the legs and skirting of my table in a soft grey/green and then use the French wash over the top. My table is prepared including re building a piece of moulding on the leg that was missing,  I will discuss this and the product used when I write the full post.

I have discovered a great 5 minute video on how to accessorize and would like to share it with you. I have posted it on my Interior Design page so please click "here" to view.

Hope your having a lovely week

Lee oxo