The alternative garden shed

How about this for an alternative garden shed?! So much fun! I don't think I'd ever go back into the house!

Via

Could you imagine having this at the end of your garden or perhaps as a weekend get-away?!

Today is the last day of our holiday in Mallorca where I've been staying with extended family in a finca over looking the tramuntana mountains, so beautiful! I shall miss this island and my wonderful family.

Next week the blog will be back to normal with daily home tours. I hope you've enjoyed the alfresco inspiration week as much as I have and got a few ideas to spice up your outdoor space? Art in the garden perhaps? Or a refreshing outdoor shower?! On Monday I'll be announcing the winner of the fouta de val give-away, so if if you haven't already, stop by and enter here.

Have a lovely weekend all!

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Against snails and slugs / Csigák ellen (meztelen és házas is)

Ebben a télies nyárban, és sok esőben iszonyatosan elszaporodtak a csigák. Hazafelé a kerti lépcsőnkön konkrétan 8 db-ot számoltam meg, nagyokat, és akkor a fűben tanyázókat még nem is említettem. Anyukám is panaszokodott, hogy otthon is ellepték a kertet és a veteményest. Kérdezte is, hogy tudok-e valami környzetbarát praktikát ellenük.

In this cold and rainy weather enormous snails came into our garden. My Mom also told me they invades her kitchen garden too, and asked me if I know any tricks to get rid of them.

Ezeket találtam. / I've found these:

1. tojáshéj összetörve és a növények köré szórva / egg shell around the plants
2. Fahamu / wood ash
3. kávézacc / coffee ground
4. ammonia
5. rézszalag a növények köré / copper barrier around the plants (a csigák elektrosokk-szerűséget kapnak a réztől - elő a régi egyforintosokkal :) / it gives them a slight electrical shock on contact) 
6. sör / beer (nagy tejfeles dobozt leásni, perem alatt 5 cm-ig feltölteni sörrel, pár naponta üríteni a hullákat / some one-litre yogurt, bury the containers, fill them with beer to about 5 cm below the top, every couple of days empty your trap)
7. kacsák / ducks (állítólag nagyon szívesen eszik őket / they east snails)

Sources:

http://www.balintgazda.hu/forum/4-balint-gazda-forum/5-kert/1462-mit-tegyek-a-csigak-ellen.html

http://janesdeliciousgarden.com/grow_your_own_tips__techniques/snails_and_slugs

http://www.weekendgardener.net/how-to/snails-slugs.htm 

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Absolutely stunning bathrooms

There is something about a wonderful bathroom. You can shut the door and escape, even if it’s just for a short while. If you're one for rituals, undoubtedly a couple of yours take place there. For me it's a space where it's okay for me to say, "No, you can't come in," and enjoy some privacy and personal space. There is nothing like a bath, candlelight, and a good book.

Through and through I am a fan of white interiors, but there is something so luxurious about a small room painted in such a rich color. My tiny kitchen is navy blue and it makes it feel more expensive than it really is. And that chandelier! To me, anytime there is upholstery in the bathroom it feels elegant to me.

Love that showerhead! Even if you don't have the funds to renovate your bathroom, changing out your hardware and faucets can make a huge impact. Mira Showers Shower Accessories is one of several fantastic suppliers. I'm not usually drawn to the industrial look, but this is still clean and elegant. The gold sink hardware is nice to balance it out too. I’m also a fan of the wood paneled ceiling. This bathroom by a fab designer I just discovered - Summer Thornton

I have a weakness for leaded glass windows or anything that looks like leaded glass. What do you think of the prints hanging over the window molding?

The master bath in our new home has dual sinks, and I cannot wait! Finally sweetums and I won't be dancing around the sink both trying to brush our teeth at the same time!

That black tile is so gorgeous. And the simple glass shower guard doesn't disrupt from the view. I also LOVE having a window in the shower! I could never have a rain showerhead though, because I don't wash my hair every time I get in the shower.

I would prefer to see just one tile size used here, but the vanity top is perfect.

Even if you don't have a fancy glass or walk in shower, a lux shower curtain or an ottoman or chair can add a glamorous touch. The pop of color from the rug is cute, too.

Do you have any tricks to make your bathroom feel more glamorous or restful?

1. House Beautiful, 2. Houzz via Summer Thornton, 3-4. BHG, 5. Elle Decor, 6. Houzz, 7. Lonny Mag

disclosure*: This a guest post by Mira Showers

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FUTURISTIC AND SURREALISTIC / FUTURISZTIKUS ÉS SZÜRREALISZTIKUS

Via DigsDigs and Studio Daniel Libeskind

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Eating alfresco

It's impossible not to enjoy eating outdoors. Whether it's the secluded picnic for two or a party with friends on a colourful mix match of chairs, leaning precariously on the unlevelled grass (see the beautiful cottage interior here).....I'm sure I'd be smiling throughout any of these lunches. The wine glasses might have something to do with it too....can I join? 

Pictures 1,2,3 Sharyn Cairns

Jessica Helgersson

Pictures 5, 6 and 7 Jose Villa

What's your favourite way to eat outdoors?

PS As you know I'm currently on  beautiful Mallorca for a week visiting family. Last night we broke away from the tapas and ate fish and chips on the beach with a glass of cava. It was lovely sitting watching the sunset over the bobbing yachts in the distance while the girls played in the sand.

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OUR BALCONY AND GARDEN / KERT ÉS ERKÉLY

Az asztalhoz tartozó székek még nem kerültek vissza a helyükre, mert kellettek a grillezéshez. Lassan  be kell szerezni valami polcot vagy állványt, mert így kevésbé mutatnak a virágok. Ja, és anyukámtól kapok még két hortenziát! :) Köszi, Ancika!

A virágoskertben is bújnak elő a vetett magok, de egyelőre nem akarom fotózni, mert mert sajnos nem tudom minden kibújt növénykezdeményről megállapítani, hogy gaz vagy sem, így nem csupálok, ennélfogvan nem épp a legszebb fotótéma. Azért a virágzó ternyéket lekaptam egy közelivel.

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