Happy New Year!!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A very, </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">very </i><span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year to you all, my Modern Country lovelies! Here's to another year full of the best inspiration</span><span style="font-size: large;"> for Modern Country interiors, gardens, crafts and fashion! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="hertfordshire 6" src="http://p2.storage.canalblog.com/25/43/800632/100801908.jpg" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm very excited for 2015: this New Year feels warm and welcoming and exciting and full of opportunity! I can't wait to take you along with me....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4JFrX3krRbi6guh2rlxEzQMAVqwURmP_QsTjEaHLhJCkup8I7zlujJ7eAkJUBxW821rGoYYoe3o4H1ksGNxTQdsjbCWTDtgZtAKk1zrV1VK_TBmNVAVMEbkD-Hhf7lDiq5CT-pPrhBk/s1600/911BDF1E66C2C8003D62774447FCC1C0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xfi351MsyndAYUmxHRkGj61sLDTTHthxjmqP_EqC0iadkaUpjrQDkUditdqsJUO44UYzJMr2L30-6QhSw3rOMyvnZOXIIuWdzCpbKvYZuRqn1fyarc_9lLE6E5bIUsmzFpoY5i9Ie40/s1600/2052BBEDE343AF4A73F6A61C3820B007.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image via CrushCulDeSac</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Happy New Year!!

A very, very Happy New Year to you all, my Modern Country lovelies! Here's to another year full of the best inspiration for Modern Country interiors, gardens, crafts and fashion! I'm very excited for 2015: this New Year feels warm and welcoming and exciting and full of opportunity! I can't wait to t…

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Merry Christmas!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We have a splendidly exciting few days ahead of us here in our corner of the Cotswolds. My favourite of the whole year. Cards have been written, presents have been (mostly!) wrapped, and our kiddiewinks are being whipped up into a frenzy of excitement via twinkling lights, stocking hanging, gathering around Christmas films and lots of friends and family....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy every moment, my poppets!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'll see you in the New Year!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img src="http://akadesign.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Oh-Come-Let-Us-Adore-Him-for-blog-post.jpg" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4JFrX3krRbi6guh2rlxEzQMAVqwURmP_QsTjEaHLhJCkup8I7zlujJ7eAkJUBxW821rGoYYoe3o4H1ksGNxTQdsjbCWTDtgZtAKk1zrV1VK_TBmNVAVMEbkD-Hhf7lDiq5CT-pPrhBk/s1600/911BDF1E66C2C8003D62774447FCC1C0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xfi351MsyndAYUmxHRkGj61sLDTTHthxjmqP_EqC0iadkaUpjrQDkUditdqsJUO44UYzJMr2L30-6QhSw3rOMyvnZOXIIuWdzCpbKvYZuRqn1fyarc_9lLE6E5bIUsmzFpoY5i9Ie40/s1600/2052BBEDE343AF4A73F6A61C3820B007.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Image via akadesign</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Merry Christmas!

We have a splendidly exciting few days ahead of us here in our corner of the Cotswolds. My favourite of the whole year. Cards have been written, presents have been (mostly!) wrapped, and our kiddiewinks are being whipped up into a frenzy of excitement via twinkling lights, stocking hanging, gatherin…

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I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For me, Christmas is a highly private time of year, which is why I've not shared a festive house tour {sorry!}. I see it as time to hunker down with my family and close friends, in the warm glow of the Christmas tree, and enjoy the cosy sense of togetherness.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjy0eZNk_dpMGgTLl6rV6ACuqI4mpV6gfBZ6bmaX6xXggnU2WYxbdzjkITG7OfPoIplzDsw6sJcyzqoiXWtRmljzUj8FMopT2P6GH8OZuwvY7RdqKzXOV8QjVqy-aRP5TAhTQfFLWNyq4/s640/024.JPG" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just before my final post (tomorrow), I wanted to share my new favourite LED lights...I've seen a lot of takes on these, and mostly they come up looking pretty cold. <a href="http://www.diy.com/departments/71m-multicolour-string-lights-with-120-led-bulbs/764928_BQ.prd" target="_blank">These</a>, though, are gorgeous! Twinkly, warm and lovely!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4JFrX3krRbi6guh2rlxEzQMAVqwURmP_QsTjEaHLhJCkup8I7zlujJ7eAkJUBxW821rGoYYoe3o4H1ksGNxTQdsjbCWTDtgZtAKk1zrV1VK_TBmNVAVMEbkD-Hhf7lDiq5CT-pPrhBk/s1600/911BDF1E66C2C8003D62774447FCC1C0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xfi351MsyndAYUmxHRkGj61sLDTTHthxjmqP_EqC0iadkaUpjrQDkUditdqsJUO44UYzJMr2L30-6QhSw3rOMyvnZOXIIuWdzCpbKvYZuRqn1fyarc_9lLE6E5bIUsmzFpoY5i9Ie40/s1600/2052BBEDE343AF4A73F6A61C3820B007.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday!

For me, Christmas is a highly private time of year, which is why I've not shared a festive house tour {sorry!}. I see it as time to hunker down with my family and close friends, in the warm glow of the Christmas tree, and enjoy the cosy sense of togetherness.Just before my final post (tomorrow), I w…

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Book Reviews: Madhouse Cookbook and No-Bake Baking

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have two must-have recipe book reviews to tempt you with today! I find that having a big family + loving to have friends round = some slightly fraught moments!! In the run up to Christmas, there are lots of occasions when run to a few trusted recipe books. Today, I wanted to share two of those with you...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvv0Mje14F7KI_kR-sKud3tnCnwdr6fU5WL9vzl8lZHpbiEskq2HAyB1VMXrK_f9y7VX_0vDRCIg74PWvGBiGg2uZMhgM-NTUcBMSaYTL8ZxnfKH68g1M7DgNnNw8zi9McUYLhVv4zK4/s1600/Madhouse+Cookbook.jpg" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The first is the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1848990634/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1848990634&linkCode=as2&tag=modecounstyl-21&linkId=WNGBEJ5SRTURMJ63">Madhouse Cookbook: Delicious Recipes for the Busy Family Kitchen</a>, which fits in to where author Jo Pratt is in her life from day to day...and it shows. That's not to say that she really does live in a madhouse, but rather that she obviously understands what it means to have to produce a varied, healthy, realistically-priced meal each and every day for a family. However, very importantly, the recipes are delicious, and the quality of the ingredients is in no way compromised.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">There have been other recipe books that promise to do the same but, in my opinion, I've found that none of them are as good as The Madhouse Cookbook.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="452" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91-xb6cnkdL.jpg" width="640" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The book is divided into three sections: Monday To Friday Survival, The Busy Weekend, and Cling Onto Your Social Life. Each of these is then split into sub-categories so you know exactly where to turn when the pressure is on: for example, 'Quick Prep - Leave To Cook' and 'The Need For Speed'.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="452" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71386o2vd8L.jpg" width="640" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The book has <i>lots </i>of really good, and original ideas of how to stretch the recipes further, as well as thoughts on how to use leftovers, which I LOVE!! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="452" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71EmcCg-3AL.jpg" width="640" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another great thing is the index, which allows you to look up recipes by their key ingredient. Perfect for those evenings when you're struggling to use up items in the fridge.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="452" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71NEGWkop7L.jpg" width="640" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jo Pratt has clearly been there, done that with a busy household...Madhouse Cookbook is one of best survival guides out there!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The second book I'm reviewing today is a must-have in the sometimes hectic run up to Christmas. I absolutely adore this time of year...but there can be slightly fraught moments when I realise I've got extra guests for tea and need to rustle up something fast.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">That's where <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1848666225/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1848666225&linkCode=as2&tag=modecounstyl-21&linkId=N2FDTWXE4NIDPHZC">No-Bake Baking: Easy, Oven-Free Cakes and Treats</a> comes in! Now, I have to say up-front, that this is not a book to get if you're on <i>any </i>kind of diet because it's literally jam-packed full of VERY sweet treats! BUT it's just genius at helping to whizz up a great-looking desserts when you're flagging a little at the end of a long day, and realise that you've still not made pudding for tonight's guests (been there?!).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="cookbook" src="http://www.shemazing.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/cookbook.png" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The recipes themselves vary from the extremely easy (basically an assemblage of elements!) to the slightly tricky. Chapters are separated into: Biscuits, Cakes, Slices and bars, Cheesecakes, Pies and tarts, Sweet treats, Iced Dreams and Desserts.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img src="http://www.shemazing.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/desserts.png" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">As I said, probably not the best thing for your teeth but a life-saver at this busy time of year.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">{You can buy <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1848666225/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1848666225&linkCode=as2&tag=modecounstyl-21&linkId=N2FDTWXE4NIDPHZC">No-Bake Baking</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1848990634/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1848990634&linkCode=as2&tag=modecounstyl-21&linkId=WNGBEJ5SRTURMJ63">Madhouse Cookbook: Delicious Recipes for the Busy Family Kitchen here</a>!}<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=modecounstyl-21&l=as2&o=2&a=1848990634" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4JFrX3krRbi6guh2rlxEzQMAVqwURmP_QsTjEaHLhJCkup8I7zlujJ7eAkJUBxW821rGoYYoe3o4H1ksGNxTQdsjbCWTDtgZtAKk1zrV1VK_TBmNVAVMEbkD-Hhf7lDiq5CT-pPrhBk/s1600/911BDF1E66C2C8003D62774447FCC1C0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xfi351MsyndAYUmxHRkGj61sLDTTHthxjmqP_EqC0iadkaUpjrQDkUditdqsJUO44UYzJMr2L30-6QhSw3rOMyvnZOXIIuWdzCpbKvYZuRqn1fyarc_9lLE6E5bIUsmzFpoY5i9Ie40/s1600/2052BBEDE343AF4A73F6A61C3820B007.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Book Reviews: Madhouse Cookbook and No-Bake Baking

I have two must-have recipe book reviews to tempt you with today! I find that having a big family + loving to have friends round = some slightly fraught moments!! In the run up to Christmas, there are lots of occasions when run to a few trusted recipe books. Today, I wanted to share two of those wit…

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Book Review: Giftwrapped by Jane Means

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm a late developer when it comes to the art of gift-wrapping. Yes, I was always wowed if I received presents that were exquisitely presented but it's only in the passed few years that I've realised how achievable it is, with a little thought and a well-stocked craft cupboard, to add significant zhush to your bestowing. And that's why, just in time for that Christmas wrapping bonanza, today's post is a book review of <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1909342564/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1909342564&linkCode=as2&tag=modecounstyl-21&linkId=TRXUHAT2A75CHM62">Giftwrapped: Practical and Inventive Ideas for All Occasions and Celebrations</a> by Jane Means.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="http://janemeansblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Jane-Means-book-Giftwrapped-cover.jpg" style="font-size: x-large;" width="539" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jane Means is a wrapping guru extraordinaire. She raises the presentation bar by a few hundred feet but somehow manages to convey her obvious talent in a way that is both inspiring and encouraging.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmJ41bPGfuholzRrT4BQUDd01SvKt8qKncXHI5TPJ9uhKJlE__zhkcMPOSyyfsiqD25hCIOu_xF5T4M6pOcfydjePmFFxExB4aTbsVGV71ocILhCfL8xlOl-rfYSZNGPK5v3nFnlwFn0/s640/image-1.jpg" style="font-size: x-large;" width="637" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Published by Jacqui Small, Giftwrapped takes you through the whole range of packaging problems (bottles, clothes, circular tins)...with fantastic and gorgeous solutions.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="https://d2dwdsyg32uj5v.cloudfront.net/system/product_images/images/001/851/401/original_giftwrapped-hardback-book-by-jane-means.jpg?1412446334" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jane means teaches gift-wrapping (as well as selling an enormous range of want-it-now ribbons and papers) for a living, and her skill at demonstrating a variety of techniques (bow-tying, pleating, bouquet-encasing) shines throughout the book.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwzgILEYsulyhc00gB8gHHJ4ufIk5hXmscxOLHtbQ4rnUTUiQNJaACHqROIJte_uJvcnJtmFSe5C-JEyWiVSuAzu632jxfSMoCJzkzqqcNXwTP4GI-SdX2Iam3u3U8vyAsqXKu9FXHF4/s1600/gift-wrapping-expert.jpg" style="font-size: x-large;" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">You'll be relieved to know that Giftwrapped is not a plea to spend hundreds of pounds on fancy extras...plenty of the ideas here are free...for example, adding little sprigs of rosemary to your ribbons. These little touches, alongside your new-found wrapping prowess will make you feel like Modern Country crafting royalty!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRt5MtS5VBv8WQP2A8Fvf6kIpK1R_oCXn2B__4j6gHKfz7CkjcufzOIuueNN0POfMsksSWq_8O5dLXzGyvM3Inz07wtZPdufnLid7pz4xePfDUOT-bjuGfTND-0-o4hgNTemyl4OqBTZ0/s1600/Rossi-giftwrapping-by-Jane-Means.jpg" style="font-size: x-large;" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Covering everything from baby shower presents to making the perfect labels, Giftwrapped has the power (with a little help from you!) to transform so-so offerings to breathtaking beauties.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibn7Lkeoqvupr-caRuubK4YGmowfIDjh6wFh_YSObG8uTdq29RZrqvDYA80sfsa-CH9uoRw3hINN24aba_e_p-WQR6-oF_Lfx8WC30VRttySMWWOqLopLOFfgSeRFh9XRmIIQLI8hqICM/s1600/image-4.jpg" style="font-size: x-large;" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">{Get your copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1909342564/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1909342564&linkCode=as2&tag=modecounstyl-21&linkId=TRXUHAT2A75CHM62">Giftwrapped by Jane Means here</a>.}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="https://d2dwdsyg32uj5v.cloudfront.net/system/product_images/images/001/851/393/original_giftwrapped-hardback-book-by-jane-means.jpg?1412445808" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4JFrX3krRbi6guh2rlxEzQMAVqwURmP_QsTjEaHLhJCkup8I7zlujJ7eAkJUBxW821rGoYYoe3o4H1ksGNxTQdsjbCWTDtgZtAKk1zrV1VK_TBmNVAVMEbkD-Hhf7lDiq5CT-pPrhBk/s1600/911BDF1E66C2C8003D62774447FCC1C0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xfi351MsyndAYUmxHRkGj61sLDTTHthxjmqP_EqC0iadkaUpjrQDkUditdqsJUO44UYzJMr2L30-6QhSw3rOMyvnZOXIIuWdzCpbKvYZuRqn1fyarc_9lLE6E5bIUsmzFpoY5i9Ie40/s1600/2052BBEDE343AF4A73F6A61C3820B007.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Book Review: Giftwrapped by Jane Means

I'm a late developer when it comes to the art of gift-wrapping. Yes, I was always wowed if I received presents that were exquisitely presented but it's only in the passed few years that I've realised how achievable it is, with a little thought and a well-stocked craft cupboard, to add significant zh…

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A White Christmas: Home Tour

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This weekend, we had the most wonderful time putting the final touches to our Christmas decorations. The mild but crisp weather allowed us to enjoy a very festive walk, admiring Christmas lights as we went.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love to see how other people do Christmas. And, if ever there was a Modern Country interior to persuade me to go all white, with hints of the softest greys (and lots of green for a suitably Modern Country Christmas!) then this, surely, must be it...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="485" src="http://www.skonahem.com/Global/Skonahem/inspirerande-hem/hemreportage/diskret-jul/julstortvaradagsrum.jpg" width="640" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="640" src="http://www.skonahem.com/scaled/440x0/Global/Skonahem/inspirerande-hem/hemreportage/diskret-jul/julvrum.jpg?h=0dda64359b4f242cb166d4ca440b1b9c" width="478" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="640" src="http://www.skonahem.com/scaled/440x0/Global/Skonahem/inspirerande-hem/hemreportage/diskret-jul/julmatrum.jpg?h=1c4fe128c94c93ce14dde27db5c37e73" width="474" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="A chic white home office with a gold mirror" height="640" src="http://www.sarahsarna.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/chic-white-home-office-with-gold-mirror.jpg" width="414" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="640" src="http://www.skonahem.com/scaled/440x0/Global/Skonahem/inspirerande-hem/hemreportage/diskret-jul/julhall.jpg?h=2894378e226fe205a6109eb63650ca99" width="466" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="640" src="http://www.skonahem.com/scaled/440x0/Global/Skonahem/inspirerande-hem/hemreportage/diskret-jul/julkok.jpg?h=d58b4f99bc3a7a330c0a30d9b14c0005" width="480" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Can I just take a moment to 'Oooh' at this gorgeous girls' bedroom?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="640" src="http://www.bebecomestilo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/shelterness.con_.jpg" width="426" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/75/47/d1/7547d16e1fe24ce9a2340fe843ce81cf.jpg" width="427" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="640" src="http://www.thischarminghome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Dormitorio-blanco-vintage-9.jpg" width="427" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">All that greenery, particularly the wreaths at the windows, feels so stylishly festive, doesn't it?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A thoroughly Modern Country Christmas home!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4JFrX3krRbi6guh2rlxEzQMAVqwURmP_QsTjEaHLhJCkup8I7zlujJ7eAkJUBxW821rGoYYoe3o4H1ksGNxTQdsjbCWTDtgZtAKk1zrV1VK_TBmNVAVMEbkD-Hhf7lDiq5CT-pPrhBk/s1600/911BDF1E66C2C8003D62774447FCC1C0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xfi351MsyndAYUmxHRkGj61sLDTTHthxjmqP_EqC0iadkaUpjrQDkUditdqsJUO44UYzJMr2L30-6QhSw3rOMyvnZOXIIuWdzCpbKvYZuRqn1fyarc_9lLE6E5bIUsmzFpoY5i9Ie40/s1600/2052BBEDE343AF4A73F6A61C3820B007.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Images via Skona Hem</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

A White Christmas: Home Tour

This weekend, we had the most wonderful time putting the final touches to our Christmas decorations. The mild but crisp weather allowed us to enjoy a very festive walk, admiring Christmas lights as we went.I love to see how other people do Christmas. And, if ever there was a Modern Country interior …

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Modern Country Nails: MoYou Nails Review

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>{MoYou Nails Review: </b>Two <a href="http://moyounails.com/product-category/nail-polishes/" target="_blank">Special Nail Varnishes</a> (in Nude and Razzle Dazzle Rose), Three Stamping plates: <a href="http://moyounails.com/shop/plate-113/" target="_blank">113</a>, <a href="http://moyounails.com/shop/image-plate-69/" target="_blank">69</a>, <a href="http://moyounails.com/shop/image-plate-75/" target="_blank">75</a>, <a href="http://moyounails.com/shop/moyou-stamp-scraper-pink-red/" target="_blank">Scraper and Stamper set</a>}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJHIiegHG-9E7llb9-tYoFB38Z5KV83ud8XC4JNZ84BS4JAyRvglDyQc1NFtRzltVzjFQN-QlmV3w4mP9OSwN5Yr6PBNT96Ko3vF_RDqkPLg83hyphenhyphenUvNy4nneWce_dLiHSx8EK5MeH-tz4/s1600/moyou+083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJHIiegHG-9E7llb9-tYoFB38Z5KV83ud8XC4JNZ84BS4JAyRvglDyQc1NFtRzltVzjFQN-QlmV3w4mP9OSwN5Yr6PBNT96Ko3vF_RDqkPLg83hyphenhyphenUvNy4nneWce_dLiHSx8EK5MeH-tz4/s1600/moyou+083.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I had a lovely jaunt out to the Country Living Fair a couple of weeks ago. One stall in particular stood out as being a gorgeously contemporary twist on the time-honoured tradition of beautifully varnished nails. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I always think perfectly presented nails are one of those things that literally adds polish to any Modern Country get-up, don't you? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of the ladies on the MoYou Nails stand persuaded me to have my nails done. Not that I needed much persuading! A manicure for free? Yes please!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was expecting another humdrum product but Oh. My Goodness. I've never seen anything like it.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> I've had so many questions about how I managed to get these gorgeous images onto my nails that I thought a review was needed!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">MoYou Nails sell stamping plates and nail varnishes online and in stores (Debenhams, Fenwick and Bentalls) to enable you to print images onto your nails...or sunglasses, mirrors, mobile phones, windows.... There are over 1500 designs to choose from. That was not necessarily a plus! I spent <i>aaaaages </i>narrowing down the designs I wanted!! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>First Impressions</u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The varnishes are gorgeous - beautifully vibrant, opaque colours, and apply well. The opacity means that they are on the thick side, which makes them ideal for stamping but a little harder to work with for base coats. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="427" src="http://moyounails.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/pink-stamp-scraper-red-head.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The stamp and scraper come together. The stamper is easy to use -  squishy and a good size and the scraper does it's job well...though I'd prefer it a little bigger and squishier and it took a while of playing around to get the images to pick up properly. However, its the stamping plates that really stand out.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgB3FKUhLDYIVgE6Bwyei-63IYkzxYcx7qQz3Bxcm1LX3uPIPSKXa-Dxiz5C_jkY_oRgANVG-FCv-6mznrTopKEhjQ42jtSjL_NFuBK6_oMREOTcLy8DzYAnuNl4ohpTHrKtnXCL1L_0P/s1600/moyou+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgB3FKUhLDYIVgE6Bwyei-63IYkzxYcx7qQz3Bxcm1LX3uPIPSKXa-Dxiz5C_jkY_oRgANVG-FCv-6mznrTopKEhjQ42jtSjL_NFuBK6_oMREOTcLy8DzYAnuNl4ohpTHrKtnXCL1L_0P/s1600/moyou+031.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">They come in little individual packets (see left hand of the image above). You need to remove the packaging (middle), and then peel of the blue covering (right) to reveal the mirrored surface with exquisitely etched images. The plates seem very good quality: pleasingly heavy, and the images are very clear.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Using The Products</u></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">First, I applied this MoYou Special Nail Polish in Nude. I really love the colour...but, as I said above, it was a little on the gloopy side. However, it did get a great solid covering in more or less one coat and dried quickly.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsi9KsbFC7KIvvWsFNdeimnQFjlvIy3LdEqCtNTaWpNNJnBsTf9MDAgLA6_A_4K_h8v80NDx1AvTVetNKWutpOY3x-D0130NExgWmBnYdlIPxVVzs2J-6Nh48hWy8u7vdqvYMlNvXPOHJ/s1600/moyou+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsi9KsbFC7KIvvWsFNdeimnQFjlvIy3LdEqCtNTaWpNNJnBsTf9MDAgLA6_A_4K_h8v80NDx1AvTVetNKWutpOY3x-D0130NExgWmBnYdlIPxVVzs2J-6Nh48hWy8u7vdqvYMlNvXPOHJ/s1600/moyou+025.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Once the polish had hardened, I picked out the first stamping plate (113).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3Vfi1i0_Rojd3Uj6tXbUn10lbAMbA9Jp200pHMfIhw9oD5Lvg6ys8oweewz_c8R6wjFuAmN3IM3Thlo2fZsMrfcBNI4yYV8N1q-zGtWhWYzsU7QmHZDZ4FqCK-i7lJ70oR8CRhWHApNl/s1600/moyou+059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3Vfi1i0_Rojd3Uj6tXbUn10lbAMbA9Jp200pHMfIhw9oD5Lvg6ys8oweewz_c8R6wjFuAmN3IM3Thlo2fZsMrfcBNI4yYV8N1q-zGtWhWYzsU7QmHZDZ4FqCK-i7lJ70oR8CRhWHApNl/s1600/moyou+059.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The process is simple.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">1) Apply a little of the varnish onto the image of your choice.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love the bright cerise of Razzle Dazzle Rose against the gentle Nude.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioJ84G_NZYp1Zl6D2OHCeEUEcydCH0wCpmzd-ky52RIO2-AbVz2WaHpLyDyALcEQxMCletD-EYqcyuUmSSM6OT-qRvjBzby2mwr1a6Lhe-uYK1DIlSt7JgDjKAvkbu7XS_7Eh960U1Ktk/s1600/moyou+101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioJ84G_NZYp1Zl6D2OHCeEUEcydCH0wCpmzd-ky52RIO2-AbVz2WaHpLyDyALcEQxMCletD-EYqcyuUmSSM6OT-qRvjBzby2mwr1a6Lhe-uYK1DIlSt7JgDjKAvkbu7XS_7Eh960U1Ktk/s1600/moyou+101.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">2) Use the scraper at a 45 degree angle to scrape of the excess. This leaves the polish in the etched parts.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9YxvB_zqjbtsJCRJYkG1wmD5AQMo8KxVRlsFJZprMo07L2vYhsI0XM7AzXWHYqzBwLI-gAf97bn09sV5VUhEFcWbLNOI4TscLd-1i3Wl7D3WRckRgYzoskaXsBWNy7XjZlDR57CUShYq/s1600/moyou+106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9YxvB_zqjbtsJCRJYkG1wmD5AQMo8KxVRlsFJZprMo07L2vYhsI0XM7AzXWHYqzBwLI-gAf97bn09sV5VUhEFcWbLNOI4TscLd-1i3Wl7D3WRckRgYzoskaXsBWNy7XjZlDR57CUShYq/s1600/moyou+106.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">3) Press the stamper pad over the image.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaK7A9tUNY0N6TOaFMseqDyb8XhLKkp2HAcHKRYapKV3xAgxjiJg6KRFk7kw7BbM5eeJMUmite2Q7jFGEukjHe1SG4Rkm344WJmrD7sQFBcWC9Cd9K6a3SEAT9ALbXz_YSbc5dTGKCr_l/s1600/moyou+123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaK7A9tUNY0N6TOaFMseqDyb8XhLKkp2HAcHKRYapKV3xAgxjiJg6KRFk7kw7BbM5eeJMUmite2Q7jFGEukjHe1SG4Rkm344WJmrD7sQFBcWC9Cd9K6a3SEAT9ALbXz_YSbc5dTGKCr_l/s1600/moyou+123.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">4) Roll the stamper over your nails from one side to the other to make sure that the whole image is transferred....</span><i><span style="font-size: large;">{MCS tip: start with a straightforward design and experiment with different angles. It takes a while to be able to line up the images to appear exactly where you want them!}</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aCO-fdAD13si9ZSBo3VWplpCgy27hEe4Ksz0-GUtt3lPX7QqWEXrIzIN111-ETJq7a6Xzli_l7-XXQH-W6umdYS_0QE_-H3AaFOAi3vTq_kOgdl01eYqPulUISIDuIkwt0mhH4AXHXE5/s1600/moyou+227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aCO-fdAD13si9ZSBo3VWplpCgy27hEe4Ksz0-GUtt3lPX7QqWEXrIzIN111-ETJq7a6Xzli_l7-XXQH-W6umdYS_0QE_-H3AaFOAi3vTq_kOgdl01eYqPulUISIDuIkwt0mhH4AXHXE5/s1600/moyou+227.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Next up is my favourite....look at that chandelier!! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">Modern Country L:O:V:E!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6AW6mLO-C1dqG0RXPB_nldkHY72FOJbygxe-cTvigDj-rcTXg47wgDzKkPQzqDzS3tdZ-zky3gBowUznCD8StOf1rxMcBv6qqS8MkNyUSO9uCxsknV7U-x0l1VBxfo4bkauTL2g9lsf7/s1600/moyou+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6AW6mLO-C1dqG0RXPB_nldkHY72FOJbygxe-cTvigDj-rcTXg47wgDzKkPQzqDzS3tdZ-zky3gBowUznCD8StOf1rxMcBv6qqS8MkNyUSO9uCxsknV7U-x0l1VBxfo4bkauTL2g9lsf7/s1600/moyou+063.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">You do have to be fairly quick to make sure that the varnish doesn't start drying on the plate...but it's definitely worth taking the time to get the placement just right. It's hard to hide any mistakes!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTvER1zbWBe8yeLtTMc6JupIHGfOHfsmfwXYXZ4X8HvZ4g1thHPCduGVZrdcMMZkZchmNCJ5Cx4TWJ7oPudL8vWnn5RyaLX9N6OjxIOKkvHJRl4TxdBZlyaRijWM35c-6BjxpCi_S4Rad/s1600/moyou+177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTvER1zbWBe8yeLtTMc6JupIHGfOHfsmfwXYXZ4X8HvZ4g1thHPCduGVZrdcMMZkZchmNCJ5Cx4TWJ7oPudL8vWnn5RyaLX9N6OjxIOKkvHJRl4TxdBZlyaRijWM35c-6BjxpCi_S4Rad/s1600/moyou+177.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lastly, I wanted to try a little extra creativity. I applied TWO varnishes onto this little owl. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37XaLmcXH8qypQshRh4kOplWmRiFtTJ_pt9X-U1ESlMFpDgy_IoPwPXmTQr0eMXg1xUdH0ECSGS49Q78fACfaRkRot88N3T-SnJoTLqXWgzY7jVy3QTjx6wUHtHkl6_DNQoK2Rg_pSkjp/s1600/moyou+065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37XaLmcXH8qypQshRh4kOplWmRiFtTJ_pt9X-U1ESlMFpDgy_IoPwPXmTQr0eMXg1xUdH0ECSGS49Q78fACfaRkRot88N3T-SnJoTLqXWgzY7jVy3QTjx6wUHtHkl6_DNQoK2Rg_pSkjp/s1600/moyou+065.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Razzle Dazzle Rose, and another purple varnish that I already had. Then I repeated the same scraping and stamping process, which definitely gets easier each time I try....and it turned out beautifully two-tone...and so cute!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQ9wFFqJUfHvTDDdmy1MF30mZqG0-4mtW6yjKtWmnb7esCzbaIy_X5s5j_Q-s1M00dRL1OCmttN4PkcuaOKHPVTQmM4Xhs11oSG_66BHeeg6VX6bUAjn5jpdAj2pnWHm2haG4phfL927K/s1600/moyou+195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQ9wFFqJUfHvTDDdmy1MF30mZqG0-4mtW6yjKtWmnb7esCzbaIy_X5s5j_Q-s1M00dRL1OCmttN4PkcuaOKHPVTQmM4Xhs11oSG_66BHeeg6VX6bUAjn5jpdAj2pnWHm2haG4phfL927K/s1600/moyou+195.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Overall Impressions</u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was truly blown away by the experience at the Country Living Fair...but, remember, they were absolute pros at using the products. I have to say it has taken a fair bit of practice at home to learn to get it looking right....but now I've had that practice...and compliments aplenty (not least from my daughters!),  I can't wait to get extra <a href="http://moyounails.com/product-category/miscellaneous/" target="_blank">MoYou Nails</a> plates to add to my collection! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4JFrX3krRbi6guh2rlxEzQMAVqwURmP_QsTjEaHLhJCkup8I7zlujJ7eAkJUBxW821rGoYYoe3o4H1ksGNxTQdsjbCWTDtgZtAKk1zrV1VK_TBmNVAVMEbkD-Hhf7lDiq5CT-pPrhBk/s1600/911BDF1E66C2C8003D62774447FCC1C0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xfi351MsyndAYUmxHRkGj61sLDTTHthxjmqP_EqC0iadkaUpjrQDkUditdqsJUO44UYzJMr2L30-6QhSw3rOMyvnZOXIIuWdzCpbKvYZuRqn1fyarc_9lLE6E5bIUsmzFpoY5i9Ie40/s1600/2052BBEDE343AF4A73F6A61C3820B007.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Modern Country Nails: MoYou Nails Review

{MoYou Nails Review: Two Special Nail Varnishes (in Nude and Razzle Dazzle Rose), Three Stamping plates: 113, 69, 75, Scraper and Stamper set}I had a lovely jaunt out to the Country Living Fair a couple of weeks ago. One stall in particular stood out as being a gorgeously contemporary twist on the t…

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