our home after Archives - Come Down To The Woods

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This time 6 years ago I was at Leeds General Infirmary waiting to meet my 3rd little boy. By waiting I actually mean in the midst of a very long and complicated birth which ended up with a cord prolapse and emergency section. He was worth every second of stress because Toby is the most delightful kid you’ll ever have the pleasure of meeting. He is full to the brim of magic and goodness and is the type of child that just knows what to say to make you feel amazing. Happy birthday my beautiful boy, you are all kinds of ace.
Last month I posted one of these carousel pics on my stories. Good old Facebook memories had sent them my way and I clicked without thinking. It was the beginning of baby loss awareness week and let’s just say there were a few people who weren’t too nice about me posting it. It made me fall a bit out of love with Instagram, it made me panic about the pressure of getting things wrong, the intense worry about hurting anybody’s feelings. But I guess those people knew nothing about me, they knew nothing about my story and my loss. The truth is, I may have four children but I’ve been pregnant with eight and each and every one of those conceptions was hard. My thirties were an emotional rollercoaster. One day, when I’m feeling stronger I’ll share more but I guess all I’m saying is we don’t know anyone’s story. So I’m putting my big girl pants on (or taking them off 🤪🤪) and resharing those pics on the anniversary of his birth. I’m a little bum squeaky about sharing but this is MY truth people and a lesson to always be kind.
#feltcutemightdeletelater .
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Thanks for the pics @jimpoyner an amazing friend and a genius photographer.
#apartmenttherapy #kidsbedroom #realhomes #reallife #bedroomdecor #kidsbedroomdecor #boysbedroom #stars #abmathome #bhghome #interiormilk #interiormagasinet #boligmagasinet #stars #interiorismo #interior2all #interiors #abmlifeisbeautiful #abmlifeiscolorful #abmlifeissweet #showemyourstyled

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Back in the heart of the family and I couldn’t be happier about it.
I’ve only been gone 36 hours but typically missed a milestone. First lost tooth from the 5 year old 😔. So, I’m limbering up to be back in best mama mode today. Think breaking up 6 fights before breakfast, trying to keep calm when weetabix is spilt down a freshly cleaned school jumper and my actual shins sweating whilst trying to wrestle the equivalent of and octopus into a car seat. Whilst in the background being asked 4 questions at the same time. Pretty standard. Enjoy your Friday folks.
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#apartmenttherapy #abmathome #bhghome #styleithappy #sodomino #interiorismo #plantladder #pinkandgreen #pursuepretty #seekthesimplicity #houseplants #plants #plantsplantsplants #plantshelfie #urbanjungle #urbanjunglebloggers #houseplantlove #livingroom #exposedbrick #indoorgarden #plantsmakepeoplehappy #interioraddict #plantsofinstagram

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Press Trip with @shopmatalan
What do you call someone who can’t stop thinking about Christmas?
Santa-Mental!
Well, that me now after having spent the day and night at Matalan Manor. We have lived, eaten and breathed Christmas for the past 24 hours and I for one couldn’t be happier about it. Imagine this..............
All of the things you love about Christmas and then magnifying them. Carol singers, mulled wine, roaring fire, slippers, THE most delicious Christmas dinner you’ll ever taste, dancing, games, Christmas pjs, presents and even festive painting and Christmas movies. Then, wait for it, extract all the things about Christmas that are hard..............
Cooking, present wrapping, list ticking, last minute panic buying, family politics, CLEARING UP, taking the tree down, realising that you’ve not bought batteries for you 6 year olds favourite present.
Well that’s what we’ve been lucky enough to experience and there’s still another day of fun left until reality hits and I realise that actual Xmas day can never live up to this past 24 glorious hours.
Thank you to @shopmatalan for putting on the most spectacular of Christmases, I literally woke up this morning and poked myself to check it was still me living this Christmas dream. Of course it wouldn’t be half as much fun without the company, I’ve laughed so hard my cheeks ache thanks to..........
@inpolife @thisgirlcanorganise @felicityhayward @thefashionablepan @thefashion_lift @carlcunard @lauraslittlelocket @theverysimong . Head over to stories to catch more. Massive shout out to @thorpemanor which is where we have been staying. This really is the most magical place with staff that have blown each and every one of us away. Thank you!!!
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This is a gifted press trip. I do have an ongoing paid partnership with @shopmatalan but this content is not part of it. But I cannot wait to show you more of their Christmas collection in my home.
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#merrymatalan #matalanmoments #apartmenttherapy #manorhouse #christmas #christmasdecor #sofa #sofastyling #fireplace

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Ad Gift.
Ok, so we’re double figures in November so technically it’s OK to talk about the C word right? And why the heck not because it’s most certainly my favourite time of the year. Today I have spent a very enjoyable afternoon test running my festive decorations which have all been very kindly gifted by @balsamhilluk . This whole look took just over an hour and that’s mostly due to the incredibly easy set up of the Flip Tree. Swipe through for video evidence of just how simple (and fun) it was.
Christmas for us is a time for our own family traditions so I’m looking forward to making this a family affair. 4 kids, 4 mince pies (ok 8), Michael Buble on full blast and each child taking charge of their own quarter of the tree. Each slice is where their presents lay (with a slither left over for us oldies). They’ve already chosen their favourite bauble! Then Pjs on by 7pm and a fizzy feeling in our tums. Gah I LOVE Christmas. Can’t forget our Ziggy too, anyone else’s dog a tree guarder?
I’ll show you some more close ups on stories over the next week but until then, consider yourself slightly jingled folks, the holidays are coming and you know it 🔔 🎄 .
#bhukfestivefamilychristmas #bhukfestivefamilychristmas2019 #balsamhilluk #BHUK

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What a day!
It started in typical Sunday style with a squiffy head and a tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth. We had an incredible meal at @home_leeds last night. Actually, I wouldn’t say it was a meal, it was an experience. We never go fancy pants when it comes to grub just because by the time you’ve paid for the babysitter you could end up spending as much as a mini break to Paris but this was a special occasion so went for it. It was INSANE! Not one mouthful wasn’t delicious. Beans on toast for the next month but dang it was worth it.
Would have loved to have wallowed in my winey hangover today but no such luck. Got some VIG (very important guests) at the Peach Palace this week so it was all hands on deck to sort out the house which basically means finding places that aren’t already stuffed with stuff to hide all of our stuff in. TOO MUCH STUFF!!!!
We have managed 3 full trips to the charity shop as I was ruthless.
Anyway, more guests in this bathroom tomorrow (all will be revealed in time) so it was drink time for the greenery.
Have a great Sunday folks, it’s strictly and finishing if a Christmas shoot tonight. #voteramsey
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Wallpaper @houseofhackney previous collaboration
#apartmenttherapy #wallpaper #houseplants #houseplant #urbanjungle #urbanjunglebloggers #plants #plantsplantsplants #theverydayproject #theeverydayproject #makeitblissful #showemyourstyled #everysquareastory #mypinterest #plantsofinstagram #plantshelfie #bhghome #abmlifeisbeautiful #abmlifeiscolourful #plantsmakepeoplehappy #sodomino #interioraddict #indoorgarden #houseplantclub #plantlover #styleithappy #bathroom #bathroomstyling #tileaddict

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I never post this late, never! But, today I have had one of the most perfect days in the history of planet Earth. It started badly, I’m not going to lie. I rocked up at Leeds train station with plenty of time (unlike me, I’m an always 5 minute late kinda gal) only to find that all trains from Leeds to London cancelled. I could have given up, I could have gone home and put a box set on (Succession, Harlots or Drag race UK if you’re interested) but I’m a tenacious bugger and there was nothing that was going to stop me from getting to London. Totally worth the massive detour to York because would you just look at where I got to spend the day! Only at the incredible home of Jordan & Russell aka @2lgstudio Today, they laid that table better than any I’ve ever seen before with the finest of @madedotcom goodies and served up the most delicious vegan feast. We chatted and drank and oohed and aahed and throwed toys for Buckley The Wonderdog and marvelled at how amazing a home really could be with no kids and 2 creative genius minds. I obviously missed my train home (I blame @pinkhouseliving and @maxmademedoit ) but it was all worth it. Head to stories for a tour of the finest insta home you’ll ever see and of you aren’t following @2lgstudio then what the hecky peck are you waiting for?
Lovely to catch up with @sarahakwisombe @andthentheywentwild @gold_is_a_neutral @yolandachiaramello @emilyhilliergardendesign and we missed you @thisstyle_rocks and @lookweboughtahouse xx
Thanks for the lovely gifts @madedotcom felt like #prettywoman traipsing through London with them, the lads did you proud with effortless styling xx
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#apartmenttherapy #diningroom #irridescent #interior #diningtable #diningroomdecor #tablestyling #pinkandgreen #inspiationalinteriors

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Ad-Giveaway.
Hold on to your hats folks because I’ve got a really rather fabulous giveaway for you. The lovely folk at @loveincltd have given me 3 of these adorable neon star lights to give to you. Yup, that’s right, 3 winners each getting a glorious piece of neon. My star is living in my bedroom at the moment but no doubt it’ll find it’s way onto a mantle piece closer to the C word..........
@loveincltd can make any of your designs come to life but also have a range that you can buy. Just a heads up that the last orders for bespoke is 15th November.
So, what do you need to do??
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⭐️Like this post
⭐️Follow @loveincltd (it’s not a necessity to follow me but if you enjoy my feed you are very very welcome here)
⭐️Tag a friend in the comments. Each comment is one entry.
⭐️ For 5 extra entries post this image on your feed or stories.
That’s it. Simple.
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Giveaway closes at 9pm on Sunday 10th Nov. Open worldwide.
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This giveaway promotion is in no way a you are agreeing that you are 18+ years of age that you release Instagram from all responsibility and agree to Instagram's terms of service
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I know there will be a bazillion questions about this amazing throw. It’s by the incredibly talented @jacquelinecolley and I would say this would be right at the top of any Christmas list! #gift.
I will pop some swipe ups over on stories as had lots of questions today.
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Good luck folks!
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Ps I hung a new piece of art here today, head over to stories to see the reality behind it 👀 .
#ukgiveaway #giveaway #neon #apartmenttherapy #bedroom #bedroomdecor #giveawaytime #wainscoting #panelling #bedroomdecor #sodomino #bhghome #abmlifeiscolorful #abmlifeissweet #abmlifeishappy #abmathome #abmlifeisbeautiful #styleithaopy #myhomevibe #interior4you1 #interiormilk #bedroominspo #giveawaycontest

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Literally stopped in my scrolling tracks by this image, giving me all of the Autumnal feels. No Halloween styling from me this year as I pressed pause on my inner control freak and let the kids fully prep the pumpkins. Think pulp EVERYWHERE, seeds where you wouldn’t expect them and hideously uninstaworthy results. We do however have 4 very pleased little bin lids which is all that matters.
Very exciting 48 hours ahead. Tonight, we have decamped to the glorious @thegeorgedevon The very cool pub owned by Devon’s own @lovefrankiedotcom it’s trick or treating tonight and then tomorrow it’s the best Halloween party in the South Downs. There will even be a few more insta legends coming. @annahaymandesigns and @manwithahammer will be there too! It could get messy. Speaking of Greg, team Woods is popping over to see the Admiral’s house tomorrow. Stay tuned to stories for a sneaky peek behind the scenes of @manwithahammer ‘s spectacular project.
If you get a minute, do go and check out all of these brilliant accounts.
@manwithahammer (best renovation project on insta).
@lovefrankiedotcom (home accessories with attitude).
@annahaymandesigns (insanely talented designer who is also working with Greg on his party room).
@thegeorgedevon cracking pub with great food and rooms in Blackawton.
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Happy Halloween folks. 🎃
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Photo and design credit @alex_nerovnya SO many more incredible projects on his page.
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#styleithappy #autumnal #autumnalvibes #halloween #architecturelovers #forest #seekthesimplicity #pursuepretty #theartofslowliving #postitfortheaesthetic #slowliving #mirror #architecture #newbuild

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We played a game around the roaring fire last night where we had to find the film character that we were most like. Me? In an instant Bridget Jones. Comfy pants, tick. Love of white wine, tick and of course the penchant for a ‘mini break’. So when @holidaycottages.co.uk asked if I’d like to work with them I said yes quicker than it took Bridget to descend that infamous pole.
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There really was only one place I could choose to kick off our collaboration. If you’ve been following me for a while you’ll know how much I love Devon. We used to come here as children and when we bought our own kids back a few years ago, we left a little piece of our hearts here. Travelling with kids is never easy and finding anywhere that will accommodate 4 children is always tricky but this time we were travelling with our besties. But 7 kids in tow was no problem for @holidaycottages.co.uk who gave us a huge amount of options for our party. We chose this stunner of a cottage which has made us feel like we’ve stepped right out of Swallow & Amazons. It’s in Dittisham, the undisputed prize crabbing hotspot of the South West (awarded by my offspring) and has been the perfect base for exploring. The views from that room on the left make you feel like you’re living in a boat and the excitement of being controlled by the tides (go check out my story highlights) has been so much fun. The kids have spent hours pottering about on that shore line, digging for treasure, and chucking in stones. Even in very questionable weather we’ve had an absolute blast. I’ll pop the link up in my Bio to this cottage but if you fancy staying here, be quick, I’ve had hundreds of requests for the details and I haven’t shared it yet. It’s a real gem of a find and very reasonably priced. I’ll also write up a blog post when I get home.
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Thanks again @holidaycottages.co.uk this is a partnership made in Devon. See what I did there 🤪🤪
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For any of you wanting to visit, this cottage is called Beach End.
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#holidaycottages #dittisham #visitdevon #devoncoast #southdevon #visitsouthdevon #autumn #autumnal #autumnvibes #autumnvibes

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Today’s plans..............
1) keep all 7 children within the vessel on proposed boating trip.
2) not chuck up on the pirate ship at @woodlandsthemepark later
3) not drink too much gin at @lovefrankiedotcom ‘s pub this evening.
Let’s hope I at least manage number 1.
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Stay tuned for stories.
PS house sitters here (probably still killing my plants) so no point getting your balaclavas out.
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#plants #plantshelfie #plantladder #houseplants #bathroom #bathroomdesign #apartmenttherapy #sodomino #styleithappy #plantsmakepeoplehappy #plantlady #plantmom #greenfingers

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Wotcha!
Do not adjust your screens, this is indeed a picture of me. Granted, I’m partially hiding behind my my wig and I’m totally being upstaged by my hairy elbowed dog but it’s me nevertheless.
I’ve decided it’s about time I stop literally hiding behind my sofa and put myself out there. You see, there’s always been an excuse.............
1) I look too lumpy from that angle
2) my sofa is better looking
3) the trolls will get me
4) I’ll lose followers
Well, it turns out that I give zero farts about any of the the above and do you know what, that feels fanbloodytastic. So here I am, unapologetically posting a picture of me and my dog introducing myself because do you know what? You might just be seeing a bit more of me round here, lumps and all.
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Thanks for the 📸 @helentwilliams

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Remember that day when my utility room was tidy enough to take a photo? Nope, me neither. In the words of Don McClean it was a long long time ago. One of the questions I get asked her a LOT is ‘how do you keep it so tidy with 4 kids and a dog?’ Swipe through the photos for the answer in the form of a picture snapped just before I went to bed last night. Or if you’ve got more time click the link in the bio for a blog post I wrote last year. Because do you know what? Is all an #instasham
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#instareality #apartmenttherapy #sodomino #interiør #interieur #interieurinspiratie #washingmachine #utilityroom #laundry #laundryroom #laundryroommakeover

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See that dog there? That’s my Ziggy and he’s is 98% responsible for my happiness recently. Over the Summer I made a pact to move more, to get my blood pumping and get more active. I’ve never been a gym bunny. I joined David Lloyd a few years back and ended up going for a handful of incredibly expensive swims, each breast stroke costing me about a tenner. So Ziggy has been the answer. Rain or shine I’ve been hanging out with my canine in the park. Just walking, nothing heavy but holy moly is it good for the soul. Just being outside, legs moving, trees swishing, dog’s ears flapping (not a euphemism’ my actual dog has very long hairy ears) it’s been filling my happy cup no end. The kind of thing you should definitely recommend to a friend and having 175k of them here I’m offering it up to you. Whilst I’m here, any podcast recommendations please? I’ve done @rosemarinoramsey & @iamchrisramsey shagged married annoyed and @jessieware table manners. Any other good suggestions? Thanks in advance
Have a great Friday folks, I’m off for a walk xx
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Sofa previous collab with @sofadotcom
#apartmenttherapy #interiordesign #interior4all #interiores #sodomino #styleithappy #interiør #monochrome #blackceiling #treasureseeker