Settled back into our usual routine and normality, we resumed our
visits to our second home. Way out in the sunny land of citrus trees,
in the home, I like so much to photograph as light is spilling so
seamlessly here and there.
Join the peacefulness and the beauty of our quaint retreat,
stepping into the yard, feeling free to unwind, clear the
head, sharing feelings, laughter, food in intimacy.
For this home, nestled among orange and lemon groves, I wanted
get inspiration by the moods of nature surrounding it. Without any
current trend in mind, I have been striving to mix and match
what we have found in this home, family heirlooms and items
with new and time-worn findings in a carefree style.
I have taken cues from a medley of colours
with the desire to bring nature indoors.
That being said, there are times when I don’t recognise myself
inasmuch as my choices overcome my initial inspiration and I think
I went overboard with my cluttered kitchen so to speak.
But even with guests, this home never tires us, so easy-living it is.
A space we can feel at home in.
Cooking and eating are big parts of our time at the vacation home.
I personally thrive in the kitchen whether we are entertaining
guests or feeding the family.
Here, the essence of cooking is simplicity.
Despite what you see in the photos, this year, we are experiencing
winter in all its intensity so far, with snowfalls, frosty roads
and winds blowing wild and free through the trees.
I personally marvel at that weather which
winter in all its intensity so far, with snowfalls, frosty roads
and winds blowing wild and free through the trees.
I personally marvel at that weather which
greeted our coastal area with unexpected phenomena.
It was an interesting sight, olive and orange tree branches with
leaves on them, heavy with so much snow. All the roof tops were
white, and the snow was so thick in the garden! Rare and
crazy but so beautiful!
crazy but so beautiful!
However, I can’t wait for spring to come. So keen to feel nature
in person, feel the earth in my hands and the sun on my face,
be closer to the land and its magic. Routine accustoms us to be
sedentary and I’m really happy when it comes to giving it all up
and finding me here.
I'm eagerly waiting for spring to warm and wake nature from
its sleep. Still way too chilly and wet to be working out in the
yard but I’m often observing the bare garden beds to spot
signs of spring, bulbs popped up and all beautiful promises.
In the meanwhile, we take pleasure in the smell of burning
wood until nature comes to life.
How is the new year treating you so far?
Sending out a hug to all of you
O
I love all of your "clutter" and I love all of the different colors and I love how you feel about your Vacation Home.
ReplyDeleteOh first Poppy's blog from Crete came up and that was followed by yours in my reading list today. Can't tell you how eager we are to return to our home there. You've done a lovely job capturing the colors and light and love that fills your country home! Hugs to you, Jackie
ReplyDeleteOlympia, your second home is so charming with all the eclectic treasures and Pink walls. Those Purple flowers are so pretty. And I love that Pink tea pot.
ReplyDeleteI'd like a slice of that pie now. ;)
love, ~Sheri
I love your fire place! And your kitchen looks so cosy! Great pictures, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love all your bright happy kitchen things! They look so pretty. Stay warm in the cold and keep enjoying lovely log fires!
ReplyDeleteHugs to you, Olympia
ReplyDeleteYour kitchen is lovely.
The year here is moving along quickly. This week is time to make Valentines. I think of snow now as a sheer curtain making spring appear a little gauzy, but there none the less. :)
I feel like I've just been on a little holiday, visiting your country house. It looks like such a happy place, Olympia. I'd be content to live there all the time. I hope your days there are full of joy.
ReplyDeleteKaren
I like your photos and their color and how crisp and clear they are. Your home looks happy.
ReplyDeleteYour posts always gladden my heart, Olympia. The colour, warmth and richness of your images and words are so uplifting. Thank you for sharing this lovely glimpse of your life here. Will the olive and orange trees be harmed by the snow, I wonder? It has been cold here, we had a tiny amount of snow about a month ago, but today there is a definite change; birds are singing, there is warmth in the sun and I can feel spring in the air. Keep warm, Sam x
ReplyDeleteYour second home is delightful Olympia. I adore the bright colors and patterns you have blended so seamlessly, and that pie belongs on the cover of Cook magazine.
ReplyDeleteAs for me, we are now in florida enjoying the sun and surf!
XXX
I can't wait for spring.......than it is puppy time yeah !...last saterday she is born...8 weeks to go......love love love Ria x
ReplyDeleteYour country home looks bright and happy, Olympia! It's so nice to see all the beautiful colors and pretty things you have gathered to make this little house a home. I can just imagine how relaxing it is to fluff the pretty pillows and make a delicious meal in your charming kitchen while you patiently wait for spring. Lovely to see all the blooms, too. I am dreaming of spring. We woke up to an unexpected 2 ft. of snow this morning and it is still snowing. We are inside by the fire, cozy and warm with two lazy dogs by our side after a romp in the snow. It is very beautiful, but I long for my gardens. Sending hugs and best wishes xoxo Karen
ReplyDeleteA wonderful place filled with lively colors , and those pink walls are an adorable base for all the inventory. A place where 'politically correct' and 'shabby chic' is banned, it oozes 'hygge' just love it !
ReplyDeleteTes photos me réchauffent le coeur en cette nouvelle journée de pluie!
ReplyDeleteTu nous montres la beauté dans sa simplicité et tu nous invites à regarder autour de nous différemment.
J'aime beaucoup l'angle de tes prises de vue souvent très original.
Merci pour ce bon moment passé grâce à ton billet.
Bises et bonne journée!
Dag lieve Olympia,
ReplyDeletePrachtige serie foto's die zo scherp en kleurig zijn dat het lijkt of ik echt in je vakantiehuis ben.
Kan me voorstellen hoe jij samen met je familie en vrienden met volle teugen geniet in deze knusse omgeving in afwachting van het prille voorjaar.
Heb een fijne en zorgeloze tijd daar!!!
Liefs ♥♥♥ Ger
It must be lovely to have a country home and gives you a chance to appreciate the charms of both your homes. It already looks like spring there compared with here! Sarah x
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and bright colours all around your country home, Olympia, and that sunlight - it seems that spring has sprung in your area! Your pretty pics are a lovely prelude to the next season! Enjoy your time in your charming second home.
ReplyDeletePoppy
I can also not wait for spring, I hope the next season will coming soon!
ReplyDeleteBut today we had snowfall in our country, so I think we still have to wait for a while.
Sending hugs, Ingrid
Such a bright and pretty post, Olympia, spring will be here before we know it.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
lovely happy sunny post Olympia ! a ray of sunshine for us on a cold winter day thankyou ! your cottage is a perfect retreat...have a lovely weekend...Gail x
ReplyDeleteHello dear Olympia, well your home looks so inviting and summery with all those colours, it is hard to imagine you are still getting snow fall. That crackling fire looks so inviting, I can imagine you all warm around the fireplace enjoying the company of friends and family. I too cannot wait for warmer weather and to be able to plant a few seeds I have bought. Have a lovely weekend. Sharon x
ReplyDeleteI read your lovely post with happiness! Beautiful pictures too...
ReplyDeleteHave a great sunday!
Titti
Such wonderful photographs.
ReplyDeleteYour home looks so welcoming ... just right to enjoy family and friends company.
All too soon Spring will be here. It is one of my favourite seasons, but my, the weeks do seem to pass by so quickly.
Take Care
All the best Jan
Snow on the fruit trees ! that's amazing. I hope Spring is well on the way now for you. I love the look of the chocolate pastilles with crystallised fruit. I have done something similar but mine didn't come out so pretty! :)
ReplyDeleteOh what a treat finding your blog. Beauty in its simplicity. Colour on colour.
ReplyDeleteLove it so.
Thank you
Alexa-asimplelife visiting from Sydney, Australia
Thank you dear! What a joy to find your kind comment on my blog!
DeleteIt is so beautiful, the colors and shapes together.
ReplyDeleteHug Zara
A home in the country is a very beautiful thing...
ReplyDeleteI wish you a wonderful weekend :)
Oh, the orange tree! How lovely to have that in the garden! Beautiful pictures from your beautiful home too...
ReplyDeleteHave a happy week, take care!
Titti
I loved seeing all the beautiful colour of your home in the country! Such a cheerful and uplifting place to see. I especially loved the picture of the citrus trees in fruit...that is so exotic to us! Thank you for sharing these beautiful images dear Olympia. Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteHelen xox