A beautiful Montreal oasis

I once stayed in a finca in Mallorca which had a beautiful green swimming pool. The side of the pool was lined with lavender which danced with white butterflies and beyond was a spectacular view of the Tramuntana mountains. With every stroke down the pool I became more and more relaxed. To this day I vowed if I ever get a pool it will be green or midnight blue with plants and flowers as poolside entertainment. This has inspired today's post from the garden of Mario Lafrenais in Montreal styled by Nicola Marc and photographed by Angus Mcritchie.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBRYM-g6PSntZwgwaKAptnx5ICHOB1mQ7oF19p5PF6KjtiJrkgd280KiYEpXAp1VhI_aSc1QmBZaoEU1c9P2acV4G-z4FhQColL3bgHiV0vlg-R_XJBpUAhhlqJGbzLludFu0S7q1Hug/s618/pool1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBRYM-g6PSntZwgwaKAptnx5ICHOB1mQ7oF19p5PF6KjtiJrkgd280KiYEpXAp1VhI_aSc1QmBZaoEU1c9P2acV4G-z4FhQColL3bgHiV0vlg-R_XJBpUAhhlqJGbzLludFu0S7q1Hug/s1600/pool1.png" /></a></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/AVvXsEhWF_FRMwtL7tVr6P6XclzpvehJ-Pl4DE0ZMJM3ia0XOjGQZozy4Dq6wRa3W8kxx8LRCMNVVr6ZizC_jLsarXHemlG6NF55MDoOBJ3OvGpHSLDDgkMpZDsuvd3N5iN_ZINDKBI9a4MJ97Y/s860/zB-mar129558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWF_FRMwtL7tVr6P6XclzpvehJ-Pl4DE0ZMJM3ia0XOjGQZozy4Dq6wRa3W8kxx8LRCMNVVr6ZizC_jLsarXHemlG6NF55MDoOBJ3OvGpHSLDDgkMpZDsuvd3N5iN_ZINDKBI9a4MJ97Y/s1600/zB-mar129558.jpg" /></a></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/AVvXsEhNZ-UXFT-OBYYobRGQ5jtFjJAtWUjovdAPvNYG6mS40IJeFp0v3reKbVhL0V7k2C_Nu7g8hQ8_dL-doV-nnuhHZdRb1QeUo5QBSZPdAd6z79Iim9jJJXhYyYlMSWU22phis9e9-TAzn_Q/s683/pool2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZ-UXFT-OBYYobRGQ5jtFjJAtWUjovdAPvNYG6mS40IJeFp0v3reKbVhL0V7k2C_Nu7g8hQ8_dL-doV-nnuhHZdRb1QeUo5QBSZPdAd6z79Iim9jJJXhYyYlMSWU22phis9e9-TAzn_Q/s1600/pool2.png" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpU7j_CNmomFwa12pFhRcD-W8pFgMNAp4Ww8LnMFOQHTkpBZzEnhTCoL6iCJF1qrZQseSb4nF-CX0FuKhV_Q4k0ypAiy9jvoWlYM_wmvilyEIcMVhE_NLHWqPC4F9aroMCxtSGPGVhCHE/s685/pool4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpU7j_CNmomFwa12pFhRcD-W8pFgMNAp4Ww8LnMFOQHTkpBZzEnhTCoL6iCJF1qrZQseSb4nF-CX0FuKhV_Q4k0ypAiy9jvoWlYM_wmvilyEIcMVhE_NLHWqPC4F9aroMCxtSGPGVhCHE/s1600/pool4.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Style by Nicola Marc, Photography: <a href="http://www.angusmcritchie.com/index_large.htm" style="color: #042839; font-family: 'PT Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px;" target="_blank">Angus Mcritchie</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #042839; font-family: 'PT Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px;"> with kind permission. </span><a href="http://www.decormag.com/MaisonJardin/exterieurs/c%C3%B4t%C3%A9-cour-et-jardin-chez-mario-lafrenais-n38327359p2.html#.Uc--2I4ZvZ1" style="color: #042839; font-family: 'PT Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px;" target="_blank">Decormag,</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #042839; font-family: 'PT Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px;"> (French edition)</span><br /><br /><div style="color: #042839; font-family: 'PT Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Beautiful! I think my facvourite thing about this garden is despite the surrounding buildings, Mario has managed to create a wall of greenery. A real city oasis. And of course there's that pool, those moroccan lamps, the waterfall feature, the yellow doors.....what do you like about this courtyard?</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br />PS What's your view on pools? Do you have one? Would you like one?<br /><br />

A beautiful Montreal oasis

I once stayed in a finca in Mallorca which had a beautiful green swimming pool. The side of the pool was lined with lavender which danced wi...

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Perfect dining settings alfresco and indoors

It's Friiiiday - woohoo! Whether you're having a casual weekend at home or a get together with friends and family, here are three very different table settings, all lovely in their own way. I'll be taking inspiration from all the pretty scented jasmine and vines and the strings of light bulbs. Beautiful!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ruQFBCtlQ3DwEkYqITyprmtxct9iyhay4e9-Gqox0lWBRqtQ1XBfgYNbaYlQkEk7Hj10oLHkstsylnLO6BA1pNDqxgwe1uE4ukIwRJik1TaZJ_vTH6uCO0794TOjif8jxrAcZnDS18s/s1600/favorites127$!400x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ruQFBCtlQ3DwEkYqITyprmtxct9iyhay4e9-Gqox0lWBRqtQ1XBfgYNbaYlQkEk7Hj10oLHkstsylnLO6BA1pNDqxgwe1uE4ukIwRJik1TaZJ_vTH6uCO0794TOjif8jxrAcZnDS18s/s640/favorites127$!400x.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: DroidSerif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="gray-dark" style="color: rgb(96, 96, 96) !important;">Photography</span>: <a href="http://ginameola.com/" style="color: #75a8af; text-decoration: none;">Gine Meola Photography</a>,<span class="gray-dark" style="color: rgb(96, 96, 96) !important;">Wedding Coordination</span>: <a href="http://belledestinationevents.com/" style="color: #75a8af; text-decoration: none;">Belle Destination Weddings & Events, Inc.</a>,<span class="gray-dark" style="color: rgb(96, 96, 96) !important;">Floral Design</span>: <a href="http://website.spinsunlimited.com/bellabloommaui" style="color: #75a8af; text-decoration: none;">Bella Bloom</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQ6689-541bgfeImP363_SwLQZTv7g7Comrjo4NYTBdxA0gllbo1nJtGYdPX8ZolGFNez_lxe-3WWxTnBwSQpRUwfZQTP_mntP0J3N6tBIujWyBzF2NLR7Gu7SUGO-l_LR2cNkyqWh6M/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQ6689-541bgfeImP363_SwLQZTv7g7Comrjo4NYTBdxA0gllbo1nJtGYdPX8ZolGFNez_lxe-3WWxTnBwSQpRUwfZQTP_mntP0J3N6tBIujWyBzF2NLR7Gu7SUGO-l_LR2cNkyqWh6M/s640/1.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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvbdmd-QG0aI4qmUvjNEy11o_2qxl5gHcBeOt4g7zgzQk8ZxH6SYD4WPT1uReZIcAQ7de_MGHmY1j0HwsHu_5B-SK5afApKFj621PomTZD5hKFfL-4sWQ5nf5PwfbTW2mTPNpVlleBq0/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvbdmd-QG0aI4qmUvjNEy11o_2qxl5gHcBeOt4g7zgzQk8ZxH6SYD4WPT1uReZIcAQ7de_MGHmY1j0HwsHu_5B-SK5afApKFj621PomTZD5hKFfL-4sWQ5nf5PwfbTW2mTPNpVlleBq0/s640/2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WyTr6CNJW3gmch1tPlrBsus_ZV3xGI8uyK72urM3XAe-m-Hy0GRW_HYWpzjPuVqElFAv2v2G39f5-sz5H6WsH8ZoWLZPZZ0G9LQidAEFyCMYrjkmjRUPujbi1CGvhNE5MVWFSSZqVhI/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WyTr6CNJW3gmch1tPlrBsus_ZV3xGI8uyK72urM3XAe-m-Hy0GRW_HYWpzjPuVqElFAv2v2G39f5-sz5H6WsH8ZoWLZPZZ0G9LQidAEFyCMYrjkmjRUPujbi1CGvhNE5MVWFSSZqVhI/s640/4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3fFRmTwwzGY-CNRgxdmx7izBCY2y6ne3rdU7rQW-uy4y1MsiibFZgYitysLYXKvTTrN_s4LfhRXs90K6ecKy9Tm7lUhUQEILxqSnFyINQJGDPzHr7m5LrPn9rW8D9YmNT7oAfHMkKho/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3fFRmTwwzGY-CNRgxdmx7izBCY2y6ne3rdU7rQW-uy4y1MsiibFZgYitysLYXKvTTrN_s4LfhRXs90K6ecKy9Tm7lUhUQEILxqSnFyINQJGDPzHr7m5LrPn9rW8D9YmNT7oAfHMkKho/s640/5.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arieldearieflowers.com/" target="_blank">Ariel Dearie Flowers</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhyphenhyphenTKuKFsLe9_txS6dxwId4yoMcwd6ObdtgnI98mNNDrmuFOSkD_KZJqI5EpRHvkGhM_IOCt5xO63t6rLp7L5vEGy7InRRZcmfF7Zngjm6GWPzLnSphMJLJAf5f0Y1bhBS0VLArUhuDc/s1600/IKEA_LIVET_HEMMA_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhyphenhyphenTKuKFsLe9_txS6dxwId4yoMcwd6ObdtgnI98mNNDrmuFOSkD_KZJqI5EpRHvkGhM_IOCt5xO63t6rLp7L5vEGy7InRRZcmfF7Zngjm6GWPzLnSphMJLJAf5f0Y1bhBS0VLArUhuDc/s640/IKEA_LIVET_HEMMA_1.jpg" width="526" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheq12o5twskBWx8LFAxFtx9P0RnTyGMS7q2HwmeRC5Xgki4DFTDUuHJ9Ts4OAeg1lVuwq0AFTw4bxsNndMfXRxCLMd4OqmU6JSk2ndm_Cj51ZveoeEosz4zxPmtonHje8DGZfxlE8X7-g/s1600/IKEA_LIVET_HEMMA_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheq12o5twskBWx8LFAxFtx9P0RnTyGMS7q2HwmeRC5Xgki4DFTDUuHJ9Ts4OAeg1lVuwq0AFTw4bxsNndMfXRxCLMd4OqmU6JSk2ndm_Cj51ZveoeEosz4zxPmtonHje8DGZfxlE8X7-g/s640/IKEA_LIVET_HEMMA_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cdmzUlMahJGW3JTppHkd8CeRT2S5z5GCuYaV6ddb7Ct-m78OIpmA9qbIXVjS9zqqeKqhyNHT8yNvl-XXvxBU8yH5oUL_duKZQhPqtavSy640ZKC7f6u7YJ981QdffQHBjrQj-7mZy6Y/s1600/IKEA_LIVET_HEMMA_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cdmzUlMahJGW3JTppHkd8CeRT2S5z5GCuYaV6ddb7Ct-m78OIpmA9qbIXVjS9zqqeKqhyNHT8yNvl-XXvxBU8yH5oUL_duKZQhPqtavSy640ZKC7f6u7YJ981QdffQHBjrQj-7mZy6Y/s640/IKEA_LIVET_HEMMA_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IKEA Livet Hemma</td></tr></tbody></table>Imagine a party under the boughs of that tree by the beach?!<br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">When it comes to the great outdoors and eating I have a very particular taste - as you can see from my <a href="http://pinterest.com/nikiatmsh/alfresco/" target="_blank">alfresco board</a> on Pinterest! However, if you're into the more contemporary style you'll love <a href="http://www.79ideas.org/2013/06/open-lounge-by-studiopepe.html#.UbDa8-Bkh5o" target="_blank">this outdoor lounge</a> by Studiopepe and for cool roof top living check out this<a href="http://stilinspiration.blogspot.se/2013/06/on-rooftop.html" target="_blank"> post</a> (loving the apple green table).</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you're looking for outdoor furniture <a href="http://www.nest.co.uk/" target="_blank">Nest</a> have the most amazing collection of <a href="http://www.nest.co.uk/browse/product-type/outdoor-furniture?pg=3" target="_blank">contemporary pieces</a>. Or for garden furniture on a shoe string, the fab <a href="http://www.ikea.com/se/sv/catalog/products/70209812/" target="_blank">Roxö</a> chairs in grey (as shown in the last three pics) from IKEA are a perfect choice.<br /><br />For some fantastic inspiration on how to bring green indoors check out <a href="http://thedesignfiles.net/2013/06/melbourne-home-sarah-nolan/" target="_blank">the home</a> of florist Sarah Nolan. Or for simplicity, how about <a href="http://facingnorthwithgracia.blogspot.se/2013/05/greenery.html" target="_blank">floating plants in glass</a>, so beautiful!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It's going to be SUNNY here in Southern Sweden all weekend so I'll definitely be working on my (tiny) garden and sipping <strike>mint tea</strike> a chilled glass of Sancerre while my girls mix mud and water to make cakes :) How about you? </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Have a wonderful weekend!</div>

Perfect dining settings alfresco and indoors

It's Friiiiday - woohoo! Whether you're having a casual weekend at home or a get together with friends and family, here are three ve...

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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!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzD03k4VBP8iCDDIOCB9EyfUpqjALU7s8-nYt4Jxsycgk_DIeWa3kxqwANZt7A-bPO2WtgBj6hGDwUDF8SD8Lj797n5qPSdm627Dq3uW1X17DZp8VXbaX_zlvv3ZeC-0YoOk21Z0s-Go/s1600/caravan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzD03k4VBP8iCDDIOCB9EyfUpqjALU7s8-nYt4Jxsycgk_DIeWa3kxqwANZt7A-bPO2WtgBj6hGDwUDF8SD8Lj797n5qPSdm627Dq3uW1X17DZp8VXbaX_zlvv3ZeC-0YoOk21Z0s-Go/s1600/caravan.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theblackworkshop.tumblr.com/post/18493432973" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Could you imagine having this at the end of your garden or perhaps as a weekend get-away?!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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? <a href="http://www.myscandinavianhome.blogspot.se/2013/05/garden-art.html" target="_blank">Art in the garden</a> perhaps? Or a <a href="http://www.myscandinavianhome.blogspot.se/2013/05/showering-alfresco.html" target="_blank">refreshing outdoor shower</a>?! On Monday I'll be announcing the winner of the <a href="http://www.myscandinavianhome.blogspot.se/2013/05/give-away-win-fabulous-fouta.html" target="_blank">fouta de val give-away</a>, so if if you haven't already, stop by and enter <a href="http://www.myscandinavianhome.blogspot.se/2013/05/give-away-win-fabulous-fouta.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />Have a lovely weekend all!

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 ha...

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Eating alfresco

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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 <a href="http://myscandinavianhome.blogspot.se/2012/09/a-back-to-basics-scandinavian-feel.html" target="_blank">here</a>).....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? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></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/AVvXsEirSrYE6TVADhbVU2cX446Dz136_73lAegiIi7w0pQyHY0BUfaEODx6jL_bjqUNPTAd8ze7HUpqHNgPMsF16Hir6SWAEHmq8dF9pzeeCt5yPe5dtgWdTUKtTtlD6QrmgHNzdIKj1OMG08o/s1600/piknik.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSrYE6TVADhbVU2cX446Dz136_73lAegiIi7w0pQyHY0BUfaEODx6jL_bjqUNPTAd8ze7HUpqHNgPMsF16Hir6SWAEHmq8dF9pzeeCt5yPe5dtgWdTUKtTtlD6QrmgHNzdIKj1OMG08o/s640/piknik.png" width="480" /></a></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/AVvXsEjYNwk14wNDdZRQe4Ieh-2OG7zCwQds9NPCQtcveFWnHcypc4niFz0VX8-2LqGLv_DlMqLbHjCuMX5fJXG0HfmuU1ihGfYxz9QZWcQ8kNDCkcM76GIB8hhfepgZwhxaodT9OxH48TfdlxY/s1600/picnic2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNwk14wNDdZRQe4Ieh-2OG7zCwQds9NPCQtcveFWnHcypc4niFz0VX8-2LqGLv_DlMqLbHjCuMX5fJXG0HfmuU1ihGfYxz9QZWcQ8kNDCkcM76GIB8hhfepgZwhxaodT9OxH48TfdlxY/s640/picnic2.png" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDk1oNvrtptrWI__M22RDI0IGsJ8DaLSU4zWyWL3G6DdF404m0Eu5Lue3fTMXMKgYeWJACz7PhSm9o8_Dwf9SVQ0e8Cb_CPVICakjRaYDlXNFkUOoGYraOTx-poDJPE8fj_0I2OgZspFc/s1600/picnic3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDk1oNvrtptrWI__M22RDI0IGsJ8DaLSU4zWyWL3G6DdF404m0Eu5Lue3fTMXMKgYeWJACz7PhSm9o8_Dwf9SVQ0e8Cb_CPVICakjRaYDlXNFkUOoGYraOTx-poDJPE8fj_0I2OgZspFc/s640/picnic3.png" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictures 1,2,3 <a href="http://www.sharyncairns.com.au/" target="_blank">Sharyn Cairns</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAEjmHvq7GSC9sLCViRkxvutm-S4lVrnXTP5wFt2MzhVePffMaAiaVRDVYPC_dSArfwCqAAYG4xlkfRKeBh_fz1W72V2bXSWk9aHD0NLHR0Y5GBwbEfFtQEiEjb65IIKXmptirmsQLus/s1600/Garden+lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAEjmHvq7GSC9sLCViRkxvutm-S4lVrnXTP5wFt2MzhVePffMaAiaVRDVYPC_dSArfwCqAAYG4xlkfRKeBh_fz1W72V2bXSWk9aHD0NLHR0Y5GBwbEfFtQEiEjb65IIKXmptirmsQLus/s1600/Garden+lunch.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jhinteriordesign.com/" target="_blank">Jessica Helgersson</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRM5YgVHoLbiD2zQSYkDNxRwNvBK8eAfa4gnLsvX50KumtaJSWtosI-U-7hhWQ6HypqYFxFqRSvubN-AcC6NHmtgWLYMWyY1x0uk6qSZlwwnaoiJwcL7cHPqL7KjCoE2wwChDOZ2wFjCM/s1600/eating+out1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRM5YgVHoLbiD2zQSYkDNxRwNvBK8eAfa4gnLsvX50KumtaJSWtosI-U-7hhWQ6HypqYFxFqRSvubN-AcC6NHmtgWLYMWyY1x0uk6qSZlwwnaoiJwcL7cHPqL7KjCoE2wwChDOZ2wFjCM/s640/eating+out1.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDAqVwCXQ0MaKKYXT84OGRxyKf_qtG7FoP2la6skzBZrz2V84ZxPyoWjRBafvAGfLXqpqV-5ygQHRbr_o5Piy5t1l5_hxa70OsyKdhpjOFCWQKJfymZ4KHJ-sALNsMUUNPZmQ8ryqODY/s1600/eating+out2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDAqVwCXQ0MaKKYXT84OGRxyKf_qtG7FoP2la6skzBZrz2V84ZxPyoWjRBafvAGfLXqpqV-5ygQHRbr_o5Piy5t1l5_hxa70OsyKdhpjOFCWQKJfymZ4KHJ-sALNsMUUNPZmQ8ryqODY/s640/eating+out2.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPy8aujozgrp4IY2kFwi8Ikyg__9AjoH-5HfBFkxtsSAe83R2qWgn1dPf1hod3gAIaXddOnZz2ej1NVqe0_a07-CxJpIF7yX-cTOBWyRygpnvCFc2Wy3E1orZZ2GyEMk1h1H-iShGao64/s1600/eating+out3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPy8aujozgrp4IY2kFwi8Ikyg__9AjoH-5HfBFkxtsSAe83R2qWgn1dPf1hod3gAIaXddOnZz2ej1NVqe0_a07-CxJpIF7yX-cTOBWyRygpnvCFc2Wy3E1orZZ2GyEMk1h1H-iShGao64/s640/eating+out3.jpg" width="470" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictures 5, 6 and 7 <a href="http://josevillablog.com/" target="_blank">Jose Villa</a></td></tr></tbody></table>What's your favourite way to eat outdoors?<br /><br />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.

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 ma...

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Showering alfresco

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What would an alfresco themed blog week be without a nod to the outdoor shower? I've always wanted one and have visions of going for a morning swim at the beach before padding back to my summer cottage through the dunes and showering away the salt water and sand in the garden. I'd then start preparing the long lunch with family and friends....carried away...me?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSYIev1GtTdVYg8PBa4KbiN23iMp13MQZfOcki20sGqbBfWqRnACTGxAO1vyxbaDW0Xmx8TuEEM68TPoUclMmNg_PaaOwxJ-fM-ReDPxRoTvF6zSoA0pJbRz4pycfvYhJ9WrdBtW6keg/s1600/outdoorshower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSYIev1GtTdVYg8PBa4KbiN23iMp13MQZfOcki20sGqbBfWqRnACTGxAO1vyxbaDW0Xmx8TuEEM68TPoUclMmNg_PaaOwxJ-fM-ReDPxRoTvF6zSoA0pJbRz4pycfvYhJ9WrdBtW6keg/s1600/outdoorshower.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.husohem.se/" target="_blank">Hus o Hem</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCCvi3aAABVk_tIRau_zVnL5puA0wJYLT6GpyIbrEPct6DfvFeE7O5FGbI6fbydhJoKJhA4cVJpisDkZmmQj5qqjxijw_5flsRmgAb_yQQowOkbfnuVTd_nelk_BvRJUXxAkuFNLGeOA/s1600/shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCCvi3aAABVk_tIRau_zVnL5puA0wJYLT6GpyIbrEPct6DfvFeE7O5FGbI6fbydhJoKJhA4cVJpisDkZmmQj5qqjxijw_5flsRmgAb_yQQowOkbfnuVTd_nelk_BvRJUXxAkuFNLGeOA/s640/shower.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bobedre.dk/" target="_blank">Bo Bedre</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfM8pOxYR5jbSV_uiHPigpbCWtEUf3PVZDUL_J-aFqE_ScYKcytsM91n8i_60r2QLJEPzmuY5QFSbzV6Wg8QuJt9i1iGI0CC_7K8XQ2ti__hLSkAL8zzMWqtV6ZWzXaidC-O98PllvkGM/s1600/seth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfM8pOxYR5jbSV_uiHPigpbCWtEUf3PVZDUL_J-aFqE_ScYKcytsM91n8i_60r2QLJEPzmuY5QFSbzV6Wg8QuJt9i1iGI0CC_7K8XQ2ti__hLSkAL8zzMWqtV6ZWzXaidC-O98PllvkGM/s1600/seth.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sethsmoot.com/books/portfolio/1" target="_blank">Seth Smoot</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknTXOrpxxaM7QL89jYoTlW8FbdajNF2yoj3nuNbmOUVDECsKtCfRZ9iDbAcRQvi9-cId4SpbvIbu5aJRAxfFl5BoFRaarloxbKR0zi0yZt1_HqErNpW4KMUYcktsP0dmIj4rRUZkJk_8/s1600/shower3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknTXOrpxxaM7QL89jYoTlW8FbdajNF2yoj3nuNbmOUVDECsKtCfRZ9iDbAcRQvi9-cId4SpbvIbu5aJRAxfFl5BoFRaarloxbKR0zi0yZt1_HqErNpW4KMUYcktsP0dmIj4rRUZkJk_8/s640/shower3.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/369928556862151274/" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Do you have an outdoor shower? And let's be realistic here.....would you use one if you did? I'd love to say I would, but I'd also like to be the type of girl who takes a morning dip in the sea no matter the weather......<br /><br />PS sorry if some of the credits are not accurate, not always easy via <a href="http://pinterest.com/nikiatmsh/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. Feel free to jump in!

Showering alfresco

What would an alfresco themed blog week be without a nod to the outdoor shower? I've always wanted one and have visions of going for a m...

Read more »