#vintage stone mantle

[myancientsurfaces]

Whispers of Warmth: Unveiling the Mystique of Antique Limestone Mantles by Ancient Surfaces

When one thinks of elegance and time-honored sophistication within home interiors, the conversation naturally gravitates towards the majestic antique limestone mantles provided by Ancient Surfaces. These unique pieces are not merely about the hearth; they are about crafting a narrative that resonates through time, blending the ancient with the modern in a dance of architectural grace. The first…

[vintagehomecollection]

The white garden at Wyards Farm in Hampshire is not quite all white. The sulphur yellow flowers of alchemilla just adding that often indispensable colour break.

Creative Gardens, 1986

[allloudontheeasternfront]

Everything at Once part 4

Dieter Hellstrom x Original Fem Character

Thx for the support, let me know any ideas for the future.

Should I add some more Landa content? 😏😏😏 We all love that smuggy man.

Warnings: cursing, N*zis, discrimination, flirting, implied smut, kissing, Dieter still is a little jackass, etc. I do not support N*zis in any shape or form. This is just a fanfic for a character from a film.

(I know this isnt Dieter but August looks so handsome in this)

.

Camille quickly shut the door to her flat and hid behind the door giggling. As she heard the loud thumps of Dieter's boots going up the stone steps, she took off his hat and studied it.

It was a black visor crusher cap with silver embellishments. One of the little charms was the infamous Iron Eagle; an eagle with its wings stretched out holding the swastika inside a wreath of oak leaves. It would be pretty if the swastika and the meaning wasnt there.

Below there was an emblem of a skull. Her throat got dry. Realization hit her like a ton of bricks.

Has he himself killed people? Or is he just a messenger man?

Her face got pale and her heart raced. Her medallion sparkling on her mantle. She quickly hid the star in the soil of the flower that was sitting next to it.

Dieter knocked on the door, putting his ear to it to try and hear anything.

"Mademoiselle?" He called out

She swallowed the lump in her throat and opened the door a crack.

"Oui...?" She replied not looking at him.

"My cap, Mademoiselle. I need it."

She slowly gave it to him with shakey hands. He noticed and pushed the door open a little wider. Her blue eyes were fixed on him like a mouse about to be devoured by a cat.

"Is everything alright?" Dieter asked.

Camille nodded, her hands still shaking.

He is a Nazi...I cant like him.

Dieter smiled suggestively and put his cap on Camille's head, she flinched.

The lid of the cap went over eyes as it was much too large for her. She tilted it up and looked in his eyes.

His eyes read something differently...

Lust...

No, he cant. I'm not what he is wanting...

Dieter took her hands into his and brought them to his lips. He kissed each knuckle softly.

"Du bist so schön..." he whispered in German. (You're so beautiful )

Not knowing what he exactly said, she carefully took his hands out of his and took the cap off.

"Take it.." she whispered. He took it and tossed it away.

Dieter's eyes read more primal lust as he stepped forward and Camille stepping back, eventually cornering her.

He put is hands on each side of the wall, looming over her smaller frame.

"Are you scared of me?" He asked smirking.

Yes...

"No." She said with the little confidence she had left.

"No...?" He asked raising an eyebrow. "I dont think I believe you.."

Stop fucking interrogating me...

"Please...Monsieur..." out of the corner of her eye she saw her Star of David medallion glittering in the flower pot. Her heart was pounding. "You have to go..."

Dieters face dropped.

"And why is that?" His voice completely changed. The same tone he used the first time they met. Annoyed.

"Um...my father will be home soon." Camille lied. Of course he wont, the Nazi standing in front of the girl is no better then the ones who took her father away.

Dieter scoffed softly and moved away from her looking around the neatly decorated flat. Lace, floral patterns and vintage antiques filled the place. He looked at the wooden rocking chair by the same balcony he feasted his eyes upon a while ago. There was a small stuffed bear sitting there...it mocked him. The girl was clearly terrified of him being there, in the corner watching his every move.

"Forgive my intrusion, Mademoiselle. I'll be going." He said with the same stone wall face from before. He clicked his heels, took his cap back and walked out the door.

Camille panicked. Maybe just a kiss?

"Wait!" She yelled after him and raced down stairs to catch him.

She caught up with him at the bottom and placed both of her hands on his face.

Cold.

She bought his face to hers and kissed his lips softly. Her dark pink lips moved on his thin pale ones.

She pulled back and stared at him...

Maybe he isn't so bad...?

His eyes screamed for more and they kissed again with more passion.

He held her closely and tightly to him. One hand gripped on her waist and the other moving across her hair.

He pulled her back and she gasped.

"You'll kiss me here but not in the flat?" He asked and moved his head to her neck. He kissed across the soft skin.

She couldnt tell him yet....no not yet. She couldnt tell him she is a Jew. He'll kill her immediately...

She couldnt answer him, all she did was breathe heavily from his lips exploring her decolletage.

He fingered the buttons to her dress, eventually opening it fully exposing her half-naked body. He gently laid her on the ground and moved on top of her covering her completely.

She took his hat off and threw it across the room and ran her fingers across his black hair.

The two stayed like this for a moment. Suddenly she felt him play with the hem of her underwear...

"Dieter..." she whispered.

He hummed as he kissed across her chest, slowly opening her bra and running his hands across her breasts.

"Are you sure about this...?"

"Are you not?" He answered.

Relax Camille...relax...

"I'm....not experienced...." she admitted with her eyes screwed shut.

Dieter chuckled.

"And you think I am?"

She opened her eyes and met his.

"But...you're an officer? You must have plenty of women." Dieter kept chuckling to himself at her innocence.

"You see plenty of men at your bakery? Do you fuck them all?" He asked bluntly.

Her face went as red as a tomato.

"Well...no."

"Only me, eh?" He smirked and caressed her cheek.

Nazi...pig....blue eyes...pale skin...smile....beautiful stupid face..

"Oui." She whimpered as he took off her remaining dress.

BRRRRRIIIIIIING

They both gasped at the sound of the clock.

Dieter looked at the Grandfather clock in the corner.

Midnight.

Shit...Hans needed me for some stupid event rehearsal. Dieter thought.

He quickly got off of her and stood up.

Exposed and embarrassed, Camille say up and covered herself.

"I have to go, liebling." He bent down and kissed her passionately.

"I will see you again yes?"

No...

"Yes." She replied with sadness in her eyes. Dieter smiled genuinely and kissed her forehead and then took her hand in his and squeezed. 

"Auf Wiedersehen meine Schönheit." (Good bye my beautiful)

Camilled watched at the officer raced out of the building. The chimes to her door ringing violently.

Remose and regret filled her mind. She slowly buttoned her dress back up. Thank God the drapes were closed and no one saw her about to be demolished by an officer in her own business. She slowly trudged to the kitchen saw the stupid paper with the word "Vertreibung" stamped in scary German calligraphy.

Tears filled her eyes as she curled up on a ball on the floor, clutching the paper to her chest.

When will it end? She thought as she cried softly.

Her mind drifted to Dieter. He can't know her identity...he cant. It would kill him and definitely kill her...Maybe he is different? The swastika, Gestapo uniform amd intimidating stance says otherwise. Why does she care about some officer's feelings? The thought of him finding out and the possibility of what he'd do to her, made her nauseous.

"Please dont tell me he is in love..." she prayed aloud.

His face riddled with lust and want flooded her memories...she caught herself wanting more.

To be continued...

@whore4waltz @rurivu @xoxocillian @fridaycanbesadsometimes @racheljo47 @whitechoc135 @officerh4t @blueberrypancakesworld @hanslandasstrudel

[azsazz]

small town cass was SO good i love how you incorporated everyone i would love to see small town az and reader angst too if you are ever in the mood for it!! you write angst so well

can no one have their own au anymore? 😭

anyway, small town az below the cut

so small town Az meets you at a party

rhys' beginning of the summer party

he arrives with cassian in the bronco because cassian is persistent

"I know we're going to rhys' mega-mansion that costs more than the town, but the ladies love vintage, Az," he says with a grin, cracking open one of the beers as soon as they turn off of the dirt road onto the privately owned drive that Rhys' house is on

Rhys said he was bringing some people back with him for a visit. the city slickers want to know what their podunk town is all about

not much really, besides drinking, smoking, and country music

When they exit the tree-lined drive and the mansion comes into view, there's already a bunch of vehicles lined up like it's a car show

there's people walking up to the house, and they pass the vanserra brothers carrying a keg, girls with daisy dukes and boots to match

everyone in town comes to these things, even some from the next towns over, even if the drive is a long one

cassian parks where he always does, half on the front stones leading up to the door and half on the grass. he doesn't care, rhys will have the place professionally cleaned before his father gets home from his work trip. if he decides to stop by and isn't tied up with that secretary of his

they hop out and the people trickling into the house offer to help them carry the booze they brought, enough to fill the swimming pool out back

Azriels shoving drinks into the fridge, organizing them in that way he has, when someone asks, "Can i have one of those?"

he looks up and the breath is stolen from his lungs

its you, easily the most beautiful girl he's ever seen

and you're smiling down at him like he's the most handsome man you've ever seen

"I—um, yes, here you go," he stutters, snagging any of the drinks off of the shelf because you didn't specify and his brain has suddenly stopped working

"thanks," you respond with a flirty smile. you stick your hand out to him and offer your name

he immediately tries it out with his last name. in his head.

"azriel," he offers, fighting a smile

your eyes widen, "so you're azriel!" you exclaim, because rhys has told you all about him and cassian and the shenanigans they're gotten up to when they were young

his brows pull taut, confused. how do you know him but he's never heard about you?

he wants to ask but you're cracking open your drink and tarquins greeting him, shoving him to the side for a drink of his own. your friends call you over and you're walking away from him with a "see you later!" called over your shoulder.

azriel thinks its love at first sight

he hasn't worked up the courage to talk to you yet, but he's found out that you're one of rhys cousins. you go to the same school as him up in new york and your parents have gone halfsies on an expensive apartment for you both to share

he doesn't know why you'd opt to spend your summer in their town with nothing to do and no one special to meet

it clicks, when he's in the living room, standing near the mantle of the fireplace while you dance in the center of the room with your friends, toasting jello shots that mor made more than enough of

he's seen pictures of you, the ones sitting on the mantle behind him. there's you, rhys, and mor all together when you're young, arms thrown around each other and smiling your biggest smiles

you're older now, which is why he didn't recognize you, and the picture doesn't even begin to describe your beauty

he wonders if you'll be in town all summer

he tries to talk to you three separate times because you keep glancing his way and that must be a good sign, but each time is interrupted and he doesn't get the chance

he doesn't see you for the rest of the night, nor the day after. he worries he's missed the best thing that's ever walked into the city-limits so he rushes home and pulls out his laptop

azriel has always been good with computers, and it doesn't even hit him that looking you up on the internet is creepy until he's knee-deep in your social medias (even though they're private, you really need to update your passwords), trying to learn everything about you that he can

he finds out that your flight isn't for another two weeks

he finds out where you're from, what you're aspiring to do with your life, how many guys you've dated (clearly you've broken up with them for a reason), where you buy your delicates from (that's when it hits him that he's definitely a fucking creep)

[hometoursandotherstuff]

She-was-my-first submitted this beautiful 1912 Craftsman bungalow in Maumee, Ohio. 5bd. 4ba., $388K.

The wood columns, built-ins, etc. are all in the craftsman style, but even though the fireplace is gorgeous, it’s clearly not original to the more sleek Craftsman style. I’m sure that the owners added the ornate marble mantle. The plain white mantle behind it is more than likely the original that they covered over with a white façade. 

Here’s an additional sitting room that I suspect is the original dining room, but functions better this way for the current owners. 

This room is perfect for an office, and they’ve set up a small desk to demonstrate that. 

The dinette had a nice corner cabinet and counter. This would be the everyday dining space.

I have a thing for knotty pine cabinets. Look at the size of that drainboard sink. Amazing. Love the original tiled floor. Isn’t that cute how they have vintage step stools for seating.

Isn’t this an adorable little mudroom area? 

I don’t know what this area is, it looks like some sort of a central hall, but it’s a very large space with lots of possibilities. Beautiful wainscoting and built-ins, too. 

This is very nice, an enclosed porch.

This room opens to a lovely sunroom.

Notice the stone pillars painted white.

Here’s a stunning vintage en-suite with original tile and a gorgeous stained glass window.

The other 3 bds. are quite large with room for desks and comfortable seating.

The 5th bd. is on the upper floor.

Plus there’s another bath up here.

Look at the cute sink down here. Some people like to shave in the basement.

And, here we have a little rec room with a stone fireplace.

What cool wine cellar. 

This lovely home is situated on .57 acre.

https://www.movoto.com/maumee-oh/1503-river-rd-maumee-oh-43537/pid_0lgf4gqtkh/

[the-fiction-witch]

The Witch's Wand P3

I woke in a strange place, I don't know what I was expecting behind the door but it certainly wasn't this. 

My body lay on a dark wooden floor, my dress hung about me, I sat up and looked around the room. I saw behind me the purple door I had stepped through, the wand on the floor in front of me, the room that surrounded me was dark but strangely soothing, the walls panelled with dark brown wood, and on either side of me sat two large doors with two bullseye glass windows in each door, two smaller doors at the end of the room, in front of me was a wooden staircase with a green carpet running down it like a river small silver rods and dust corners on the stairs, hung above was a silver metal candle style chandelier with small flickering candles. 

"Where am I? Hello! Is someone here? What is this place?" I asked but no answer, 

I slowly picked up the wand and got to my feet, I brushed off my dress and tried the door it clicked open and I expected to see the Port Victory Street but I didn't, beyond the door was a garden full of sweet green grass and various flowers with a small stone path leading into the thick woods, with a small river babbling along with fish and flowers, the rain battering the world outside the sweet sound of the drops hitting the stone and grass. 

"Whe- Where did Port Victory go?" 

I shut the door again and tried to see if I could find something inside the house, I headed to the left door and found a small lounge with two large arched windows that looked out into the windows, half wooden walls with white and black striped wallpaper, a few candle sconces, a sweet rounded fireplace lit crackling and fluttering, a mantle with a bunch of snow globes, a few leather sofa's on a round fluffy rug, A painting above the fireplace of a mountain lake the water moving and shifting the little boat floating on the water as if the painting was alive, but no one was here.

I moved close to the fire warming myself up a little and I looked at the snow gloves they all were filled with glittering snow with strange things. Many of them with a layer of dust over the top, I looked through some more seeing a little house by a river, a strange school building, a farmhouse, a basement apartment, a grand gothic manor, a Las Vegas hotel, a fantasy castle, a strange alien world, a place with blu water, a cottage, a small English village, a boat on the water an American mining town and many more. I found one that looked familiar to me I picked it up and saw a large house with a garden and pond and two people sat talking on a bench it was the newest and the least dusty, It looked like a house from Port Victory.

I noticed on the floor was a shattered show globe, the water inside long dried up, inside the model of an island I had never seen before. 

I quickly left the room and went across to the right door, where a gothic cottage kitchen with wooden cabinets painted pale green, large windows looking out to the river with stained glass at their top, a chandelier with more candles and small crystals hung from it, the kitchen littered with small things, copper pans, little vintage style kitchen machines, herbs and jars of ingredients one cabinet behind a stained glass pantry door was filled with jars, bottles and such like you'd imagine an apothecary to have all labelled with words I couldn't read and a wooden table in the centre, on the table a small plate of victoria sponge cupcakes, a cutting board with some half ate tiger bread and a plate of toffee cookies. And I saw a sign above one window.

'Witches Kitchen' 

I left and passed the stairs to open the door to the right of the stairs, as I did I heard this gentle music and perked up to think someone was there but I walked into a beautiful room much like the others with wood and trinkets lining it, but this was a library with books littering the shelves a fireplace not yet lit with a large mirror above it, at one end there must have been over five thousand books all cared for and well-loved, a ladder that ran across a silver railing to access the higher books, a piano sat in the middle of the room under the candlelight playing a tune to itself the keys being pressed but no one playing it, I briefly sat on the small stool watching it play itself seeing the music open but being written as it plaid, on the piano, sat a few frames with faces I somehow felt I knew the least dusty a small photo of a child no older than two. I got up from the piano and moved to the desk close to the fire with various items scattered across it.

The items all were there for bookbinding, leather, string, pages, an ink pen and in the centre a book in the process of being made open to a page.

'He pressed a soft kiss to my forehead shutting his eyes and letting his lips linger against my skin, but he pulled back not even baring to make eye contact as his hand slipped from mine, the rush of cold air against my skin without him there, and as he turned and walked away I felt like he had taken his scalpel and cut open my chest, taking my heart with him when he went. I wanted to run after him but I was paralysed, My tears flooded like a burst dam, my cries mad and hysterical, my breathing harsh and jagged as I desperately took in the air between my violent sobs, my legs went weak and my knees failed to let me fall to the dusty dirt. my violent cries echoed through the empty streets as I muttered or tried to call out.

"No... No... No... Jack... Jack... Please... Please Jack, please... No please just come back... Just come back, please... Please... Come back, Jack..."

I tried to call his name, I begged him, I pleaded with him, I screamed out in utter desperation as my heart broke into a thousand pieces...'

"What? But- but that's- I said that." I spoke up, "Who. Who wrote this!" 

I ran out confused and checked the last room for any sign of people but no luck this was a small room with some seats, rugs and blankets, a cup of apple juice by the table, a conservatory looking out to the garden, littered with flowers, plants and herbs all being battered by the rain, the rain landing on the glass roof making this calming sweet sound, but I left as there was no one here. 

In my confusion, I began to walk up the stairs still looking for any sign of people. 

[alexsfictionaddiction]

The Women’s Prize For Fiction 2023 Longlist Is Here!

I’m pretty sure that anyone who was reading my blog around this time last year will know that I follow the Women’s Prize for Fiction very closely. In fact, it’s the only book prize that I ever want to make the effort to read as much of the longlist as I can. So, this time of year is like bookish Christmas to me and I have been SO excited over the last couple of weeks during the build-up to this announcement. 

For those of you who don’t follow it, the Women’s Prize for Fiction is an annual book prize given to a book written in English by a woman over the last year. The eligibility criteria is as follows:

It must be a full-length novel (no short story collections or novellas).

It must have been originally written in English (no translations).

It must have been published in the UK between 1st April of the year before the prize and 31st March of the year of the prize (so, this year’s eligibility period was between 1st April 2022 and 31st March 2023).

So, here is this year’s longlist!

I’m A Fan by Sheena Patel. Published by Rough Trade Books on 9th June 2022. Pod by Laline Paull. Published by Corsair on 7th April 2022. The Dog of the North by Elizabeth McKenzie. Published by 4th Estate on 7th March 2023. Fire Rush by Jacqueline Crooks. Published by Vintage on 2nd March 2023. Children of Paradise by Camilla Grudova. Published by Atlantic Books on 7th July 2022. Glory by NoViolet Bulawayo. Published by Vintage on 7th April 2022. The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff. Published by Allen & Unwin on 2nd March 2023. The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell. Published by Tinder Press on 30th August 2022. Homesick by Jennifer Croft. Published by Charco Press on 23rd August 2022. Cursed Bread by Sophie Mackintosh. Published by Penguin on 2nd March 2023. Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris. Published by Duckworth on 5th May 2022. Trespasses by Louise Kennedy. Published by Bloomsbury on 14th April 2022. Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow. Published by John Murray on 7th April 2022. Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes. Published by Mantle on 15th September 2022. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. Published by Faber and Faber on 18th October 2022.

I’ve watched a lot of prediction videos and I was pretty sure I had a good idea of what books we’d see on this list. Having just watched the official announcement of the 16 books on the longlist, I am FLABBERGASTED at how wrong everyone was! 

Demon Copperhead is the only one I’ve already read and it definitely deserves to be there. Cursed Bread, Fire Rush and The Bandit Queens are on my TBR for this month anyway. I have copies of Trespasses, Stone Blind, The Marriage Portrait, Memphis, Glory, Pod and I’m A Fan, so will be getting to them as soon as I can. There are quite a few books on here that I’ve never even heard of, so that’s very exciting!

While I am quite sad not to see some of the popular predictions on here (Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, Nightcrawling, A Spell For Good Things, Birnam Wood, Really Good Actually, The Rabbit Hutch), I am really intrigued to see how I get on with these books.

The shortlist of six books will be announced on 26th April, so I’ll be aiming to get as much of the longlist read before then as possible. The winner will be announced on 14th June, so you’ve got plenty of time to read them all before then, if that sounds like fun!

So, what do you think of the longlist? How many have you read? How many do you plan on reading? Are you as surprised as I am?! Now, go and read all the books, my lovely readers!

-Love, Alex x

[nirj5]

Lab-Grown Diamond Bridal Sets: Redefining Modern Elegance with Ethical Sophistication

Lab-grown diamond bridal sets are at the forefront of a new era in fine jewelry, combining stunning beauty with ethical integrity and affordability. As consumers become increasingly conscious of the impact of their purchases, lab-grown diamonds offer a compelling alternative to traditional mined stones, blending luxury with responsibility. Here’s why lab-grown diamond bridal sets are captivating the hearts of today’s discerning couples.

Understanding Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are genuine diamonds produced in a controlled laboratory environment that simulates the natural conditions of diamond formation. The two primary methods used to create these diamonds are:

High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): This method replicates the intense pressure and temperature of the Earth’s mantle, creating diamonds that are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds.

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): This technique involves growing diamonds from a carbon-rich gas in a vacuum chamber, allowing for precise control over the diamond’s growth and resulting in stones of exceptional clarity.

Both methods produce diamonds with the same brilliance and durability as mined diamonds, ensuring that lab-grown diamonds are indistinguishable from their natural counterparts.

The Ethical Advantage

One of the most compelling reasons to choose lab-grown diamond bridal sets is their ethical and environmental benefits. Traditional diamond mining often involves significant environmental disruption and human rights issues, including unsafe working conditions and conflict financing. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds are produced with minimal ecological impact and under fair labor practices, making them a responsible choice for couples who prioritize ethical considerations.

Affordability Meets Luxury

Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 20-40% less than mined diamonds of similar quality. This cost-effectiveness allows couples to invest in larger or more elaborate bridal sets without stretching their budget. The savings can be redirected towards other wedding expenses or future plans, offering excellent value. Lab-grown diamonds provide an opportunity to enjoy luxurious designs at a fraction of the cost, allowing for greater flexibility in selecting the perfect bridal set.

Customizable and Stylish

Lab-grown diamond bridal sets offer a wide range of design options, catering to various tastes and preferences. Whether you’re drawn to a classic solitaire, a vintage-inspired halo, or a contemporary multi-stone arrangement, lab-grown diamonds can be customized to match any style. Their versatility ensures that every bridal set can be tailored to reflect the unique personality and preferences of the wearer.

Quality and Transparency

The quality of lab-grown diamonds is often superior due to the controlled conditions under which they are produced. Many lab-grown diamonds have fewer inclusions and higher clarity compared to natural diamonds, resulting in stones with exceptional sparkle and brilliance. Lab-grown diamonds are graded using the same criteria as natural diamonds, ensuring transparency and consistency in quality.

Choosing Your Lab-Grown Diamond Bridal Set

When selecting a lab-grown diamond bridal set, consider the following:

Design Preferences: Choose a design that resonates with your style and complements your partner’s taste. Whether you prefer a timeless classic or a modern statement piece, lab-grown diamonds can be crafted to meet your vision.

Wedding Band Compatibility: Opt for a wedding band that pairs well with your engagement ring. Many couples choose matching or coordinating bands for a cohesive look.

Customization: Personalize your bridal set with custom engravings, unique diamond shapes, or additional gemstones to make it truly special and meaningful.

Conclusion

Lab-grown diamond bridal sets represent a sophisticated choice for couples who wish to celebrate their love with a blend of elegance and ethical responsibility. With their exceptional quality, affordability, and environmental benefits, lab-grown diamonds offer a compelling alternative to traditional mined stones. Choosing a lab-grown diamond bridal set ensures a stunning symbol of your commitment that reflects both style and values, making it a perfect choice for the modern couple.

[estfenrirswood]

the home of ak.c & c.n.f

Aiysha and Catalina's Home in Sune's Harbour, Fenrirswood:

Exterior:

Architecture: Their home in Sune’s Harbour is a charming two-story Victorian-style house, built with sturdy stone walls and a steeply pitched roof adorned with dark wooden shingles. It exudes a historical charm that blends seamlessly with the neighborhood's Viking-influenced architecture.

Entryway: A wrought-iron gate opens to a stone pathway leading up to a large wooden door, weathered by time and embellished with intricate carvings of mystical symbols and runes. Hanging baskets of vibrant flowers flank the door, adding a splash of color to the aged facade.

Garden: Despite the limited water nearby, Aiysha and Catalina have cultivated a small garden in the front yard. It features native plants and herbs, carefully tended to by Catalina’s green thumb, with paths lined by ancient-looking stones that echo the Viking heritage of the area.

Interior:

Living Room:

Décor: Inside, the living room is spacious yet cozy, with exposed wooden beams on the ceiling and hardwood floors covered by plush, patterned rugs. The walls are adorned with family & photos, as well as photos of loved ones.

Fireplace: A grand stone fireplace dominates one wall, its mantle adorned with trinkets and artifacts collected over the years, including miniature ships and ancient amulets. Incense is burned here.

Family Space: The room is arranged to accommodate both relaxation and play for Leonardo and Marisol, with a large, comfortable sectional sofa and a play area filled with toys and books. Loki's dog bed rests near the fireplace, while Salem's scratching post and toys are nestled in a cozy corner.

Kitchen and Dining Area:

Layout: The kitchen is spacious, with a rustic farmhouse table at its center surrounded by mismatched wooden chairs. The countertops are cluttered with jars of herbs and magical ingredients, alongside a collection of cookbooks and family recipes passed down through generations.

Herb Garden: A small indoor herb garden thrives on the windowsill, providing fresh ingredients for Aiysha and Catalina's culinary and magical concoctions alike.

Children’s Room:

Design: Leonardo and Marisol’s room is adorned with whimsical wallpaper depicting enchanted forests and mythical creatures. Bunk beds with colorful quilts and a plethora of stuffed animals fill one corner, while a reading nook with oversized pillows and fairy tale books occupies another.

Pets’ Space:

Loki’s Domain: Loki, the black German Shepherd, has claimed a corner of the living room as his own, complete with a cushioned dog bed and a basket overflowing with toys.

Salem’s Perch: Salem, the sleek black cat, enjoys surveying the neighborhood from a window seat in the study, where he can bask in the sunlight and keep a watchful eye on the surroundings.

Trinkets and Artifacts:

Family Heirlooms: Throughout the home, shelves are adorned with family heirlooms and magical artifacts—a crystal ball passed down through generations, a set of rune stones used for divination, and framed photographs capturing moments of joy and adventure shared by Aiysha, Catalina, and their children.

Character of the Home:

Historical Charm: While the house shows signs of age, it has been lovingly maintained and updated over the centuries. Aiysha and Catalina take pride in preserving its historical integrity while infusing it with their own magical touches and modern comforts.

Miscellaneous:

Architectural Style: Their home is a charming Victorian-era townhouse with a distinctive turret and bay windows, reflecting the historical architecture prevalent in Sune’s Harbour. The exterior is adorned with climbing ivy and colorful window boxes filled with flowers.

Interior Design: Inside, the home boasts high ceilings, intricate woodwork, and stained glass windows that cast colorful patterns across the floors on sunny days. The decor blends modern comfort with vintage charm, featuring plush furniture upholstered in rich fabrics, homemade/thrifted rugs, and an eclectic mix of artwork and artifacts collected from their travels.

Magical Accents: Aiysha and Catalina have integrated magical elements throughout their home, such as enchanted candles that flicker without a flame and a small, well-tended herb garden in the kitchen window sill that always blooms regardless of the season.

Pet-friendly: The home is designed to accommodate their pets—Loki the black German Shepherd and Salem the black cat—offering cozy corners, scratching posts, and comfortable beds scattered throughout. There’s also a designated area in the backyard for the pets to roam and play.

Family Heirlooms: Displayed prominently are family heirlooms passed down through generations, including a vintage mirror that is said to have once belonged to a powerful witch in their lineage, and an old spellbook with handwritten notes in the margins from ancestors long gone.

Home Office and Study: Aiysha’s home office doubles as a study for both her apothecary work and magical research. It’s filled with shelves of jars containing various herbs, potions, and spell ingredients, alongside antique books on witchcraft and alchemy.

Connection to Nature: The backyard features a small enchanted grove with a stone pathway that winds through it, leading to a serene meditation spot shaded by ancient oak trees. This is Aiysha’s favorite place to unwind and connect with nature’s energies. Catalina takes the twins out after full moons to look at the stars.

Community Involvement: Their home often serves as a gathering place for friends, fellow witches, and neighbors during festivals and celebrations, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie within Sune’s Harbour.

Security Measures: Being aware of Fenrirswood’s mystical nature, Aiysha and Catalina have installed protective charms and wards around the perimeter of their property, ensuring privacy and safety from unwanted magical intrusions.

Seasonal Decor: Throughout the year, the home undergoes seasonal transformations with decorations that change with each solstice, equinox, and Sabbat. This includes wreaths made from local herbs and flowers, and seasonal altar arrangements.

Aiysha and Catalina’s home in Sune's Harbour is not just a place to live but a sanctuary that reflects their deep connection to Fenrirswood’s rich history, their magical practices, and most importantly, their loving family life with Leonardo, Marisol, Loki, and Salem.

[bellisajewellery1]

The Rise of Lab Created Diamond Engagement Rings: A Sparkling Revolution

Origins and Creation Process

Lab-created diamonds are not new to the market, but recent technological advancements have significantly improved their quality and availability. These diamonds are created using two primary methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both methods mimic the natural diamond formation process but within a controlled laboratory environment.

HPHT involves subjecting carbon to extreme pressure and temperature conditions, similar to those found deep within the Earth's mantle. This process creates a diamond that is chemically, physically, and optically identical to a natural diamond. On the other hand, CVD uses a gas mixture that is broken down into carbon atoms, which then deposit onto a diamond seed, gradually forming a diamond crystal. This method allows for greater control over the diamond's properties, lab created diamond engagement rings including its size and color.

Ethical and Environmental Benefits

One of the most compelling reasons couples are opting for lab-created diamond engagement rings is the ethical and environmental considerations. Traditional diamond mining has long been associated with adverse social and environmental impacts, including human rights violations, environmental degradation, and conflict financing. Lab-created diamonds offer a guilt-free alternative, as they are produced without the harmful effects of mining.

By choosing a lab-created diamond, Unique Engagement Rings Canada couples can ensure that their symbol of love is free from the ethical dilemmas often linked to natural diamonds. Additionally, the production of lab-created diamonds has a significantly lower environmental footprint, reducing the need for large-scale mining operations that can devastate ecosystems and local communities.

Economic Advantages

Lab-created diamonds are also gaining traction due to their cost-effectiveness. On average, a lab-created diamond can be 20-40% less expensive than a comparable mined diamond. This price difference allows couples to either save money or invest in a larger, higher-quality stone for their engagement ring. The affordability of lab-created diamonds does not compromise their beauty or durability, as they possess the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds.

Aesthetic Appeal and Customization

Beyond ethical and economic considerations, lab-created diamonds are cherished for their stunning beauty. These diamonds exhibit the same brilliance, fire, and scintillation as natural diamonds, making them visually indistinguishable to the naked eye. Advances in technology have also allowed for a wide range of customization options, enabling couples to design unique engagement rings that reflect their personal style.

From classic solitaires to intricate vintage-inspired designs, lab-created diamonds can be crafted into any setting, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. Additionally, lab-created diamonds can be produced in a variety of colors, including rare hues like blue, pink, and yellow, offering even more options for those seeking a distinctive and personalized ring.

[citynewsglobe]

[ad_1] The custom of proposing with a diamond ring has stood the take a look at of time, symbolizing love, dedication, and eternity. Whereas the sentiment stays fixed, the alternatives in diamond engagement rings are as numerous because the love tales they signify. On this article, we delve into the intricacies of choosing the proper diamond for engagement rings, exploring the elements that make every stone distinctive and timeless. Understanding the Essence of a Diamond:  Earlier than delving into the choice course of, it is essential to grasp the essence of a diamond. Fashioned deep inside the Earth's mantle underneath excessive stress and temperature, diamonds emerge as nature's most treasured gems. Their unparalleled brilliance, hardness, and rarity have made them synonymous with enduring love and dedication. Components to Take into account When Selecting a Diamond for Engagement Rings: Minimize: The Most Influential Issue: The reduce of a diamond determines its brilliance, hearth, and general look. Choosing a wonderful reduce ensures most gentle reflection, leading to a wide ranging sparkle. Whether or not it is a basic spherical reduce, a romantic coronary heart form, or a recent princess reduce, deciding on the fitting reduce enhances the fantastic thing about the diamond for engagement rings. Readability: Embracing Imperfections: Diamonds, like relationships, will not be flawless. Readability refers back to the presence of inner or exterior imperfections often known as inclusions and blemishes. Whereas flawless diamonds are exceptionally uncommon and precious, most diamonds include slight imperfections which are invisible to the bare eye. Balancing readability with price range ensures a surprising diamond with out compromising on high quality. Colour: Past the Spectrum: Opposite to in style perception, diamonds are available a spectrum of colours, starting from colorless to fancy vivid hues. Whereas colorless diamonds are extremely prized for his or her purity and brilliance, delicate hints of shade can impart a novel attraction to the engagement ring. Choosing the fitting shade grade relies on private choice and price range issues. Carat Weight: Dimension Issues, however High quality Reigns Supreme: Carat weight, usually equated with measurement, performs a big position in figuring out the worth and visible affect of a diamond. Whereas bigger diamonds could appear extra spectacular, prioritizing carat weight over reduce, readability, and shade compromises the general high quality of the ring. Balancing carat weight with the opposite three Cs ensures a harmonious mix of measurement and brilliance. Selecting the Good Diamond for Your Engagement Ring:  With a myriad of choices obtainable, deciding on the proper diamond for engagement rings can appear daunting. Nonetheless, by prioritizing the 4 Cs—reduce, readability, shade, and carat weight—in alignment along with your preferences and price range, you possibly can embark on a journey to discover a diamond as distinctive and timeless as your love. Conclusion:  A diamond ring transcends its bodily type, embodying the promise of endlessly and the depth of emotion shared between two souls. Whether or not it is a dazzling solitaire, a mesmerizing halo setting, or a vintage-inspired design, the proper diamond engagement ring encapsulates the essence of your love story for generations to return. By understanding the nuances of diamond choice and staying true to your coronary heart, you may embark on a journey that is as stunning and enduring because the diamond itself. [ad_2] Supply hyperlink

[myancientsurfaces]

Embracing Warmth: The Timeless Elegance of Ancient Surfaces Fireplaces

The hearth has always been the heart of the home, a place where flames dance and stories unfold. Ancient surfaces fireplaces, with their intricate stonework and architectural beauty, transform these spaces into cozy sanctuaries, blending functionality with timeless charm. Let’s kindle our appreciation for these magnificent centerpieces in varied living spaces. Imagine a living room where natural…

[vintagehomecollection]

The Garden Book, 1984

[sweatermakers]

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[interiordesigncambridge]

Sustainable Halloween Decor that will be Relevant After Halloween 

We should all have a more sustainable approach to this time of year. Collections of itty bitty things that are annoying to store, reuse and hard to match with current decor just collect dust. Festive seasons such as halloween decor are where waste and unnecessary spending is at it’s highest. If you are looking for classy yet classic home decor ideas for Halloween then Interior Design Cambridge can help you out.

Here are a few tips on how to be sustainable this Halloween:

1. ADD LANTERNS TO YOUR DECOR TO GIVE A COZY YET SPOOKY FEEL

Why not include some vintage lanterns in your decor this halloween? Lighting is always important to create a spooky aesthetic – This year invest in nice lanterns that you can hang or place on the floor that will be useful for you as permanent decor in the house. This cast tall loop lanterns by Olivia’s is our favourite item to invest in this Halloween. Additionally, adding foliage, wreaths and garlands can help make your home feel decorated and be swapped in as charismas and fall decor also.

DIY TIP: To add an extra level of spook you can DIY an orange sticker filter onto your lanterns glass which can easily be peeled off once halloween is over.

(image credit: Next)

2. INSTEAD OF CARVING, LOOK INTO PUMPKIN PAINTING THIS YEAR

Forget about the messy and time-consuming task of pumping carving this year and try something different. Paint your pumpkins ? Here are the rules:

It’s important to stick to picking three core colours. The most popular colours this season are brown-ochre, warm neutrals and bold reds which make an interesting combination for the base of your halloween decor ideas. Buy paint samples from a close by paint shop. If you live in Cambridge, Farrow and Ball have paint sample for £5.50 that would be perfect for this particular thing! If you pop into the showroom they have physical samples of all of their current range of colours – you can see how they would look paired together.

Colours we picked out from their range are:

1. London Stone by Farrow and Ball 2. Rectory Red by Farrow and Ball 3. Indian Yellow by Farrow and Ball

3. DECORATE WITH CANDLES

It’s simple. Candles can be romantic or spooooky. For halloween it important to keep the the decor simple yet impactful. If you choose to use candles in your decor then go all out; bring out all the tea light and pillar candles you own. If you don’t already have some, you can invest in some beautiful taper candles with a candle holder. It is a decor item that will serve you all year round. For example, look at this beautiful candle by Curious Egg.

(Image credit: The Range)

4. BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR MORE UNIQUE HALLOWEEN DECOR

Etsy has vast options for halloween decor that give a “homemade feel” without having to get the glue gun out. Have a scroll on what you might be able to find on there. We had our team at Interior Design Cambridge pick out their favourite halloween decor items. You can easily use some of these item later on in you table scapes or rising on you fireplace mantle in the long-term.

PICK ONE – Pumpkin Candles PICK TWO – Personalised Decor PICK THREE – Honeycomb Pumpkins

in essence, ditch the plastic cheap decorates that you store in the attic to only bring out once a year and look at smarter decor options that will be relevant all year round.

Written by: Interior Design Cambridge

[readyforthegarden]

“I just wanted to say thank you for protecting me” for Sam? Pleaseee🥺

Here’s another cute pic of Sam 😍

Warnings: Drinking, swearing, mentions of drug use, being accosted by a drunk, slight physical assault (being grabbed)

A/N: this is the first thing that came to me, I hope you like it!

You tapped the tips of your manicured fingers against the champagne flute you held, looking around the swanky club. This wasn’t your usual vibe. Your band has been nominated for an award, and your label had forced you to go. Then they forced you to go to one of the fancy after parties too. You’d been separated from your band mates a few hours ago, and dragged into some conversation about monetary figures and how the charts made or broke musicians.

Tossing back the last dregs of your bubbly, you excused yourself from the group, making your way towards a hallway with restroom signs. The short, sparkling, gold dress the label had sent you was tight, and you wondered if you could even hike it up far enough to pee, since there was no way you could reach the zipper. As you weaved through the crowd, a hand landed on your shoulder.

“Hey there girlie.” You turned to see an older man standing there. He was dressed in a suit, more business than formal, but there was a stain on his tie that you were sure came from the brown liquid in his tumbler that sloshed around. “My my, look at you. All golden like a true trophy. What I wouldn’t do to put you on my mantle.”

“Excuse me?” You squint at the man. He’s clearly drunk, and you shrug his hand off your shoulder. “Fuck off.” Turning to walk away, you only get a few steps before your arm is roughly grabbed and your pulled harshly around.

“I was talking to you, you little bitch.” The man was inches from your face, his breath hot, the stench of whiskey burning in your nostrils. Your body shook, nerves overcoming you as tears pricked the corners of your eyes while panic set in. Nobody at this party seemed to notice this man bothering you and as you tried to twist your arm free from his grip, you were giving up hope. Your eyes scanned around the room, trying to find one of your band mates, you drummer for sure would knock this creep out. As you desperately searched for a familiar face, a pair of brown eyes came into view. He was wearing a vintage inspired suit, tailored perfectly to his slender figure, various symbols embroidered on it. The tall young mans brows were furrowed as he regarding you.

“Help.” You mouthed and in a flash, he was moving towards you.

“Hey, what’s going on here?” he asked, looking between you and the man.

“Fuck off, kid.” The man snarled. “I’m just trying to have some fun with my new girlfriend.” The young man looked to you again.

“Are you having fun? Is he your friend?” you shook your head, still trying to yank your arm free.

“No, he just grabbed me and won’t let me go.” you answered.

“I think you should let her go.” The young man glared at the older man. “Now.”

“And what are you gonna do about it if I don’t?” The older man glared right back. Three other men came up behind the taller one, all stone faced, seething at the older man.

“Four on one seems a little unfair, doesn’t it?” The tall man smirked. The older drunk looked between all four and roughly let go of you, nearly throwing your arm away and you stumbled back from the force. The man walked off muttering as you rubbed the newly sore spot in your forearm, glaring at his back.

“Are you okay?” The tall man stepped forward, his eyes regarding you softly, concern lacing his voice. “Did he hurt you?”

“I’m okay.” you sighed, rolling back your shoulders and trying to put up your tough side again, though your body was still trembling on the inside. “I’m just going to go to the restroom. Try and find a stall where someone isn’t snorting coke and have a good cry. It’ll be fine.” The tall man snickered and nodded.

“Okay, well if that creep finds you again, we’ll kick his ass.” You laughed and nodded, then awkwardly stepped away with a small wave. Turning around, you groaned at yourself for being so awkward. After taking care of business, you dabbed your under eyes, making sure the hard work of the makeup artist from that morning didn’t go to waste. When you exited the bathroom, you tried to find your band mates again, but spotted the tall man from earlier at the bar, leaning on the counter.

“He ignoring you?” You asked. The man whipped his head around, surprise turning to a glad smile when he saw you.

“Yeah, I’ve tried flagging down the damn bartender but he keeps ignoring me.” he said. “Just want a vodka soda.”

“I got it.” You leaned over the bar, smiling and made eye contact with the bartender. He smiled and came back over.

“What can I get you?”

“Two vodka sodas, please?”

“Of course.” Within minute, the drinks were sat in front of you and you slid one to the man.

“Thank you.” He said, raising his glass toward you in salute.

“I realize I never said thank you for earlier.” you blushed. “So, I just wanted to say thank you for protecting me. And introduce myself, I’m-“

“I know who you are.” he smiled, naming your band to really drive it home. “I’m Sam.”

“Well Sam, since it’s an open bar and I can’t buy your drink, how do you feel about getting out of here and finding some real food?” He smirked. “My treat.”

“I’m in.”