Home Truths

How cold and miserable was your commute this morning? As I settled down at my desk in front of a roaring fire, I thought not for the first time, about the joys of working from home. Not having to brave the wind and the rain scores high on my list. Finding the right creative space for your desk, atelier or office needn't be too difficult. It needs to have light, be bright and somewhere you can work without distractions and, in comfort and warmth.

The perfect bijou office and you can hide it away when you are not working!

Highlight traditional features, like this French ceiling to create your special space. What works for you? Your own space or a corner of the kitchen table?

The Perks of Working from Home

Click here to see how working from home can help save the world! http://mashable.com/2012/10/17/telecommuting-perks/

Work from Home and Save the World

Research research from a U.S. car insurance company reveals that working from home can make you happier, healthier and more efficient. Working from home, or remote working, works for me and I really am in a remote location, deep in the heart of the French countryside. No more driving or commuting to work means massive oil, petrol savings and massive reduction in greenhouse gases Save an average of 109 hours a year of wasted commute time. And the health benefits.... lower blood pressure, lower stress levels, healthier eating. It's obvious...a happy employee = a productive employee Don't take my word for it. Check out the attached infographic and see how working from home, for even one day a week, can improve your environment and your life.

Changes are for the Picking

Chateau Bourne vine

At the beginning of September I was gripped by that "Back to School" feeling.  I wanted a fresh start and new challenges .....and I wanted new notebooks, new pens....

It was hard to let go of summer and but I was ready to start thinking about some new projects... work and pleasure too.  So I have been looking at new business ideas and possible new clients.  Plus I am going to start being more "crafty" and surprised myself by making a flock of bird shaped lavender bags.  My sewing isn't great and some of the birds look a bit odd, but I enjoyed making them!

And I am trying to lose some weight which is tough in a land full of fabulous cheeses and wine.

Leaves are changing colour, the sunlight is more golden and the temperature has dropped dramatically and despite the sun there is a chill in the air.  We have harvested the grapes from our vine, delicious but nowhere near enough for wine - so I found a recipe for grape jelly and gave it a try. It's a very sweet jam and tastes like cherries.


There's definitely a buzz all around and a change of energy in the air!
It is a time of change and a time of new beginnings too....

What new skills can you discover? And what changes are you going to make? You might just surprise yourself!
 

So Did You Find It?

Charlotte by Adrian Saker

Did you find what makes you happy?

After a fabulous summer spent with family and friends packed full of good times I finally realised what makes me happy....

It isn't external or material things

it isn't a house

it isn't a car

it isn't a job

it isn't shopping

They might make you happy for a short while but it's not a continual, deep contentment kind of happy.

Happiness is within YOU!  And the wonderful thing is once you have found it, you keep it, you can't lose it because of external events....as you can with any of the above. 

What do you think? 

 

Happiness Is??

What makes you jump for joy?  We are often so busy and preoccupied with our lives that we don't realise until after a special moment or occasion has happened that....yes... we were happy then.

So this weekend let's stop and appreciate what makes us really happy. 

"I urge you to please notice when you are happy and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, if this isn't nice, I don't know what is."  Kurt Vonnegut

Be happy! And share what happiness means to you....

In Your Dreams

Flavigny sur Ozerain 

Imagine making a major life change - either moving out of the city or to a new country - think long and hard about what really matters to you. Try to identify what makes you happy.  Be clear what the real "musts" are for you.  Spending more time with your kids?  Working less?  Remember it won't be a holiday, it will be real life.

If you hate DIY don't take on a huge renovation project and if the only veg growing you have tried is a grow bag on the balcony think twice before taking on too much land.

You will still be the same person with the same skills and in the same relationships wherever you live. 

Focus on your passions and talents.  A major move won't in itself make you more successful or happier, if you have issues, confront them before you go. 

Letting go of old expectations can give you the freedom to follow a different dream.

What are your essential musts?