"A house is not beautiful because of its walls, but because of its cakes." Old Russian Proverb

24 Carrot Gold (Loudons)

I've often dreamed of opening a coffee shop - where it would be, what it would look like, what would be served. So imagine my surprise when, this weekend, I discovered my dreams have already come true. Loudons Cafe & Bakery (http://www.loudons-cafe.co.uk/) is perfect - a bright, open space with friendly staff, freshly baked treats and comfy sofas which are perfect for curling up with a cappucino.

新年快乐

Happy New Year (SixthAndMain)

 
Chinese New Year is the longest and most important event in the Chinese calendar. Scheduled according to the lunar calendar, celebrations of the year 4710 began on 23 January. We're fascinated by New Year traditions and beliefs so decided to share a little background with you.

Dream A Little Dream

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
(http://feedyourdesktop.com/download/sleeping-dog_w107.html)

Everyone loves a good snooze. Sleeping in on Sunday mornings, forty winks in your favourite armchair, a cheeky afternoon nap. But while you're dreaming about marrying Mr Darcy, winning the World Cup or being able to fly, have you ever wondered why?

In The Nude

Confessions of a Polishaholic (http://themugoftea.tumblr.com/)

I love doing my nails. If I'm having a bad hair day, can't decide what to wear or am running late and miss the bus, a fresh lick of paint always puts a smile back on my face. I can never resist the opportunity to add another colour to my rainbow so even though I already own dozens of nail polishes, I'm constantly on the look out for a shade something new.

Paper Planes

♥ High Flying Love Letters ♥

There's less than a month to go until V Day but it's never too early to say "I Love You". Luckily, blogger Cathe Holden - creator of the fabulous Just Something I Made (http://www.justsomethingimade.com) and Country Living contributing editor - knows this only too well and has designed the perfect way to give your love a little lift.

Lost and Found

Found in El Pollo Loco restaurant, Los Angeles, '11

 
"One man's trash is another man's treasure."

Found Magazine (www.foundmagazine.com) does exactly what is says on the tin. Created in 2001 by friends Davy Rothbart and Jason Bitner, the website features a collection of notes, photographs and drawings found by strangers. From prison mail and polaroids to homework and love letters, interesting items have been picked up from parked cars, left in library books and even discovered in the pockets of second-hand clothing.

Drunken Ducks and Little Rabbits

Having been back at work for three days, we decided that 2012 has already been exhausting enough and that is was time for another holiday. Famous for being the home of Beatrix Potter, the Lake District is known by most as a magical world belonging to Jemima Puddleduck and Peter Rabbit but we've got news for you...

January Giveaway

Happy 2012! To celebrate the new year, we're giving away a gorgeous personalised silver-plated handbag mirror. To enter, simply follow our Blog, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. Or, if you really, really, really want to win... do all three!

We'll be announcing the winner on 1 February - Good Luck!

**Update - competition closed**