At Home: Black Painted Log Store

I love autumn but I don’t think I’ve truly appreciated it until this year. Even though I’ve felt poorly there’s been no choice but to walk Polly, therefore witnessing every single seasonal change in the valley I live in. Last autumn Polly was too young to take out on long walks so we only managed a quick play in the woods and around our local neighbourhood.

Then comes the rewards. As soon as I turn the key in the front door I’m thinking of turning on the kettle, the twinkly lights, and lighting a candle or two, making logging in to my computer all that bit easier. The only distraction is our dodgy boiler and our lack of funds to fix it. But thankfully we have our fire, kettle and Polly (she’s great at keeping my feet warm) to keep us going until it’s fixed.

There she is. She’s been loving the change of seasons; digging in leaf piles, chomping on the occasional blackberry (and cow poo) and chasing deer to her mum’s absolute horror.

We bought her a new collar from The Lamppost Cafe in Hebden Bridge, alongside a banana and peanut butter pupcake, which has autumnal leaves printed on it in bright colours. I can’t believe how quickly she grows out of things!

I took this photo in my office and it made me feel good because the rest of the room, once again is an absolute mess. I need to get organised quickly before the silly season arrives. I blame the cold/flu for my slovenly ways. Ahem.

TK Maxx treats! Because they do the best priced (and amazing) toiletries, and I love their handwash selection – great for  Christmas presents.

I can’t think of any better autumn DIY project than building and painting a log store. Which is exactly what we did. The project should have only taken half a day but due to ill-health, and running out of paint, we stretched this over two Sunday’s.

I’ve collaborated with my friends at Ronseal (the it does it exactly what it says on the tin folks) in upcycling this basic wood store from B&Q. We used the Ronseal Blackbird Garden Paint which can be used in wood, terracotta, brick and metal and is rainproof within 1 hour (thankfully!). The paint waterproofs and protects the wood and is available in 28 colours.

We chose the blackbird colour to match our other black garden accessories, windowsills and planters and I absolutely love it. Not only has the wood store tidied up our patio space (we keep our recycling box and soil in here too) but I just love the contrast of the chic black against the rustic wood. Now we just need to put another fuel order in…

I won’t be able to walk around barefoot for much longer but this bath mat from Dunelm sure helps to keep my feet warm in a morning when brushing my teeth. It’s the little things.

Here’s a closer look at the Micellar Rose Cleansing Water I got from TK Maxx. It’s an absolute treat and the smell reminds me of my gran (in a nice way) so there’s that.

Nearly the weekend folks, what do you have planned?

Disclosure: Collaborative Post with Ronseal