Home Archive


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 It's Spring - Let's Party
Welcome back to the cottage and this week it's all about new beginnings. A new season, new freedom from lockdown and a new way of thinking.  
Happy reading.

On the blog this week:
Have a great week 
Violet.


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Spring Forward - Just Don't Fall Backward
Welcome back lovely readers.  This week's edition is all about looking forward.  Now the clocks have gone forward one hour, we can all enjoy lighter evenings, spending more time outdoors and actually having friends and family round.  Let's hope the sun shines on us all over the coming months, the vaccine continues to give us our freedom back and we can be reunited once again with the people we love. 

Don't look back, just keep on keeping on.
This week at the Violet Cottage


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Mother stands for comfort.
Yesterday was Mothers Day and if you are a mummy then I hope your day was filled with joy, flowers, chocolates, hugs and kisses from your children. 
I celebrated with my two gorgeous daughters and my own mummy.  I spoke to my darling son on Face time as he is still working in Hong Kong and unable to get home at the moment due to the pandemic.
 Mums are so special, they are the bond that holds a family together, they are kindness, understanding, supportive, arms to hold you, shoulders to cry on, always listening, always encouraging, always there for you. Their love is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may, for nothing can destroy it or take away that love. Mother is love and love is a mother. Whether your mother is still alive or she is an angel mother, remember that bond, that tie is eternal, she will never leave you because in the immortal words of Kate Bush
"Mother stands for comfort"
You are all amazing
 Happy Mothers Day.


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"The Sun Machine is Coming Down and We're Going to Have a Party" - David Bowie
March - A Month of Expectation
It’s March and things are looking a lot rosier for us all.   In just around 3 months we may all be ‘free’ again but how do you all feel about it?
Some people can’t wait, some are dubious and some are downright terrified and anxious about the whole situation.
However you are feeling, I hope this weeks blog will bring you joy, encouragement and some inspiration for the future, whatever it may bring.  Remember there are sunnier and brighter days ahead!
Sending love,
 Violet.

I had this lovely message from a reader recently:
I am really trying to find alternative ways to channel my worries and stress about things and my grief and I have found reading your blog along with creating my summer beach hut has really helped me a lot. 
To be honest it has been lovely read such inspirational words about different subjects. I think its fabulous and sure you are helping lots of other people.


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There Are Glittery Roads Ahead
Welcome all and especially welcome to our new subscribers. It’s BLOG 4 of 2021 here at the cottage and I hope your Valentines Day was filled with love and possibly some chocolate, either for yourself or significant others. However you are feeling now, I hope this weeks content will bring a smile to your face and a spring in your step.  We all need to be uplifted and filled with some positive news inspiring us with hope for the future and that’s what I intend to do.  If we do one thing this week, let’s make it our intention to pay someone a compliment.  It could be a family member, friend or just someone you see in the street.  It’s a great way of spreading a little happiness on a dreary February day.  
The blog has received some lovely comments recently and I am forever grateful for your kind words. Here are just a few:
“Think it's a great initiative, so positive when so much is just a little bit shit”
  Justine Ashford
"You certainly have a knack for writing and engaging people. When it gets you at a personal level that is when you know you’ve nailed it. Genuinely, yours are the only subscribed emails I actually read and I look forward to them too! It’s a difficult thing to master!" 
 Haleana Knights

“Let The Violet Cottage be the answer to finding a small slice of happiness and comfort in these strange modern times.” 
A Very Happy Reader


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Step Into the Light and a Competition!
Hooray, January is finally over and a new month has begun.  New things to look forward too. Lighter evenings, the first shoots of spring slowly waking up. Valentines Day, celebrating love around the world. And tomorrow 2nd February is a festival called Candlemas. For Christians it commemorates the purification of Mary after giving birth, as well as the presentation of Jesus in the temple and the day. that all the Church's candles were blessed for the coming year.  In Paganism it is known as the festival of light.  This ancient festival marked the mid point of winter, half way between the winter solstice (shortest day) and the spring equinox.  On Candlemas night, many people place lighted candles in their windows at home to scare away evil spirits on the dark winter nights. Whatever your beliefs, It is thought of as a purification ceremony, a fresh start and new beginnings.
With each passing day we need each other to hold it together collectively and with an assurance that things are improving for the good.  
If Candlemas Day be fair and bright
Winter will have another fight.
If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain,
Winter won't come again.


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Keeping Life Simple
As I write this, I am sitting in bed watching the snow.  Hooray, finally we have some of the white stuff.  Each year, I long for a white Christmas but alas, we never get it.  I don’t think I can remember the last one, probably when I was a child.  For as far as I can remember, I have always loved winter and snow, which is quite weird as I was born in June. I love the fact of being cosy indoors, being warm, snug with my family.  I love soup, hot chocolate, doing jigsaws, wearing thick socks and sitting by the fire watching the flame on a candle dance.  I feel it is the simple things in life that bring me joy and I also think, it is the way to happiness. 

As children we are encouraged by society to strive for more, constantly.  Better results at school allows you to get into college.  Better results at college allow you to get into the best universities.  Better results at university allows you to get a better job. Better jobs allow you to get more money to buy a bigger and better car, a bigger house a better life?  I am not saying this is a bad thing and we all need a good work ethic but the pressure that some people put themselves under is so immense that they end up suffering from extreme exhaustion and mental health issues.  Sometimes, especially now, it is a good thing to stop for a moment and re access our lives and actually what we are doing with them.  Life is short and if anything this pandemic has taught us is to grab the bull by the horns and to think about what really matters to us and how we want our lives to pan out.

It is January and it’s snowing and it really is a good time to take stock.  For me, I have now been unemployed for the best part of a year.  However, circumstances have made me change direction.  I have had no choice.  I am happier, my Etsy shop is doing really well, I am training to be a 3 Principals life coach of which I hope to help as many people as I can in the future and, I relish this time of reflection and the simple things in life.  How about you? Sometimes it’s good to sit by the fire with your wooly socks, sip a hot chocolate and ask yourself what have I got to be thankful for and what’s next for you?
 As Confucius said  “Life is really simple but we insist on making it complicated.”
*   *   *


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2021 is here!
Welcome one and all to 2021, the year when things will get better. 
Switch off the news, dance in your pants, turn the music up loud and hug the ones you love.  The one thing to come out of last year is the kindness people have shown each other.  Neighbours greeting neighbours, young helping the elderly etc. It has brought the best and the worst out in people. It is not over yet,  I know and we probably have quite a long way to go but let's throw some positivity and shine hope on the whole situation.  I, hope to bring a little ray of sunshine into your life every fortnight with my writings, ideas and articles. Keep safe and  I wish you all a much healthier and happier new year.

On the blog this week:


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Christmas Week!
Well here we are, the last blog of 2020.

However, and whatever you do to celebrate Christmas I would like to take a moment to thank you for the love and support you’ve shown The Violet Cottage during 2020 - it really does mean the world to me. 
While we may not be able to follow our usual traditions, I would like to wish you a safe & gentle time of rest, relaxation and time with those you love. Happy Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year to you all.

See you in the new year!
All our love,

Violet.



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New posts this week include:


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Just a Thought Away
What is something you’ve accomplished this year, big or small, that you're really proud you?

How will you make sure you don’t give up so easily this time?

Think about these questions, maybe discuss with your friends or family.
If nobody has told you recently, you are doing a great job, you are possibly too hard on yourself. Give yourself a break, you are stronger than you think and you can fulfil your goals., one step at a time.
Read on for more inspiration, and be kind to yourself. 
Best Wishes and Keep Safe.
Violet.

New on the blog this week:


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REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL
The Coronavirus outbreak has been devastating, globally, of that, we can all agree and once again we are in lock down. But this week at the cottage we are bringing you some inspiration, motivation and hopefully joy in these worrying times. Something to bring a smile to your face is a new novel called Reasons to be Cheerful by Nina Stibbe. She is that rare writer who makes us laugh whilst reminding us of the joy, and the pain, of being alive.
In Reasons to Be Cheerful she shows her extraordinary gift for illuminating the vital details which make us human.  Go on, treat yourself.  Buy it here!
Blog posts this week include: 
As always, keep safe and well and remember:
“One day this will be over and we will be grateful for life in ways we never felt possible before.” 
- Matt Haig

Best wishes
Violet. 


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ALL CHANGE
Well it’s Monday again already, the weeks seem to fly by faster than ever and there are a few changes afoot.  From next week The Violet Cottage will be sent every TWO weeks instead of every week. As some of you know, I am studying to  be a life coach and the course takes 6 months to complete and so, I have decided to change it in order to give my a full attention to both blog and study. 

I also wondered if you would be kind enough to share some feedback with me via either our email, instagram or Facebook platforms regarding what you enjoy or don’t like featured in the various blog sections.
As with any new venture it takes a while to settle in and for you, the readers, I would like to know if there is anything we can improve upon. I love writing it but it can be difficult without any interaction with your readers.  Any suggestions, good or bad, will be most welcome.
In the meantime, enjoy this week and keep safe. 
We will see you on the 9th November. 

Huge love
Violet.

New on the blog this week:

“Think it's a great initiative, so positive when so much is just a little bit shit”  
Justine Ashford

“Let The Violet Cottage be the answer to finding a small slice of happiness and comfort in these strange modern times.” 
A Very Happy Reader

"You certainly have a knack for writing and engaging people. When it gets you at a personal level that is when you know you’ve nailed it. Genuinely, yours are the only subscribed emails I actually read and I look forward to them too! It’s a difficult thing to master!"  
Haleana Knights


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STRESSED? BLESSED? STRICTLY OBSESSED

However you are feeling I hope this weeks edition of my blog will bring you some new thoughts, recipes, ideas and inspiration. If you need motivation, watch Strictly come dancing.  The music and energy is contagious, causing a rippling effect on us all. It’s just what everyone needs at this moment.  It takes just one thing, one person to get up and get going, someone like you. What is the one motivating thing, big or small, you can do this week?
Keep fabulous,  be powerful and keep safe. 
Best wishes 
Violet.

New on the blog this week:


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The Violet Cottage is four months old!  

Time has flown by and we are still here despite the strange times we are living in.  We all are coping in various ways, some of us worry about the future and what it will be like but no amount of worry is going to change things.  Sera sera as they say.  However you deal with this situation we are all in this together and together we will get through this. In the mean time, enjoy the new posts we have for you today, have a great week, do things that make you feel good and KEEP SAFE.


See you next week
All our love,
Violet.


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Rain, Rain Go Away!
Well it’s not stopped raining for what seems like forever and guess what? it’s still raining. This type of weather can really make you feel depressed and fed up, unable to get out but hey, WE ARE HERE to hopefully brighten your days with the following posts this week! 
As always, if you have any comments or just want to say hello, our email is thevioletcottage@outlook.com 
and you can find us on instagram at @thevioletcottageuk!
Enjoy, keep safe and keep smiling.
Violet.

This week at the cottage:


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It's Officially Autumn!
The summer is now a distant memory, the leaves are falling, nights are darker and its been raining for what seems an eternity. But, never fear, I am here to try and bring a little cheer to your week with some new articles and information and best of all, A GIVEAWAY over on our instagram @thevioletcottageuk! 
On our latest post (click here!) we’re asking you to comment your favourite thing to do to feel cosy. Our favourite answers will receive a gorgeous little refillable, pocket sized hand sanitiser. 4 different designs and perfect for popping in your pocket to take with you wherever you go. You have until Friday 2nd October!
It is the start of a new season and a good time to start practising Hygge. The Danish word for snuggling down, hunkering down, making our homes cosy with candles, warm throws, lighting the fire and hot chocolate. I know I paint an idealistic picture of domestic bliss but I do hope to try and bring a more positive vibe to you all. Some people dread this time, and this year in particular will play a part in making it worse for some. Over the coming weeks I hope to fill this blog with ideas for getting us through Autumn and winter with stories to cheer you and ideas to inspire you and keep us all sane. We all have our particular problems and things that are happening in our lives right now, but together as a little community of readers I hope we can help each other.  
I am also looking for people to contribute stories and articles to this blog and would welcome any of you to contact me at thevioletcottage@outlook.com if you would like to be featured over the coming weeks. You can stay anonymous if you prefer and you can write about anything that is important to you. Let’s build our community and let’s support each other. 
Happy Hygge! 



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Monday - Funday
On the blog this week:


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WE ARE 3 MONTHS OLD!
Do you ever feel like you are not good enough and don’t deserve certain things?
Are you someone who doubts their accomplishments or talents and has a persistent internalised fear of being exposed?
Do you sometimes refuse to take opportunities for fear or rejection?
If so, you may be suffering from Imposter Syndrome. 
I am passionate at helping people overcome these feelings and over the next few weeks, I will be trying to eradicate these fears using the various methods I have been learning on my life coaching and meditation course. 
As an introduction, please read the JOIE DE VIVRE section for a more detailed look at this growing problem. 
Also this week we look at:


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It's lovely to see you again!


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ARE YOU READY? It’s Autumn!
We also have new products in our Etsy store including new candles, bells and recycled birdhouses!



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I wrote all this for you!



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The moment when Sunday stops being Sunday and you realise, it's Monday!
Don't freak, at least you have The Violet Cottage blog to read!

This Week on the Blog


THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
1. “A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it.” – George Moore
2. “A home is a kingdom of its own in the midst of the world, a stronghold amid life’s storms and stresses, a refuge, even a sanctuary.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
3. “Maybe at the heart of all our traveling is the dream of someday, somehow, getting Home.” – Frederick Buechner
4. “There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” – Jane Austen
5. “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” – Wendy Wunder
6. “Home, the spot of earth supremely blest, a dearer, sweeter spot than all the rest.” – Robert Montgomery


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IT’S TOO DARN HOT!
I CAN’T STAND IT!  IT’S TOO HOT! WHERE’S THE FAN!  I CAN’T SLEEP.  Have you heard these cries in your house recently?  I know we have and that’s just from me.  
If you are lucky enough to be on holiday at the moment, retired or just having a few days off then you will probably be enjoying this fabulous weather and making the most of it by going to the beach, chilling in the garden with an ice-cold drink or reading a book whilst swinging in a hammock.  But, if you are working then the previous statements are probably heard every day whilst this heatwave is happening.  Please don’t get me wrong, we are extremely lucky to be able to get outside and enjoy the sunshine but for me, it is a little too hot.  So, if like me, you are struggling a little then why not try a few of the following things to cool you down.

Some Simple Tips for a Cooler Summer
Make your own homemade air con unit  
Get a fan - Freeze a bottle of water - put said frozen bottle of water in front of the fan about 6 inches away, switch on and chill.  Obviously it won’t have the same effect as a proper air con unit but it will be the next best thing.  (Make sure that the fan and bottle are on a steady service and that the fan cannot hit the bottle.)
Don’t sleep naked.
You might think this is the best thing to do on a hot night but apparently it’s not.  By wearing a very thin layer of clothing will actually draw the sweat away from your body. 
Sleep under a sheet and ditch the duvet
This ensures that you still feel protected and covered during the night and hopefully keeps those annoying mozzies from biting you to death. 
Keep windows and internal doors open
By keeping your internal doors open it allows the air to circulate and draw a breeze through the house.  By keeping your windows open but closing your curtains, this keeps out the heat but still allows a good airflow and helps you to sleep a whole lot better. 

ON THE BLOG THIS WEEK:


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JOIN THE PACK
  Invite a friend to the cottage and get 20% off any product in our store.
Email us at thevioletcottage@outlook.com with your friend's name once they have subscribed to the blog and we will send you a discount code for our Etsy store. 
As always, have a lovely week,
Violet. 
Last night we had runner beans, potatoes and carrots all from our own garden, grown by ourselves a few months ago.  The evening before, we used the herbs we have been growing to flavour the chicken.  The morning before that, I picked raspberries from our own bush and used them in my smoothie.  It felt wonderful to actually be able to provide for ourselves and not spend a penny on our food. It is the simple things like this that make you feel like you are really achieving something. Something that is going towards a more sustainable and simple way of life.  Although a rather small achievement, little things like this all add up.  They build your confidence, help you learn you new skills like knitting  your own jumper, sewing your own clothes, baking your own bread or cakes. 
Becoming more self sufficient is what part of this blog is about.  How to save money, reuse things, make do and mend.  Which brings me to the new series of Escape to the Chateau with Dick and Angel Strawbridge.  It is called Make and Mend and started last night (Sunday) on Channel 4 at 7pm. https://www.channel4.com/programmes/escape-to-the-chateau-make-do-and-mend
I love these two.  Dick can turn his hand to making almost anything and Angel is so creative.  She has made over a lot of the rooms in the chateau, and there are a lot. 
It’s definitely worth a watch, especially if you are into vintage style.

This Week at the Cottage



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I started this blog 5 weeks ago now and I must say I am really enjoying doing it.  One of my main goals was to help people.  I love helping people.  I get so much enjoyment out of it.  I’m one of those people that if I see someone win a large amount of money say, for example on The Chase quiz show, I am over the moon for them.  I have always been the same, even when I was little. I remember my nanny saying “it is always better to give than to receive’.  I think a lot of people are the same.  The joy you see on someone’s face when they receive a gift that you have carefully chosen for them is just priceless.
THIS WEEK AT THE VIOLET COTTAGE



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For so many people during lock down it has been a real learning curve. It has forced us all to stop and take stock of our lives in one way or another.  It has given us time to reflect, rethink and perhaps renew. We have had no choice. It has brought us to a HALT!  
Perhaps, like me, you lost your job, your form of income?
Perhaps you became ill and suddenly realised you hadn’t done all of the things you had hoped to do?
Perhaps, you lost someone close to you? (I hope not)
The Corona virus has had a massive impact on us all.  Some more than others.  For lots of people, they have had time to sit and talk, cook, sew, plant and just BE. Although it is such a terrible virus which has killed so many it has forced a lot of people to think differently about how they live their lives.
I am one of those people.
THIS WEEK WE LOOK AT:
How we can play our part by Saving  the Bees and get a free BEE KIT
from Friends of the Earth
Reasons to be cheerful
Forget face masks try SPACEMASKS
Stress and Anxiety and how it is affecting us all in these strange times
Why dancing is so good for your mental and physical health
Just what is OCD?


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We're glad you're here.
Thanks for looking in again

This week on the blog...
..............................................................................
Don't forget to email your comments to .....
thevioletcottage@outlook.com
WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS WEEKS BLOG. 
SEE YOU NEXT WEEK! xx



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Big ideas,Big impact - 11 way to do your bit for the planet.  
 The power of herbs - How just one plant can help to flush out the lymphatic system.  
Starting Yoga - a look at how to start practising.  Why it's good to eat chocolate (but only once a month)
Gorgeous new products in our Etsy store. 
TWO FREE GIFTS for you this week get - 10% off any product in store by using 
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/thevioletcottageshop?coupon=VIOLET10 
A free daily checklist to print off to make your day easier and calmer.
PLUS
 Enter our competition for the chance to win a reversible tote bag!
All you have to do is email us at thevioletcottage@outlook.com telling us one thing you  have done to make your life more simple.
The best idea will win
The winner will be announced next week!
'Simplicity is the way back to you' 


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I think most people have had quite a lot of time to stop and think that maybe a slower more sustainable way of life is possible and in fact, better.  
 If anything good has come out of the Coronavirus Pandemic, it is the fact that people have had to, stay in, make do, cook for themselves, grow their own food, be more friendly towards each other, help one another. 
Be grateful to the wonderful people who have cared and nursed back to health those who had contracted this awful disease. 
It is a weird thing that has happened.  It is like we have gone back in time.  A time when people trusted each other more, were nicer to their neighbours,  lived more simply, used their gardens or window boxes to grow food, cooked fresh meals each day instead of going to the nearest burger house. 
I for one have started this blog as a way of paying homage to this new way of life. A life that my family and I have come to enjoy. 
I wanted to share some of the ideas, tips and life changes that we have made with you, the readers. Every week there will be something new and I would love you to be a part of it.  
I hope you enjoy it. 
Love,
Violet.
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