…photographed by Yannick Labrousse. The colours are fabulous together, and the combination of retro, contemporary and Asian silk is sublime. unexpected. uncomplicated. and 100% livable. love it!

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Today in Amsterdam the sun is shining bright! I have the windows open here on the boat and the water reflections are dancing on my screen, keyboard and hands as I type. It’s really magical and I wish I could capture it somehow to show you. I feel like I am typing little beams of sunshine to you. If it’s cold and and cloudy where you are, then I hope these little rays of dancing light reach you through this post.

I couldn’t help but post this beauty which I found over the weekend while perusing the Marie Claire Maison website. This home is located in the Seychelles and has been restored using local artisans.

My Great Uncle Ron introduced me to the piano when I was just 3 years old. He had a garage full of dusty old pianos that he bought, sold, tuned, and played. When he came to visit he would always tune my piano. He did it the old fashioned way – with his ear and a simple tuning fork. When he was satisfied with his work he would play the most fabulous tunes – old honky tonk numbers were among his favourites. Then we would play a little duet together. Usually heart and soul.

Last week my Great Uncle Ron passed away.

I wrote a little piece of music a few months ago, and although it’s incomplete I found myself playing it over and over again last week, while thinking about all the fond memories I have of my Great Uncle. If it wasn’t for his love of pianos, I’m not sure I would have ever learned to play. So thank you Uncle Ronny, this one is for you. I thought that maybe if I put this out in the airwaves, it might reach you, somehow…

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The Dutch, I’ve noticed, have a thing for lace. I, on the other hand, have never had a thing for lace.

But I must say I’m beginning to develop a fondness for it in the home, if used carefully and considerately. I like the lace story photographed above by Dutch photographer Erik van Lokven (who is also the photographer of Yvette’s delish pork belly recipe now in the (blog)house kitchen). I would be very happy to soak in that tub and then doze in that bed, surrounded by all that soft, pretty lace-ness.

Hmm, now how to combine my island living leanings with my new love for lace? oooh i love a challenge!

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9:17pm: i’ve just re-read this post – have you noticed I sway between including myself as aDutchie, and then not (as above), when convenient? And this weekend, thanks to the soccer/football, Amsterdam has been taken over by the Scots. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen so many Scots in kilts in all my life. But due to their presence, it appears I’ve become a proud Scotswoman! because in recent months i’ve worked out i’m more scottish then anything else.

I thought you might find that interesting. or not.

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9:24pm I was proud until I just saw a bunch of drunken Scots making absolute fools of themselves a moment ago…

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9:26pm ok, I suppose this is why I should be on twitter, right?

Riley’s next guest post is up! And includes some gorgeous photos of her home. Click here for the full post. Thank you Riley. xx