Have you ever lost yourself in Sense & Sensibility?  Been frustrated at that Mr. Darcy in Pride & Prejudice?  Or wondered why it took so long for Edmund to see the light?!  I'm not much of a reader, but I can equally get lost in any number of the films!  The dresses, the homes, the beautiful walks, the love stories.

Tucked away in Chawton, Hampshire is the Jane Austen's House Museum.


Jane spent the last 8 years of her life in this sweet cottage.  She revised 3 of her works, wrote 3 more and started another all while living here.

The cottage has been kept true to Jane's day.

The bakehouse

My friend and I enjoyed free admission on December 16, Jane Austen's birthday.  This might just be an annual tradition for us.  Carolling, tea, coffee & treats.  It added a lovely touch to the already beautiful atmosphere of the cottage.


The garden.
I can just imagine Jane & Cassandra taking a turn about the garden.




The Austen's donkey carriage


Jane & her sister, Cassandra's bedroom.  The two were very close.


Although not Jane & Cassandra's bed, they likely would have had one similar.

The guest room for visiting family.  I learned from the museum that her family was quite close.


Each room was fitted with lovely fireplaces.

The cottage holds some of Jane's belongings.  A quilt that she made with her mother and sister, some of her jewelry, letters, paintings and this table where she would have penned her works.




A replica of her ring can be purchased in the gift shop.  It was hard to resist this beautiful piece.  I didn't get it, but it sure looked nice!


To finish up our Jane Austen day, we couldn't help but look out across the fields where Jane must have taken numerous walks and gotten so much inspiration.  Such a beautiful place!


Just an hour and a half southwest of London, the Chawton House, home of Jane Austen, is a must!

Are you a lover of her stories??

When I learned that England had lavender fields I knew I had to see if there was one close by!

That's when I stumbled upon Mayfield Lavender in Surrey.  You can wander through the fields for free!

The kids and I went with some friends from church, took a picnic and romped through the rows of lavender.





We went at the end of a July, which is a perfect time to go.  It was so bright with color!!



The field will be closing by mid-September, so there's still a chance to go if you're in the area.  It's easily accessible by car or bus.

We wandered through the gift shop and grabbed some lavender bundles and a treat flavored with lavender!



Mayfield Lavender

Do you like wandering through flower fields?

Robyn was my roommate right before I got married.  We left college at the same time, headed to the big "D," (Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex), rented an apartment together and ended up working at the same place.

Since moving to the other side of the world we've only seen each other a few times, so it was a real treat to have her stay with us for a week!

We did lots of late night chats and catching up.  We did a fair share of sightseeing too.


You can't come to this part of England and not see the white cliffs.

Seven Sisters & Beachy Head


Robyn's family have been tracing their roots and been able to link their family to an English Manor in Lancashire County called "The Holme."  Unfortunately the hall is in ruins from arson 10 years ago.  Hopefully one day it will get the love it needs and be restored.


Lancashire has some beautiful countryside!!


On our way home from Lancashire we took a detour to have dinner in Bath with a quick walk around town.


Such a beautiful place!

Tap, tap!  Is this thing on?!

Hi ya!!

Did you miss me?  Did you think I wasn't coming back??  It has been awhile!!

Life has been busy.  Birthday parties,



a friend's visit,



an early anniversary trip to Portugal,



and the end of school and trying to keep 3 kids entertained through these weeks of Summer.




 In all honesty, I lost my blogging mojo there for awhile too.  In time, it always seems to return.  So, here I am!

This is just a highlight.  I'll be back soon to share more!

Have a happy weekend!

My friends and I had a gorgeous day at Leeds Castle last week!



Known as the "The Loveliest Castle in the World," Leeds is definitely an impressive place with it's extensive grounds, waterfalls, it's own golf course and beautiful interior.  Steeped in a rich history spanning over 900 years.

From the parking area you take a lovely walk (or mobility bus) through the grounds.







There is so much to look at, as you can see, even before you get to the castle!  Then these beautiful structures come into view!










As you step inside, there is even more to "oooh" and "aaah" over!

















A piano player and fresh flowers throughout the castle sure do add to the atmosphere!



After perusing through the castle we made our way beyond the castle where there is an impressive maze and grotto.








You can even take a segway tour!


The price to get into the castle may seem steep at £21, however, your ticket is good for a year.  A friend graciously let me borrow her tickets for my friends and I.

Do you like exploring castles?

Linking up with Bonnie, Kaelene, Van & Sammy for Travel Tuesday