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??

Crickets chirping around here, I know!!  I'm planning to get back to posting more often, but it probably will not be very consistent. 

Hello Monday is where I share what we've been doing and greet the new week.

Hello Peter Pan statue.  I'm glad I finally got to visit you.



Hello Paddington Bear!  I wish the paddington trail could have stayed around a long time!



Hello Coca-Cola Christmas truck!



Completely cheesy (I'm officially a crazy person posting Christmas photos in January!), but fun to see this all lit up.  That was really our only family Christmas photo.

Hello beautiful December sunsets!!



I love this one I captured of my daughter and the sun through her hair.  You may have seen it if you follow on instagram.

We saw so many beautiful sunsets while Jerry's parents were here.





Hello Christmas pjs.  You are keeping my kiddos toasty warm at night.



Hello Southwest England.  We had such a fun packed time!



I'll be sharing more in upcoming posts about our time in The Cotswolds.


 Hello play dates, birthday parties and new colleagues!  

So many new things coming up in 2015.  I'll be sure to share more soon.

What are you saying hello to this week?