Setting the Scene Anyone old enough to remember the popular sitcom ‘The Good Life’ will understand the fascination engendered by the exploits of the middle class couple who turn their backs on the ‘rat race’ and ‘go back to basics’. This had always been a dream of ours, like so many ‘baby boomers’. However, this dream… Continue reading Living the Good Life
We Didn’t Expect Life in Bulgaria to Change Us Like This
When we first moved here 10 years ago, we already knew things would be different. We had been visiting Bulgaria twice a year for almost a decade, so we’d had little glimpses of the contrasts between England and Bulgaria. But visiting and living are two very different things. This is a reflection on how life… Continue reading We Didn’t Expect Life in Bulgaria to Change Us Like This
Breakfast on the Woodstove
Breakfast on the woodstove is always a special time in our home — the quiet beginning of a new day, with so much to be thankful for. And to top it all, Jeff usually makes it. He has boiling a soft-yolked egg down to a fine art. If I have to make breakfast, I tend… Continue reading Breakfast on the Woodstove
10 Ways to Make Your Home Cosy at Christmas
I love cottage interiors. I also love candles. So today I’m taking you on a gentle Christmas tour of our home by candlelight, sharing 10 ways to make your home cosy at Christmas using simple, cottage-style touches. These are the things we’ve done in our own home this year, and I hope they inspire you.… Continue reading 10 Ways to Make Your Home Cosy at Christmas
How to Create a Rustic Country Kitchen on a Budget
I’ve always adored the charm of a Rustic country kitchen. As a child, I used to pore over my dad’s interior design books, and that early love for beautiful spaces never left me. Over the years, I’ve studied this style in depth and fallen more in love with it every time. This post is about our personal… Continue reading How to Create a Rustic Country Kitchen on a Budget
The Secret Room
When we purchased our home we were told that it was thought to be around 120 years old. However, discovering the secret room changed all of this. Such secret rooms were built during the Ottoman occupation of Bulgaria. The occupation ended in 1878. Towards the end of the occupation things were more lenient so it is… Continue reading The Secret Room
Celebrating Trifon Zarezan in Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo or VT as it is affectionately known over here is one of the oldest cities in Europe. It has a history going back 5000 years. It was once the capital of Bulgaria – nowadays it’s a beautiful cosmopolitan city. We are paying a visit to celebrate Trifon Zarezan. Trifon Zarezan occurs at the same time as… Continue reading Celebrating Trifon Zarezan in Veliko Tarnovo
HomemadeTraditional Bulgarian Chicken Soup Recipe
Wintertime In our village is a time of rest People work hard during the summer months but people rest in winter. One of our lovely Bulgarian friends told us that he really enjoys the winter! He can sit by the fire with his glass of Rakia and enjoy the fruits of his labours. And what is nicer on such… Continue reading HomemadeTraditional Bulgarian Chicken Soup Recipe
A Debt Free Life
My first marriage was a total disaster in terms of debt. We had only been married one month when my ex-husband went out and procured a credit card in order that he could purchase me a Christmas present. I would much rather have not had the present and told him so. I would much rather be Debt free… Continue reading A Debt Free Life
Saint Nicholas Day
Coming from a protestant background, we aren’t very “big” on the Saints. Although I’ve heard about them, sung about them at school and learn more about them as I’ve got older I can’t say I’ve ever really considered them in a religious aspect. Even though I’m a Christian. Well this week has changed all that! The 6th of… Continue reading Saint Nicholas Day
All Souls’ Day in Bulgaria- Задушница
introduction I have always been fascinated by pagan rituals and celebrations. Though I am a Christian, these things never cease to intrigue me. In my new country, Bulgaria, Religion and tradition combine on a frequent basis. Throughout the year the Bulgarians celebrate a number of religious events that can be traced back to Celtic or… Continue reading All Souls’ Day in Bulgaria- Задушница