Home Renovation Projects and Grand Ideas for Oak Beams

Posted on April 29, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

Since we had our new kitchen fitted just over a month ago, I am now considering projects around the rest of our home.

At present, the house resembles something like the proverbial tip. It is an old, terraced house, built in the late 1890s, and it is inhabited by one hoarder, one book-lover (and associated hoard), two young children, one daft dog, and two pet turtles.

All within a rather confined space, slowly disappearing beneath a mountain of toys, books and papers.

Reclaimed oak Mantel and shelves article about home improvement by Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Reclaimed oak Mantel and shelves

Home Renovation Projects

It is time to sort this out. While we accept that we are now growing out of our house, we don’t want to move. This is our home, and it deserves some loving attention. We want to strip much of it back to how it might have looked in years past (aside from the modern kitchen and bathroom, of course). My husband and I would love to incorporate original open fireplaces in the living room and dining room. We still have the chimneys in place. They simply need opening up and adorning with a proper mantle again. I would love some traditional oak flooring to replace our horrendously damaged and dirty old carpets. And, could we strip out all that ugly old wallpaper, and put in a few decorative oak beams somewhere?

Oak Framed Sunroom Fully Glazed with Oak Flooring article about home improvement by Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Oak Framed Sunroom Fully Glazed with Oak Flooring

Grand Ideas for Oak Beams

I love old houses with lots of features like that. I love running my hands over an old, oak beam to feel the marks of age. They hold many precious memories. They have been through lots of troubling times, and lots of good times, during their tenure in homes and public buildings. To bring some of that history into our home would be fantastic. I also like the idea of using reclaimed oak beams as decorative features, structural features, or cutting them down into shelves, storage units and seating in a home renovation project. There are so many materials to be rediscovered in abandoned buildings and barns, and we simply cannot let them go to waste.

Have you used oak beams in your home décor? Would you consider using them?

Reclaimed oak stairs and beams article about home improvement by Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
reclaimed oak stairs and beams

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#AtoZChallenge: Y is for You

Posted on April 29, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

We have reached the penultimate day on the #AtoZChallenge, and I am taking the opportunity to say thank you for joining me.

I have made some wonderful new blog friends this month, and discovered some fabulous blogs that I will follow from now on. That is the beauty of this challenge. It is a great way to meet people. I hope that you have enjoyed my posts, and perhaps even been enlightened on one or two subjects.

#AtoZChallenge Badge Y by vampire writer Catherine Green at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#AtoZChallenge Badge Y

#AtoZChallenge: Y is for You

Today I am taking the day off. I am spending the afternoon in a spa with my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and other family members. It will be a blissful event for me, while I leave my husband in charge of the school run and all that comes with it.

While I am away, please do share a little about you in the comments. I like to hear about what everyone is up to, where you come from, what your purpose is for finding me. Maybe you are participating in the #AtoZChallenge. Please do share a link to your blog, so that I can catch up with you over there. Perhaps you are a reader, and you are interested to discover the Redcliffe novels and my paranormal stories. Please do read and review my work. It is desperate to be seen and enjoyed! I will return home refreshed and relaxed from the spa, and then I will find time to check comments and respond to everyone over the weekend. We have a Bank Holiday here in the UK, so it’s an even better treat with no school on Monday and my husband at home. Have a good one!

See you tomorrow, for the final letter in the #AtoZChallenge.

Text reads, "Free e-book download. LGBT werewolf fantasy story. Download Now." Image of a sexy man showing a tattoo on his chest staring at the viewer with a sultry gaze. Vampire and werewolf fantasy books for adults. 3D book cover image for "It's Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)" from the vampire and werewolf fantasy book series by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green

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#AtoZChallenge: X is for Baxter

Posted on April 28, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

My #AtoZChallenge could not pass without a mention for my gorgeous four-legged baby. He is my Boy, my first child, my darling dog, Baxter.

Yes, I am a dog lover. And technically, Baxter is not my first doggy child. Before him I had Toby, a handsome Yorkshire Terrier, who died when he was 11.

#AtoZChallenge Badge X by vampire writer Catherine Green at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#AtoZChallenge Badge X

#AtoZChallenge: X is for Baxter

Baxter came into our lives at a time when I was incredibly lonely, grieving for my lost dog, desperate for something to fill the void. My Mum and sister took me to our local city dogs’ home and there he was: a cute, beard-faced, Staffordshire Bull Terrier X breed who apparently hadn’t made any fuss in the eight months he had been resident at that facility. We were smitten.

Baxter is a proper character. Now almost 10 (we think), he has his very own appreciation society in our home town. He accompanies me on the school run twice a day, he waits outside the school gates with other dogs, and he loves running along the canal path and chasing around in the park. Some of my daughters’ young friends overcame their fear of dogs through Baxter. He is patient, cuddly, and never retaliates to a curious toddler when she pulls his whiskers or pokes his nose. He simply moves away, or he catches my attention to intervene. Baxter is exuberant, loving, gentle and sensitive. He is our family dog. He is our Boy. We love him.

See you tomorrow, for the next letter in the #AtoZChallenge.

Image of a Staffy X Dog wearing red star shaped sunglasses. Baxter the Superstar Dog Staffy X rescue dog family dog of SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Baxter the Superstar Dog

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#AtoZChallenge: W is for Witch

Posted on April 27, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

I am a witch. It took a long time for me to accept this label. I’ve always loved the romantic notion of a witch, I lapped up the pop culture when I was younger (Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Morticia Addams), and I read books about witches whenever I can. Now I am even beginning to include witch characters in my own novels, and they are very different to how I would have imagined them ten years ago.

Being a witch is about working with Mother Nature, feeling the natural energy that is all around us, and accepting my place in the world between darkness and light. Mine is a world of shadows, cloaked in the normality of family life.

#AtoZChallenge Badge W by vampire writer Catherine Green at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#AtoZChallenge Badge W

#AtoZChallenge: W is for Witch

I recently told my 5 year-old daughter that I am a witch. She said I was telling porky pies (that’s lies, if you don’t understand my native talk). I reminded her that I have a cauldron and a wand in our living room, and that I am learning about natural herbs and remedies for daily health care. She simply replied that if I was a “real witch,” then I could wave my wand and make the house magically clean itself, so that I could stop complaining about it to her and her sister. Enough said!

See you tomorrow, for the next letter in the #AtoZChallenge.

Text reads, "Free e-book download. LGBT werewolf fantasy story. Download Now." Image of a sexy man showing a tattoo on his chest staring at the viewer with a sultry gaze. Vampire and werewolf fantasy books for adults. 3D book cover image for "It's Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)" from the vampire and werewolf fantasy book series by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

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#AtoZChallenge: V is for Vortex

Posted on April 26, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

Who here is familiar with the idea of riding the vortex? I’m talking Law of Attraction. This is a concept I came across around ten years ago, a few years before I wrote and published my first novel.

#AtoZChallenge Badge V by vampire writer Catherine Green at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#AtoZChallenge Badge V

#AtoZChallenge: V is for Vortex

I was searching for my place in life, and I was desperately trying to make sense of a world where every day was a struggle, where I felt like a failure for all the wrong reasons, and where I simply had no purpose and no meaning. Looking back, I think I was in some form of mild depression. I graduated from university with no job prospects, no money, and very little idea how to go about obtaining them. I was lacking in support and resources, and very naïve about the world in general.

Then one day, I drifted into a beautiful angel gift shop in Looe, Cornwall. I picked up a book called You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay, and then I discovered Law of Attraction by Esther and Jerry Hicks. Their words simply made sense to me. I finally understood what I had been missing in life. And after that, everything fell into place. Now I practise Law of Attraction every day by being conscious of my thoughts, actions and feelings. I am riding the Vortex of the Universe, and it feels wonderful! What is your experience with Law of Attraction? Would you like to know about this mysterious entity? I am happy to discuss it with you.

See you tomorrow, for the next letter in the #AtoZChallenge.

Text reads, "Free e-book download. LGBT werewolf fantasy story. Download Now." Image of a sexy man showing a tattoo on his chest staring at the viewer with a sultry gaze. Vampire and werewolf fantasy books for adults. 3D book cover image for "It's Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)" from the vampire and werewolf fantasy book series by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green

Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

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#AtoZChallenge: U is for Unkempt

Posted on April 25, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

I think unkempt is a very appropriate word for me and my place in life right now. I am generally a rather tidy person, even though I am a creative soul. Traditionally we view artists and wordsmiths as being a little ditsy or disorganised.

Well, I am certainly disorganised, but I do like to keep a relatively clean and tidy house. I say relatively, because of course, I do have young children, a dog and a husband. Wherever they lead, chaos follows. It seems the natural order in our family.

#AtoZChallenge Badge U by vampire writer Catherine Green at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#AtoZChallenge Badge U

#AtoZChallenge: U is for Unkempt

Sometimes our messy house really upsets me. Sometimes I feel so frustrated that I just want to throw everything out and have done with. Other times I look on our home with a fond sort of emotion, as I gaze at the unkempt and yet totally loving space that we occupy. I know that it won’t always be like this. Soon enough there will be no need for toddler toys, Lego sets, reams of colouring paper and the endless supply of broken crayons and felt tip pens with no lids. At some point I will be able to decorate and style my home in the way that I desire. But for now we live in a state of organised chaos. It is a working home. It is a home filled with love. It is all we need.

See you tomorrow, for the next letter in the #AtoZChallenge.

#MummyMonday Stay at Home Mom My Messy Home by Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog.
#MummyMonday Stay at Home Mom My Messy Home

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#AtoZChallenge: T is for Tea Break

Posted on April 23, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

I do love a good cup of tea! And I’m talking about good old fashioned English breakfast tea, served in a mug and strong enough to hit your taste buds in all the right places. Who here understands what I mean?

#AtoZChallenge Badge T by vampire writer Catherine Green at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#AtoZChallenge Badge T

#AtoZChallenge: T is for Tea Break

I have sampled fruit teas and herbal teas in the past, and for a while I was a little bit addicted to Green Tea with a hint of lemon. I even stopped drinking ‘proper’ tea while I was pregnant with my first child, because I just didn’t want it anymore. I turned to coffee instead. Now, I am back to drinking tea, although the coffee has become a habit that I am struggling to break.

One thing is certain. I always have a mug of tea or coffee on the go while I am working on my computer. I usually drink about half of it before it goes cold, and sometimes I forget all about the drink until I discover it later that day, still sitting beside my computer as I run around after the children. Whenever we have a crisis among friends or family members, you can be sure that our first response is always “put the kettle on.” I think this is a distinctly British habit, but we find that procuring a mug of tea always helps to deal with a problem or situation. It just fixes everything, you know?

See you tomorrow, for the next letter in the #AtoZChallenge.

Discover Tea Flavours with Whittard affiliated with SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Discover Tea Flavours with Whittard

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#AtoZChallenge: S is for Spiritual

Posted on April 22, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

The idea of being spiritual holds different meanings for everybody. Many people, when hearing the word spiritual, will associate it with religion.

I have learned that to be spiritual does not mean to be religious. They are two separate entities, although they do entwine very closely because they are such important belief systems for the people involved.

#AtoZChallenge Badge S by vampire writer Catherine Green at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#AtoZChallenge Badge S

#AtoZChallenge: S is for Spiritual

I am a spiritual being, but I do not consider myself to be religious. Spirituality to me is something that we feel, deep inside, and that we can never truly describe to another person. It is deeply personal, very intimate, and very special. It is the essence of life that keeps us motivated, that encourages us to move around in our quest for various achievements in our human lives.

Why do we do the things that we do? What drives us to succeed with our passions, our talents, our desires? I believe it is this mysterious entity called Spirit. It is without form, because it exists within us all, but we experience it in different ways so that we can make sense of it. I see Spirit as a mist, ever present in our daily lives, encompassing everything that we are, and everything that we do. But I cannot explain what that is, or why. Do you know what spirituality is?

See you tomorrow, for the next letter in the #AtoZChallenge.

Selfie on Talacre Beach in North Wales by SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog. Copyright Catherine Green
SpookyMrsGreen in the Sea Talacre Beach


Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

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#AtoZChallenge: R is for Role Model

Posted on April 21, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

When I planned the #AtoZChallenge earlier this year, I intended to write about role models in terms of my place in the world for my daughters and their friends. I am a role model to my children and their peers, as are all the other adults that they come into contact with.

If you think about it, we are all role models for somebody. We are role models to our children, to our friends’ children, even to our friends and peers of a similar age. Whatever we do in our lives is observed by others. Some will seek to emulate what we do. Others will seek to avoid making our mistakes as they perceive them. We owe it to each other to be the best role models that we can be.

#AtoZChallenge Badge R by vampire writer Catherine Green at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#AtoZChallenge Badge R

#AtoZChallenge: R is for Role Model

In her true, irritating fashion, my Muse has decided that April is the perfect month in which to bombard me with the desperate urge to write. She is screaming in my mind, and she consumes my every waking moment with the need to write my stories. Who influenced me to write paranormal romance novels? My role models in the industry include Laurell K Hamilton, whose Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series completely blew me away. I am in awe of Anne Rice for her Vampire Chronicles, but I owe my career to L.J. Smith, because it was the discovery of her Nightworld series of vampire novels that set me on my path to genre writing.


Download your free copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) to explore the supernatural creatures in my fictional paranormal town in Cornwall. Thank you.

See you tomorrow, for the next letter in the #AtoZChallenge.

Text reads, "Free e-book download. LGBT werewolf fantasy story. Download Now." Image of a sexy man showing a tattoo on his chest staring at the viewer with a sultry gaze. Vampire and werewolf fantasy books for adults. 3D book cover image for "It's Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)" from the vampire and werewolf fantasy book series by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

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#AtoZChallenge: Q is for Questions

Posted on April 20, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

Why do I write paranormal romance novels? Why am I fascinated with supernatural creatures, especially vampires?

I do not know. I simply acquiesce to my Muse, and I allow her words to flow.

Right now I am immersed in a new novel called Hunting the Hunted. I cannot say when it will be published, as I have two more books planned for release ahead of it. I can tell you that the vampire hunters now have my attention, and here is a snippet from the work in progress, full of questions that will be answered in time.

#AtoZChallenge Badge Q by vampire writer Catherine Green at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#AtoZChallenge Badge Q

Excerpt from Hunting the Hunted by Catherine Green

“I want to know why you came after me?” I replied, “And to ask you not to attack me again.”
Both hunters laughed at that, turning an identical set of green eyes to stare at me in wry amusement.
“You are joking?” Samantha said, “We came into town looking for you.”
“Why me?” I asked, “Why not my friend, here?”
I gestured to Lottie, who looked up from examining her fingernails, a curious smile on her lips.
“Yes,” she said, “Why not me? Am I not good enough to be hunted?”
The twins glared at her.

See you tomorrow, for the next letter in the #AtoZChallenge.

#WitchyWednesday Vampire feeding on her prey. Associated with book "Hunting the Hunted" by LGBT fantasy author Catherine Green from SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#WitchyWednesday “Hunting the Hunted” by Catherine Green

Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

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