” *If* we can’t afford a gardener, that’s all the more reason why we should look as though we *can* afford a gardener. So in future, could you look like someone who enjoys doing his own gardening but could afford a gardener if he wanted to.”
Hyacinth Bucket.
We love that Actor Patricia Routledge was made a Dame last week for her services to the arts and acting. And we particularly like and identify with her most famous role, the hilariously snobbish Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances.
Keeping Up Appearances was snort-out-loud funny. From the comfort of our couch, we could chuckle at Hyacinth’s too-funny antics, and part of the reason it was so good was that it often reflected our insecurities and attempts to “bluff” our way through life.
Here are six life lessons we learned from Hyacinth:
- Pronunciation matters.
- Believe in yourself even when no one else does.
- Using a bit of snobbery to protect your pride is sometimes unavoidable.
- Life is always better if you believe everything and everyone around you is special.
- High-quality milk for a cup of tea in fine china might make you feel better.
- Putting on your best dress and pearls can get you through the toughest days…. but sometimes, even better is curling up at home and watching someone else keep up appearances.
How we are keeping up appearances this week
So in honour of Dame Patricia Routledge and Deb, this week on Balance we’ve been keeping up appearances. Which of course means having a beautiful home, surrounding yourself with beautiful things and throwing on a dash of red lipstick and your best dress.
Check out “Things We Love”, Things you shouldn’t wear after 50, Esma’s Fashion Tips and of course the Renovation Rookie site for news about Deb’s house renovation, which is starting to take shape and will look spectacular!
We’re also sharing with you an interview Deb did with Feng Shui consultant for her renovations.
Creating energy in my house and exploring the role of Feng Shui
Hi Deb
I feel your pain of losing your beautiful Billie. I too have recently lost my little treasure Poppet. She was part of my life for over 17 years. She lives on in my memory. They have gone to Rainbow Bridge and they are safe and happy there.