I have been blessed to have many professionally shot photo’s of my children, but the one that makes me smile from my heart is this one, taken by my husband. Whilst rather dishevelled, their smiles are pure happiness and the love for each other and for the moment is so evident to see.  It reminds me that there is only this moment and we can choose joy, just like children  instinctively do.

A little late, but here are some photo’s of my younger sister’s wedding from this summer.

my beautiful sister and brother-in-law on their wedding day in my parents garden.

the gorgeous outfits my sister thoughtfully designed for all her nieces.

I tell you, the more I think, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people” Vincent Van Gogh

I am feeling in the mood for blue and this gorgeous Florence Broadhurst paper is all ready and waiting to be put up in my office.  My darling husband has taken our son on his very first camping holiday.  Not my thing and nor my daughter’s who has gone to stay with a friend.  This is the first time I have had the house to myself for a whole weekend and I must confess as much as I shall miss my family, I am so looking forward to setting my own timetable.  So, I could use this indulgent weekend to put up the wallpaper and do some chores or I could just indulge?  It’s raining outside, but I don’t feel blue.  I am in the mood for lazing on the sofa with a good book and a hot drink and that is exactly what I shall do and then tomorrow – who know’s?  It’s been a very busy couple of weeks and I deserve it!

I was contacted by Jon Day recently; even has name made me feel good as did his beautifully simple, striking photography.  Until we have cause to work together, I thought I would share his work with you and to see more visit – www.jondayphotography.com

Not only does this ad for Adobe Photoshop convey the power of it’s product but it manages to do so in such a compelling positive way.  Brilliant bit of advertising.

Here are some some pictures of Gwyneth Paltrow in domestic mode for the latest issue of Vogue US.  She looks stunning as does her relaxed and oh, so stylish kitchen. To see more of these beautiful shots taken by the great Mario Testino go to Vogue.com.  

When I was younger, I wanted to be an Avon lady; that and air hostess, inventor, singer and a mother.  I remember hours spent playing mum to my barbie dolls and now it is my daughter who lovingly delights in playing mum to her own dollies. I must confess that with the long summer holidays comes an element of frustration as I am unable to fully commit to either work or children, but two weeks of part-time worker and part-time mother and then I plan to sign off and relish motherhood full-time until they return to school so I too can experience some of the magic my daughter does when she plays mum.

Thank you to Nonstopmama.com for asking me to offer tips on freshening up the home for summer – for my article and others log on now. x

My idea of a dream car is one that is self-cleaning and has space enough for the never-ending supply of gifts my mother lovingly showers on me and my adored children, each time we visit.   But yesterday, a friend took me to Salon Prive at the Hurlingham Club in Chelsea and I suddenly found myself considering more than than boot-size!

Beyond having a really enjoyable day, yesterday was living proof of the wonderful energy that comes from having passion. It does not really matter what ones passion is, be it gardening or gears; it’s about appreciating the beauty of it all and having a joy for life.

There were classic cars, big cars, small cars, all sorts of cars and for me there was really only one – the understated elegance and style that is the Maserati.  Yes, I would have to keep it clean and there is no way it would be big enough for my mum’s generous gifts, but it would be fun.