What makes a house a home?  For me it is a house that is lived in, loved and shared.  Here is a little of my home. (click on the images for a more detailed photo).

The swing was made to be long enough to seat both my children, who use it most days as they look out onto the garden. Guests are aprehensive at first but in no time at all they too get into the swing of things. It is my way of showing this is a house to be enjoyed and one in which children are welcome always.

The kitchen sofa is where we indulge in the sunday papers and latte.

We love sharing this kitchen and having the children lend a hand.

Cherised possessions should be enjoyed and not hidden away. These butterfly cut outs, made by my husband for my birthday bring a smile to my face everday.

The hall is more than a utilitarian space and ours provides the perfect place for this large mirror which reflects the living and kitchen, bringing both together. Favorite cd's, pictures and a piano make it a space to gather and share, rather then simply pass through.

Our bedroom and bathroom are one, simply devided by space. The shelves are filled with favorite night time reading and treasured mementos.

The headboard is covered with a velvet bedcover that I have stapled to the back of the base as is the valance. I change both with the seasons. Light linen or voile in the summer and silk or velvet in the winter. It is an easy update and transforms the look of the room.

My son's room has a little hatch in the ceiling above his bunk; from here he climbs into the loft, which has been converted into his playden.

My daughter just turned 8 but the pink stage is very much alive and I love that there is some colour here.

The childrens bathroom is given colour with the Rug Company's needlepoint. I brought this to celebrate my first book deal.

I wanted to introduce you to Cookie Magazine; it is the US version of Junior, only a little more fun.  As parenting magazines go, its about the best.  I recently styled a feature for the magazine, centered around the home of super-talented couple Caroline and Alex Michealis. I hope you like it.

a home that is simple, functional and above all fun.

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We are already mid-way through January and I am just about getting back into work/order mode. The children back at school, the decorations packed away and all naughty food consumed. This time of year feels good; it’s about looking at what we want from life and setting those priorities in motion.  As for resolutions, this year our family decided we would make them for each other.   My son asked that I swing from the apple tree in our garden on a weekly basis – strange but doable.  My daughter asked that I show her more discipline and also take the time to play – again, not what I expected, but can do.  My husband asked that I simply go with the flow.

So going with the flow, I found myself almost floating above a stranger as he supported me with his feet and hands for balance.  At first acroyoga (which as the name suggests is a mix of acrobatics and yoga), seemed an odd choice but two hours in, I felt energised and devoted.  There are a few courses around London, but I chose to take mine at the The Special Yoga Centre - NW10.  The Special Yoga centre offers an extensive range of classes for adults and many for children with special needs.  I would urge anyone who can make it to this part of London to do so, as you will be hard pushed to find more accomplished teachers in a calmer setting then here and just walking through the doors eases any tension.  To read more about this charity and the wonderful work they do go to www.specialyogaorg.co.uk.