For those that don’t have my book (familylifestyle HOME), I thought I would share this very simple, yet striking home decorating idea.  A area of the wall featured here, was decorated using letters of different shapes, sizes and materials and not only did this beautifully fill the space, but it personalised it too.  Style need not cost much – just a good imagination and a desire to inspire.

When it comes to choosing presents for children, take it from me, you can’t go wrong with a book and all the better if it is one that is part-created by the recipent.  The wildly successful series of books on doodle by Taro Gomi for Thames & Hudson with their quirky drawings and intelligent, stylish imagery are perfect for doodlers and daydreamers of all ages – including me!

These charming books are deeply engaging and make wonderful keepsakes which capture random thoughts at a moment in time.  The latest book in the series is called Doodle Numbers and is available now for just £9.99.

My delightful builder has just moved a giant frame from our hallway to the wall in our kitchen.  The colour is way too dark and drab.  Feel so inspired by this bright blue frame as featured in FamilyLifeStyle – time to get creative.

I love this time of year when we traditionally have a spring clean, but that need not mean throwing out the old and bringing in the new; it is more a case seeing things with new eyes and then occurs the transformation. Here are my tips for reusing and renewing. Happy Cleaning.

•It’s retail-not therapy, so do without the shopping buzz that last¹s little longer than the journey home  •Pack away and bring things out from time to time to experience a newness without having to buy them•Seek junk store finds and personalise with your own style. •Don’t rush, better to save for the one thing that moves you  •Recycle everything-magazines are ideal for wrapping presents and wine bottles in a cluster make stunning candle holders •Cosy up in blankets rather than subject your skin to dry heat •Don’t save it for special occasions, either give it away or make use of it – there is only now •Turn off lights and use low energy alternatives when possible •Buy local produce and not only do you save energy, but you build a sense of community around you •Grow your own vegetables, if only in the smallest patch or find a local allotment and do yourself good with fresh food and fresh air.

The Secret had nothing on Alice in Wonderland; love this quote.
“There is no use trying,” said Alice; “one can’t believe impossible things.”
“I dare say you haven’t had much practice,” said the Queen. “When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes, I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast”.

Lewis Carroll

As I finished my blog on knowledge, my assistant, Emma guided me to a site called runninginheels.com, which manages to put fashion, beauty, interiors and politics in one place – don’t know how they do it but it works, so if you want a quick fix of culture, news and fashion, this could be a good place to start. x

I thought that with age came the luxury of being able to say no to that which did not please, but my own children and a phone conversation with an extraordinary women are proof if any were needed, that it’s time to change.  This women makes compelling factual documentaries and at the same time is a lover of art and all things creative.  How rich her life must be to embrace the two with equal zest.  I have decided that even thought I do not relish current affairs (there I said it) and I choose to catch up by simply reading my subscription of This Week, I shall go that bit further – and on the plus, as well as learning, growing and becoming a more responsible person, I may just protect my mind in old age, so I recognise the difference between yes and no and that has to be a good thing.

Thank you to Scotland on Sunday for this article on my home/work.  You can’t easily get the paper in London, which is a shame, since the style and content is superb and I don’t say that because I am in it!