I have never been keen on pets but after much coaxing from the children, I caved in and so it was that STAR came home last week. Yes, it’s like having another baby, the cleaning is a chore, then there is dog training, obligatory pet-grooming, not to mention over-exorbitant vet fees and insurance.  Whilst life won’t be financially richer it will be happier, so it’s all good.  My super-stylish friend Ilona, who inspired our search, once told me that no amount of threapy could compare to the having a dog and I am already beginning to see she was right. Ilona gave us her wisdom and the coolest Anya Hindmarch  puppy carrier and it opened my eyes to the range of dog accessories out there, including Yasmin Le Bon’s range for Mungo and Maud.  Anyway, fancy accessories or not, I shall promise to love, honour and cherish little Star.

Super-STAR has his first Skype conversation.

Who can help but fall for The Rug Company’s fabulous creations; well it seems Sam Cam are as crazy for them as the rest of us.  So much so that they recently commissioned The Rug Company to create their official gift to President and Mrs Obama, in celebration of their state visit to the UK.  Designed by The Rug Company with much input from Samantha herself, this wall-hanging will soon grace The White House.

Oh, taking of Sam Cam, being that I volunteer at The Special Yoga Centre, I was there to help out at their Annual Art Fund Raiser last week and being a Patron, Samantha Cameron was guest of honor.  I have never seen her in person before and I have to say, she is rather striking, just like this wall-hanging.

It’s been an eventful month hence the huge delay in blogging.  I could share so much but will give you the highlight and that was being invited to Antigua by very generous friends.  The memory of soothing, warm sea and sand beneath my feet still sustains me as I sit here with a blanket around my shoulders fighting off a horrid fever.  Anyway, since I can’t do too much today, I logged onto one of my favorite sites thecoolhunter and it was here that I found these fab pictures of hotel La Banane in St Barts and whilst it looks cica 1950′s, it is very much now.  It reminds me of the friend that invited us to Antigua; stylish, sophisticated and so very welcoming.

I wanted to post this the moment I received the release last week, but simply did not have a moment, so here it is.   Anthropologie are to open a concept store on London’s King’s Road.  As well as curtains, furniture, lighting, rugs, wallpapers, design books and magazines, the store will host regular classes with experts with the aim of inspiring designers and individuals alike.   Now there’s another reason to head down to the Kings Road and if you can make it the first masterclass is to be held on Sunday March 27th. x

Today I want to introduce you to Holly Becker of Decor8.  Holly has been blogging daily for years and that level of commitment can only come from a place of passion.  Opportunities then flow and it’s a good thing for all of us because out of her passion has come this beautiful book – Decorate.  The book is full of Holly’s favorite homes/styles and I know these will resonate with you.  Even my home is in there and I look forward to sharing these and other images with you once the book is out on 24th March, but for now pre-order and log onto Decor8.

As some of you know, I have presented on House Gift but for those who have asked how they view it outside the UK; I don’t know, but here is a taster my fab agent has put together. By the way, the birdcage decorations in today’s show were from Wesley Barrell in St Albans and yes LLB is a pro and a pleasure to work with.  Lots of fun and some great shopping along the way.  Talking of shops, I will be at the Ideal Home Show on Friday representing Geberit, so do come down and say hello.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7_2WjPI1kg

There are so many wonderful on-line shops on which to find childrens clothing, others for toys and more still for books but few put all these together like Tada.  I recently discovered Tada-shop when they asked me to guest edit so, here is my personal selection and the site link.  By the way, I know I need to change my profile picture and will do it soon, but to see what I look like a year and a half on on from the one on my site, watch me on House Gift  on 2nd and 8th March at 2.00pm on ITV.

It’s been raining non-stop, but I have had a really lovely day.  It began with my husband and I watching our little boy and his friends singing for the Harvest Festival at the local church.  I had butterflies watched my son stand up and recite the meaning of Harvest in front of his teachers, his peers and their parents.  Manav handled the recital with far more grace and ease than I did, as I then made my way to the Cloth Shop in Portobello Market, where I was to be filmed for the opening sequence of the ITV show.

What joy to spend time in a proper, corner-style shop where the proprietors are clearly passionate and knowledgeable about their stock.  Packed with vintage linens, buttons and ribbons, robust cottons and damasks, this is an absolute must for anyone accessorising their home. And as it’s in the heart of the market, you can take a look for  a ‘lady-like’ on-trend dress that is probably one of a kind and at a fraction of the price if new.

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Looking forward to Halloween and when you read my feature in the latest issue of unior magazie you’ll see why.

So pleased to have been asked to write a series on Happiness At Home for Chic Today.  For anyone who wants a life of style with substance, Chic Today is worth a look.  Here is one of my posts and you can find others on: http://www.chictoday.com/2010/09/03/reclaim-your-home/

It is all too easy to be seduced into filling a home with the latest gadgets, colours and designer furniture, only to find that it is not representative of your personality and lifestyle.

In a society of instant gratification, everything has become replaceable. Newer, shiner versions keep popping up, cluttering your home and blocking happiness.  Reclaim your sanity and judgement.  Whilst trends come and go, the key to creating a lived-in and loving home comes from mixing handcrafted pieces with contemporary ones, paying tribute to cherished memories and creating space for new ones. Respecting our belongings and valuing our resources goes beyond creating a home that looks good. When you put heart into your home, it feels good.