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.

It’s that time of year again and as much as on-line shopping beats pounding the pavement whilst jostling past shopping bags and brollies, there is still much joy in visiting a well-curated store and it’s so easy with the pop-up shop phenomenon.

Check out Kensal Flea at the Paradise, as they are bound to have another sale before Christmas.  I have purchased vintage clothing and home accessories there, whilst the children were entertained with a spot of needlework and a delicious cupcake. Okay, local plug over with, I shall tell you about another event.

My good friend and photographer (images below) Christina Wilson, will be selling her limited-edition prints and cards, along with Amanda Cox from the noted Nonesuchthings online emporium and a dozen hand picked crafts folks and like minded creative sorts. The first of these pop up sales will be Sunday 4^th December upstairs at the Victoria Pub, 2 Mornington Terrace, London.  NW1. Take a look at nonesuchthings.com, christinawilson.co.uk, beingcontent.com to see what grabs you.

My dream home was and always will be Georgian. Not many of those to the pound in Kensal Rise sadly!  Perhaps it has something to do with the perfect symmetry and proportions, the rows of tall windows and Alice in Wonderland style over-sized door or perhaps Georgian houses remind me of the way I drew castles as a child. My daughter still draws castles in the same way except hers are pink and why not?

Now my Georgian dream just got more desirable in the form of Dinder House in Somerset.  Sat in 23 acres of landscaped and walled gardens, the interiors have recently been thoughtfully designed for family living by Ilse Crawford. Each of the 39 rooms have retained their magnificent features but been re-configured for modern family living.   We can’t all live in such a grand home but what fun to dream and to relish these photographs taken by Magnus Marding.

I am sitting at my desk clearing my work, cutting out the ‘should do’ from the ‘could do’ etc.  My random thoughts are going to get a little more random for a while, probably not returning for several months.  I am telling you this because it takes the burden off me knowing I have ticked another box.  No drama; just want time with my two children during the summer.  I will return but for now, thanks for reading the blog, for your comments and appreciation.  See you soon. x

International Men’s Health Month and of-course Fathers Day are around the corner and both are there to focus our appreciation on the men in our lives.  Father’s, brothers, husbands, sons; they all have challenging roles to play in a society where the new gender rules are blurred.

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.

Whilst photo-shoots sound like fun, the truth is they eat into precious work time, which when you have children is super-short as it is, but there are exceptions.  When Alex and Alexa invited me to be interviewed for their fab site, I was delighted; I got to spend time with my children and the lovely crew (thanks Cat) and even better it all took place at home.  Not only was the afternoon relaxed and enjoyable, in choosing clothes for my children through the site I discovered a smarter way to shop.  Who has the stamina, time or desire to take children shopping when you can browse this superb collection together from the comfort of your sofa.  The children were so attached to the outfits chosen for the shoot, they had to keep them and that’s fine with me since Stella McCartney kids is age appropriate with an edge. For more gorgeous little outfits visit www.alexandalexa.com and if you are unsure of how to put a look together, there is even a section that guides you through with ease.

I don’t have an official blog-roll on my site as I find it hard enough getting around to these random thoughts, let alone keeping up with what’s worth sharing.  Instead, I just mention blogs as I come across any that I think you will appreciate. Whilst many bloggers feature interiors and images to inspire, very few take the time and trouble to group them as beautifully and thoughtfully as thepapermulberryblogspot.com.  For anyone who enjoys rich, romantic, feminine interiors you will absolutely love this blog . x

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

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