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 is around this time of year that the light starts changing and we consider little home updates. Some updates are investment buys that transcend time and others are simply cheap and cheerful enough to be on-trend without taking over.  H&M Home has a great selection that much like their clothing takes it cue from the catwalk.  My personal recommendation is the frilly Shabby Chic style throw below.  It dresses any bed or dining table in Rachel Ashwell’s signature style but for a fraction of the price – just £19.99.

The hotel minibar at first appears a strangely alluring concept.  Perhaps it is the seductive miniature delights that feel so rock ‘n’ roll or it could be all the hotel room connotations that go with it?   I confess to not being cool enough and refuse to pay those silly prices so neither the hotel version, nor the one I share with you here does it for me, but I share it for a reason.

THE MINIBAR in Amsterdam, as the name suggests is a real bar filled with minibars! On entering you are shown to a private seating area and handed a key to your very own minibar, filled with all manner of enticing goodies to be consumed at will. I find it sad that this means fewer staff and even less human interaction but I take it for what it is –  an interesting idea in a changing world. I hope it inspires you to look at your day and see how you might do something old differently and in doing so bring it relevance today.  And if you feel that some things are best left exactly as they are, that too is a valuable conclusion.

www.minibaronline.com

The time has come when we naturally reflect on the year that’s been and ponder on the possibilities for that which lies ahead.  Some of us will be happy for more of the same and that indeed is a blessing. Others will want to learn a new skill, perhaps see new sites and then there are those who will be supremely bold and begin anew. One such person is my darling little sister who has felt fear and then let it propel her to greater things.  A self-taught fashion designer, her beautiful new collection is a valuable reminder that the New Year is a time to let go of what we see as challenges and embrace our untold promise.  I wish you all great health, happiness and joy in fulfilling your passion.

to see more visit www.sumanbajaj.com

Doors decked with wreaths signal Christmas but here’s one you won’t need to put away once Santa has left the building.  I like the idea of something that can be used for many different reasons and this wreath can be moved from front door to wardrobe and even better the most domestically-challenged among us can have a go at making one.  If I can do it, so can you.  To make this wreath just get some black organza, cut into a doughnut shape, fill with pot pourri or  lavender, stitch and finish with velvet bow.  

It’s Thanksgiving and I want to give thanks for my healthy, happy family and friends.  I won’t bore you with the self-indulgent details of my entire weekend, but I will mention Friday evening, which was spend at the apartment of our dear friends; our respective children snuggled up in pj’s watching a movie and us having a casual supper in the kitchen.  Anyway, I want to introduce you to their businesses as you may find them of interest. Mr K’s business Equilibrium London produces beautifully designed properties where every detail is considered. Mrs K has been single-handily responsible for bringing threading brows into the mainstream and whilst there have been many copycats, her Blink Brow Bars are still the superior choice.  Visit www.equilibriumlondon.com and www.blinkbrowbars.com for info.

As you know my home is rather white and simple and that’s the way I like it because it gives me a canvass with which to add bold pattern and colour through objects and furnishings, as beautifully demonstrated in these pictures featured in Australian Magazine Ivy and Piper, via the gorgeous blog lalalovely.com.   Bright clashing shades and beautiful fresh flowers is all it takes.

Everyone is connected at some level and here is proof again.  As you know I love the work of Ilse Crawford and equally that of Martyn Thompson, who shot one of her books.  He has this extraordinary ability to make everything look striking and yet so serene.  As I was looking around for design inspiration for an up-coming project, I came across these pictures of Carter Smith’s New York home, shot by none other than Martyn Thompson for House and Garden.  The light, contrast, beauty and grace of these shots is hugely helped by Carter Smith’s high style and taste but no one takes a shot like Martyn.  Enjoy.

a masculine room that looks so inviting with its piles of books and comfortable sofa.

Before you throw out the mock-cherry wood circa 1985, consider giving it a face lift and if you don’t know how, give Bryonie Porter a call.  She can transform any piece of furniture from boring to brilliant by using her own archive of beautiful wallpapers or use yours. As well as personalising even the most basic Ikea piece, this allows you to dip into pattern and colour just a little. www.bryonieporter.com