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.

As I researched images for inspiration, I found myself drawn back to one of my favorite books.  Wild At Heart features the work of florists Nikki Tibbles whose pioneering style is beautifully captured by the brilliant Martyn Thompson.  The book lead me to view Nikki’s site, which lead me to finding beauty on this dull day and to find truth in this quote.  I honestly would rather have flowers on my table than a diamond around my neck.  Having said that I would not mind finding a diamond necklace sat on the table beside my fresh flowers!  To see more of Nikki’s creations visit www.wildatheart.com.

o

If like me, you are craving some sunshine, here’s an inspiring image but before you go wishing the winter months away, here is an inspiring thought. Whatever the season, just live in the now.  Oh, also read The Power of Now – excellent book by Eckhart Tolle. xx

CARPE DIEM, REJOICE while you are

ALIVE enjoy the day; LIVE life to

The FULLEST’ make the MOST of what you HAVE.

It is LATER than YOU think.

Horace – Roman poet

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.  

As Christmas approaches my children’s ‘wish list’ is mostly made up of plug-in games and gadgets but with one exception and that is the precious work of Nell Johnson.  Nell is a highly talented artist who paints children’s beloved toys onto canvas so that they can be appreciated long after the real thing has been banished from the bed.  And it couldn’t be easier; just send Nell some photos on-line and she will do the rest.  I commissioned a painting of my son’s precious bunny some years back and to this day, few objects give me and indeed my children as much pleasure.  Be it for Christmas or a Christening, this would be my gift of choice.  to view more examples – www.nelljohnson.co.uk

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.

I did yet another boot-camp at the weekend, but this time just for a couple of days and in the serene setting of my dear friends hotel; The Olde Bell in Hurley.  Our trainer Drew was very kind and let us have a latte and English breakfast; oysters, delicious salads and soups for supper.  Obviously this was no hardcore boot camp, but more a way of viewing life from a healthier perspective installing lasting habits; fresh air and fresh food without the processing.

On returning home I decided to make butternut squash soup which just consisted of olive oil in a pan, followed by shallots, cubed butternut squash, cook, add veg stock, cook and then put a handheld blender to it.  For something that is better explained and no doubt better tasting visit www.yueedwards.blogspot.com.   And for a lovely squash salad visit www.101cookbooks.com