My bathroom and in particular my bath plays a major part in my life.  Each working days ends with a long soak, leaving me ready and refreshed for the next phase of my day; children/husband/friends.  Just look at these beautiful examples found on a lovely blog – materia designs.

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

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.

.

For those who like their furniture french and feminine, take a look at www.thefrenchbedroomcompany.co.uk.  All together I find the whole thing a rather overwhelming, but take an individual piece and put into a simpler setting and you have a little bit loveliness.

It is quite the most heavenly experience to be paid to go shopping and that is exactly what I did for ITV’s show House Gift, recently.  Of all the random places we ended up going to, the one that really blew me away was Victoria Fine Art and Framing. Whilst it looked like the front door of any other industrial estate unit on the outside, inside was stacked high and tight with frames of all shapes, sizes and periods.  There were also oil paintings ranging from £20 to £10,000.  I would absolutely recommend you visit and just browsing is such fun.  www.victoria-fine-art.com .

Another recommendation is the rug gallery.  They have just set up a site called www.stamprugs.com.

They have been granted permission from Royal Mail and the Queen herself, to put these iconic stamp prints onto Rugs.  The same company also owns The Rug Gallery and you can go to them with any design and have it woven onto your very own personalised rug, be it a flower, a child’s artwork, a photograph; whatever inspires.

Found this pic of Mills.  It reminds me of why we celebrate Halloween.  Fundamentally, Halloween is about embracing our sense of community and spreading love.  Love is the answer to pretty much everything.  Love this quote.  ”One is not loved accidentally, one’s own power to love produces love”.  I am feeling extremely blessed.  Perhaps I am loving more and that is bringing all good things to me?  Whatever it is, I choose to feel good, to see good and think good. Try it it and see yourself. 

Yesterday’s weather was just perfect.  The sun was shining and with it came a gentle breeze, which called me to leave my consultancy project in Kensington and just head out to meet a friend for a lingering lunch and catch-up. It’s so unlike me to stop during the course of my working day, but I am so glad I did. All seasons bring with them a joyous reason to celebrate and be part of nature and as autumn approaches I look forward to long walks in the park with crisp leaves rustling beneath my boots and picking conkers with the children.  Nature brings so much rich rewards and some practical ones too.  Hanging your clothes out to dry in the summer and collecting conkers in autumn.  They make great moth repellents so collect and place liberally in all your drawers.

The other day I had an interview request but this one was different; they wanted to interview my children, so here is the piece and as the site notes, men really are from mars…

This interview featuring  Milli and her brother Manav is quite an evidence that males were born on Mars and females on Venus! Mother of the two children, Anita Kaushal is also a designer, art director, author of wonderful and inspiring books.

What do you want to be when you grow up:  Milli – Writer.  Manav-Football Player.

What is your favorite famous person: Milli – Sharpay from High School Musical because she is strong and soft.  Manav –  Michael Jackson because he was very entertaining, clever and brilliant.

What makes you happy or laugh: Milli – my brother dancing - Manav – being with my friends.

What makes you sad or angry: Milli – my brother annoying me - Manav – falling off my bike.

Your favorite book Milli Horrid Henry - Manav Arsenal Football Club’s book

Your favorite films Milli Sound of Music, Annie, Home Alone, Wizard of Oz - Manav Spider Man, Bat Man.

Your favorite animal: Milli Cat  - Manav Giraffe

The best holidays you ever had: Milli – Euro Disney last year because of all the magic and excitement. We had lots of fun and stayed up late to watch the nighttime parades and fire eating dragon - Manav: Namibia in Africa a couple of years ago. I loved the sand dunes and picking up large creepy crawlies. It as very exciting.

A place that you would dream to visit: Milli I want to go to Disney Land - Manav –  All over America.

Who chooses your clothes in the morning: Milli I choose my own and then ask mummy if they are fine - Manav I choose my own most days and get mummy’s help if we are going somewhere special.

Your favorite color Milli: Pink because it is pretty and cheerful - Manav Red because it is my football teams colour and my school colour.

Your favorite outfit: Milli my jeans and white t-shirt - Manav – a cool waistcoat and matching cap.

What is the piece your like the most from your wardrobe: Milli My pretty dresses from I love gorgeous - Manav My football kit.

The next item you would like to get Milli – Real glass slippers - Manav a Cool Michael Jackson type suit.

To read the full article go to  http://www.pirouetteblog.com and for some of my favorite children’s brands All Saints, Dior, Bonton, Caramel Baby&Child

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.