Thank you to Nonstopmama.com for asking me to offer tips on freshening up the home for summer – for my article and others log on now. x

My idea of a dream car is one that is self-cleaning and has space enough for the never-ending supply of gifts my mother lovingly showers on me and my adored children, each time we visit.   But yesterday, a friend took me to Salon Prive at the Hurlingham Club in Chelsea and I suddenly found myself considering more than than boot-size!

Beyond having a really enjoyable day, yesterday was living proof of the wonderful energy that comes from having passion. It does not really matter what ones passion is, be it gardening or gears; it’s about appreciating the beauty of it all and having a joy for life.

There were classic cars, big cars, small cars, all sorts of cars and for me there was really only one – the understated elegance and style that is the Maserati.  Yes, I would have to keep it clean and there is no way it would be big enough for my mum’s generous gifts, but it would be fun.

I feel uninspired and rather flat today and I know it is because after a hugely busy month, it’s the first day I have been able to exhale.  I cannot complain as the month has been about baby showers, baby births, end of school year events, weddings, brand development work for some really lovely clients, a new pure actives skincare line I shall be launching here early next year, photo shoots and writing for magazines I adore and generally all good stuff, but it has taken away my routine and as I get older, I must confess I do enjoy a bit of routine!  Oh, and it was my 19th wedding anniversary – I can’t believe it has been that long and I can honestly say, I still look forward to seeing him when he walks through the door.  Anyway, my point is I was feeling so uninspired that I have not bothered posting much lately and when I have,  I must confess, I have bored myself.  So, having come across the work of photographer Janne Peters, I thought I would post these beautiful photo’s that sum up where I feel like being right now – if not in reality, then in my head – this is what I need to re-charge my batteries and then get back to doing what I love – just more of what I am blessed to do everyday.  To see more of Janne Peters work visit www.jannepeters.de

Some d.i.y furniture revamps are best left alone but those that are well done can make a house a home and are deeply satisfying in the process.  Here is a lovely example I came across via deco8 on www.littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com – they have simply taken an Ikea rug and painted it. The design and colour way would not be my first choice but the idea allows for endless possibilities so why not give it a try.

When I was in India last year, I came across a greeting card with this simple Ganesha motif and I felt inspired to copy the line drawing onto my living room wall.  Well, I should be honest here and say I asked my beautiful, super talented and extremely gracious au pair to do it as she has so much more patience than me.

Nina Campbell has a classic yet quirky style that I really love, not as a complete look necessarily, but with key elements. Her jewelled coloured glasses are wonderful for summer parties as is her acrylic cutlery.  Then there are the classic pieces like these pretty storage boxes.  Beautifully made, these would last a long time but alternatively make your own using remnants of fabric or wallpaper or even wrapping paper would look lovely.  To see more of Nina Campbell’s range visit her site www.ninacampbell.com

With travel firmly on my mind, I thought I would share tips taken from this months issue of Easy Living.  The first recommends picturelizard.co.uk – send them your picture and they will process it into a passport photo and return to you for just £2.99.  So much better than an unflattering, emergency photobooth job.  Then there is skyscanner.net which is apparently the best price-comparison flight finder.  Always handy when planning a last minute get away.  Finally nytimes.com/themoment is the travel section of the New York Times and covers all things stylish.  Worth a look.  Sorry, this is a rather lazy entry, but this time of year is like that – family weddings, school events, oh, the birth of my niece and of course my work of which more to follow shortly. x

My morning started with a much needed and extremely productive workout with my trainer and client – Steve from Senkai.  We talked business between punches and lunges.  Showered and ready for the day ahead, I spent the morning focused on necessary tasks and not should/could do details.  It made me realise how true it is that projects take the time we allocate to them and if we choose to focus and have only a finite amount of time, chances are we will get the job done.   Then off to London Bridge for coffee with Shaa Wasmund of Smarta.  For those of you unfamiliar with Smarta, I can tell you it provides an excellent resource to those in business.  Since I am a visual person, I enjoy the video soundbites and you will find my friend Millie Kendall on there sharing her own words of wisdom.  Do take a look – www.smarta.com.  Oh, and Shaa recommends Seth Godin’s site/blog so check that out too.  My personal favorite is TED.com – insightful and inspiring.

I have seen much of Debi Treloar’s photographic work over the years and thought she only lives on the next street, we had never actually met – until yesterday. Debi was over to shoot my home for a decorating book due out next year.  She worked quietly and calmly and remained focused on ensuring my home was seen in the best possible light.  So the next time you see my home in a magazine or book, know that it is not me, but talented people like Debi who come in and work their magic to bring out its full potential. To see more of Debi’s work visit www.debitreloar.com

As if proof were every needed, last week, I was once again struck by what a small world we live in. On Sunday morning, the husband and I took the children to see the Elephants Green Park.  We found a great parking spot, the sun was shining and as an added bonus we saw the rehearsals for the Queens Birthday parade, which was just like the real thing except the Duke of York stood in for the old dear, so that meant fewer crowds, so even better.  The children were mesmerised and as we walked along Buckingham Palace watching the parade and taking with excitement about having seen real Elephants in India.  Later that week,I attended a launch party at which I got talking to a lady who just happened to be the person responsible for bringing the elephants to London and who will soon be taking the same message and magic to Thailand. Then I met a lady who had sold my books in her store in LA and then I met another friend of a friend – Meg Mathews. Meg was warm and open and shared her own passion for design. Here is one of her wallpaper designs – available exclusivey at Liberty.