Now January's over we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief. Sure, the weather's still cold, but brighter days and warmer weather are on the horizon. February in the home is all about combining the comfort and warmth of winter with the promise of spring delights to come. These simple interior ...
Life lately: snow days, optimism and nice lunches
As we approach the end of January, I'm reflecting on optimism and little victories I'm not sure I'll ever stop being excited by snow. Last night the boys and I sat and watched the feathery snow fall outside our window. Whenever I see it I feel an irrepressible sense of expectation and delight. ...
The joy of re-visiting a good book
Next time you can't decide what to read, take down an old favourite from your bookshelf and re-read it. You'll be surprised by how comforting and rewarding it is. Re-discovery Finishing a good book always feels bittersweet. It's satisfying to get to the end of the story, but it's sometime's ...
The knitted midi skirt
Midi skirts are having a moment. And hoorah for that! Remember I mentioned pleated midi skirts before Christmas? They're still great, but another look to try this January is the knitted midi skirt. My dark green skirt is by H&M and costs £29.99. The fabric is stretchy and drapes and ...
Furnishing a new build home
A couple of months ago we moved into our new-build home. We swapped a period house with a wealth of original features for a completely blank canvas. What could have felt like a shock to the system has been nothing of the sort. It's been liberating. A blank canvas A new-build house is a blank ...
Three things I’m loving this week
In a week of drizzly rain and Brexit doom, I’m back to tell you about the things that are making me smile this week. #YesPlantsCan. Plants can help us repair – and limit – the damage we’ve already caused through global warming. Seventh Generation – the eco-friendly household cleaning company – ...
How to hibernate
While dragging myself out of bed this morning, I thought: wouldn't it be nice to just hibernate for the rest of winter? I'd be like a little hedgehog under a pile of leaves, emerging only when spring has sprung. I'd woken up with my umpteenth cold of the season and felt more than a little cross ...
Three things I’m loving this week
This first full week of January is always a struggle. It's hard returning to early starts, routines and clock-watching after the lazy days of Christmas. It's been a bit of slog, but not as bad as I thought it would be. Being busy again has really made me appreciate the simple pleasures of my day. ...
My month in books
No matter what’s happening in your life, or the world, you can always turn to a good book for comfort or inspiration. Here’s everything I’ve read over the last month... Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont, by Elizabeth Taylor. This was a wonderful read. Once upon a time, genteel old people used to go ...
Utility style: the boiler suit
Looking for an outfit that is both practical and stylish? Step forward the humble boiler suit. The favourite garment of mechanics, old men in sheds and now you! What's so great about them? Easy. Pulling on an all-in-one outfit is great for dark January mornings. And pretty warm too when you wear ...
Baby stepping my way into January
January always feels like one very long Monday morning. I'm never quite ready for it. Christmas softens me up with its late nights and lazy days. Work, routine and school runs are easily forgotten. The first days of the new year are always a shock to the system. I always feel like I've been shut out ...
Men’s winter fashion: it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3
I love clothes. The more the better. However, it's a different story for the man (and boys in my life). They hate shopping and they hate choices. When faced with multiple options in their wardrobes, they panic like rabbits caught in the headlights and choose the same outfit again and again. So, ...