This has been such a busy week for our house and garden. We spend months putting things off and then – bam! – everything gets done in one week. Last weekend we had a skip delivered. We've been talking about getting one for months to deal with the mess that had accumulated in our garden. What ...
#OnePerfectThing
Perfection often feels out of reach. But however imperfect you're finding life, you can make an effort to find #OnePerfectThing. Something which makes you pause, smile and feel thankful. It might be five minutes in the sunshine listening to the birds sing. Or a pretty cup of coffee which makes ...
What I’ve been reading lately
The Way We Live Now – Anthony Trollope This is the first Trollope novel I've ever read, and I have to admit it was a bit of Herculean challenge at times. It's not that it wasn't good – it was – but at 762 pages, it required a bit of sticking power and there's a lot of detail. I'm glad I did though. ...
The morning whirlwind
I'd like to say that mornings in our house were a calm, relaxing affair. Sadly, that isn't the case. Every morning my boys create a whirlwind of destruction. And at 31 years old, I'm not much better. Basically seven years of being a stay-at-home mother, and now working from home, appear to have ...
A few new summery things
The warmer weather has made summer shopping very tempting. Last week I picked out a few new summery things to add something new to my wardrobe... For the first time in years I'm ready to contemplate wearing wide legged linen trousers again. I'm not particularly tall so I usually steer clear of ...
When summer comes early…
So, it's early May. A week ago I was shivering on a school trip to the seaside in arctic weather conditions. But then – suddenly – instant summer! In the past, I'd have probably complained that I wasn't ready. But these days, I say bring it on. Let's make the most of it. Here's what we decided to ...
Sunny skies and faded denim
As soon as the first warm sunny days of the year arrive my thoughts always turn to lighter, easier clothes. Soft colours and soft fabrics: faded, washed denim and chambray – they're all perfect for this inbetweeny weather. Last weekend was glorious – not only sunny, but warm enough to bring out ...
Five things you probably don’t know about me
1. I need glasses but I'm too vain to wear them except when I'm driving or watching TV. I just don't feel like me in them, although it is nice to be able to see things occasionally. If I scowl at you across a road, I'm (probably) not grumpy, I'm just squinting to see you. 2. I hate washing my ...
Hello May: our weekend of eels, blue skies and happiness
Bank holidays weekends tend to fall into two distinct camps. Wet, cold and dreary – or, if you're really lucky – they're a blissful three days of sunny light-heartedness. Last weekend we lucked out as East Anglia pulled out all the stops to give us a sunny, warm start to May. We've eaten ...
25% off everything in the shop this weekend!
Icy winds may be ruffling the spring blossom, but I'm still planning a bank holiday weekend full of fresh air, fun and hopefully a little sunshine! There are lots of lovely new products in my shop and this weekend there's 25% off all orders with the code MAYDAY25 I hope you all have a ...
The easiest apple pudding
We're approaching the beginning of May, but winter has made an unexpected return this week. Icy winds are ruffling the pink blossom, and we've even had a bit of snow. Which all add up to the perfect excuse for a hot pudding. This is a quick, easy pudding which will satisfy hungry children and ...
Making a spring posy
I was delighted when I realised that this weekend is the May Day bank holiday. My first thoughts were for that extra day at home. But, after that, I started thinking about what else May Day makes me think of: dancing round maypoles, posies of spring flowers, dainty May Queens... I've never danced ...