Zzzzzz

Is it just me or is the worst part of everyone's day the first 5 minutes of every morning when you contemplate what would happen if you 'snoozed' your alarm one more time... or indeed did not turn up for work? Would they even notice your absence? For that split second every morning I deliberate these very questions and I think my eiderdown has something to do with it. I'm not sure whether it's the extra weight of it resting gently on top of my duvet, or the heat it so readily provides that I enjoy most - either way I'm thoroughly thankful of it this winter.

Selina Lake

As well as functional, eiderdowns are a beautiful accessory to any bedroom. Mine is just like this pretty paisley one!

Raggedroses on Flickr

Pale & Interesting

I came across Pale & Interesting a while ago but I must admit forgot to broadcast such findings. Since my New Year's resolution is to act on the present rather than make a note only to forget about it later. I must say this feels rather good... I do hope I can sustain this good beginning.


Pale & Interesting is the creation of husband and wife team, Atlanta Bartlett and Dave Coote. Having each successfully worked in the magazine, photography and design industries for the last 20 years you can only imagine their collective talent. The prolific producers of interior design bibles, furniture, products and magazine features - this is their new baby, born of their shared passions and beliefs.


What's great is their philosophy to mix it all up. Timely and in-vogue they are set to soar. Collecting old with new, contrasting rough with smooth and teaming femininity with utility. And the best bit is... it's so easy to achieve in your home. An exclusive find at a local antique fairs and a few handcrafted accessories and you're pretty there.




I could tell almost immediately on browsing the online collections at Pale & Interesting that Atlanta had to be of good Styling breed, and low and behold I was correct. Showcased on Atlanta's personal website http://www.atlantabartlett.com there are some truly mesmorising images and a stack of great books on household styling tips.


I hope you enjoy pondering these poetic pics.

Christmas cookies....

The festivities are almost upon us so why not enjoy baking some seasonal sweets for your friends and family... Here are some of the prettiest cookies for you to enjoy making this Christmas. Note that presentation is everything, so make sure you spend a few extra minutes presenting your handmade fancies.

I'm not sure I'll have time to make any of these beautiful biscuits this year having spent all my evenings and weekends making Christmas cards & luggage label gift tags, our Christmas wreath, Christmas cake and chutneys for all the grandparents. Wow listing them out like that actually makes me feel like I've achieved something... sorry if I make you feel like you haven't. I hope you are all enjoying the wind down to Christmas, not long to go now!






Visit Martha Stewart's website for recipes and other crafty ideas. http://www.marthastewart.com.

Picture Perfect

The title 'picture perfect' conjures up two very distinctive images for me... one involves the rather mediocre yet stunning actress Jennifer Aniston, and the other quite simply, splendid photography. Cassia Beck is the latest photographical genius to rock my world.

Dreamy, feminine pastels with each print creating its own nostalgic story - i love them!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CassiaBeck

The Simple Life

This morning my heart literally skipped a beat when I turned the page of my latest issue of Selvedge to discover a one of a kind property and creative haven which I must share. Host to small personable groups of artists and designers, J Morgan Puett, ex- US fashion guru, welcomes visiters with open arms. Cloaked in an unusual palette of earthy dark tones with hints of light coloured linens, this Pennsylvanian property creates an identifiable backdrop for guests to embark on a truly inspirational experience.





Fondly named Mildred's Lane after the previous owner Mildred Miller who lived there her entire life, Puett and her partner, Mark Dion affectionately called 'Peabody', eccentrically embrace the purity of simpler times. Ten years in the making and continually evolving, Mildred's Lane is quite simply a living, breathing art installation.






Be sure to visit J Morgan Puett's website for more inspiration http://www.jmorganpuett.com/.

All photographs are by Simon Upton for the Telegraph Magazine.

handmade with care

It was only yesterday I was thinking 'where could I find a hand crafted knitted tea cosie for my beautiful mint green dotty teapot...?' then I found Laura Long. Laura is such a talented young designer with a simple love of traditional crafts and vintage treasures. Handmade with care and great consideration, Laura's products have a real nostalgia about them. I love the layout of her website and they way in which she displays her girly gifts, using a polaroid illustration and eclectic typewriter font to label them.


Not just a great designer, Laura shares her talent for knitting with others, at her London studio or in the comfort of your own home! I keep meaning to book a refresher knitting course but I am yet to find a partner in crime...

See below my Christmas wish list....




To see more of this crafty collection visit Laura's online shop www.lauralong.co.uk

Danish Delights

I recently came across Danish lifestyle brand by nord and immediately fell in love with their eclectic enthusiasm for design. Started by two friends who share a passion for simple, functional and skillfully manufactured products... by nord hits the nail on the head with true Danish design.

Here's a few images that capture their passion in a nutshell.

www.bynord.dk