This month I’m loving…
February has absolutely flown by, thank goodness. Traditionally it’s my least favourite month as the grey days just drag on and on and Spring still feels so far away. But this time I cleverly booked a short 48 hour getaway, with Arthur during half term, to Rome which was absolutely brilliant! We went mid week and stealing some time away from work, and more importantly my phone. We ate ice creams next to fountains, watched movies in bed with pizza, sketched under the trees and had our minds blown by the incredible Roman sites. The blue skies and 18 degrees really helped too!
We stayed at the Mama Shelter hotel (pictured above) which has interiors that any colour loving maximalist will absolutely die for, and they do the best breakfast buffet which was Arthurs one requirement of a hotel! I’m going to make sure I book a short city break every half term from here on in. I think short trips that deliver a burst of inspiration are the way forward. Let me have your city break recommendations (with a teenager in tow) please!
In other news, I’ve been insanely busy with work this month. I loved hosting some live colour workshops in John Lewis London and Cheadle, helping people create mood boards with the collection from Harlequin, as well as hosting a live webinar with Magnet on how to plan your dream kitchens, not to mention lots of work behind the scenes for a super exciting collaboration with Britain’s top furniture retailer! That’s right, later this week, I will be launching my first ever collection of sofa’s, armchairs and footstools, all in my signature bold and colourful colour palette. It’s been two years in the making and so much love, dedication and passion has gone into the collection, I cannot wait for you to see it! It will be the perfect end to a very busy month.
This month I’m…
wearing:
I absolutely love these dungarees from Kate Barton which have been my favourite thing to wear this month. I have the super soft corduroy pair but as we move into Spring this new Cobalt denim, which has always been a favourite colour of mine, will look fabulous paired with a pretty blouse in a fun contrasting pattern.
While they are super comfortable, they are a welcome alternative to jeans, which makes you look like you have made a little more effort.
Do check out other items by Kate Barton including a beautiful summer dresses launched this week, for when the rain finally decides to give it up!
WATCHING:
Fifteen bite sized episodes which I challenge you not to binge all in one day! I think I just about managed to make it eek out for a week, but the 90s nostalgia and heart wrenching plot line had me completely gripped, and I’ll happily admit, reaching for the box of tissues by the end.
It was romantic to reminisce about this smart-phone-free time and to anyone who has had to endure unrequited love, will find it a particularly painful hook.
From an interiors point of view the sets are perfection, recreating grotty student room digs, country homes straight out of House and Garden, and a memorable scene in a swanky London restaurant, which was actually shot in Mayfairs Quaglino’s.
READING:
‘What They Don’t Teach You About Money’ by Claer Barret.
I discovered Claer on Instagram @claerb and love her clear, concise no nonsense approach to money. As a Financial Times columnist and host of the Money Clinic podcast, she has a really clever way of making money feel simple.
After years of feeling like I can’t understand financial speak, mostly due to accountants talking to me in a foreign language, I’ve decided, in my 50th year, to feel empowered around money rather than afraid of it.
I have ‘Build a Fortune’ on my vision board for 2024, so I am sure reading this book will help! I think it’s probably an essential read for anyone who wants to brush up on saving, budgeting or indeed investing.
I’d really love to pay off my mortgage so hopefully Claer will help me get there quicker than 2044!
eating:
Plants! After signing up to the Zoe app at the start of the year, I now try and get 30 different plants on my plate a week. I’m loving the challenge as it’s a reason to get more inventive with the meals you prepare every day.
My fast hacks are seed and nut mixes on everything, a fork full of sauerkraut or kimchi with every meal, and Bio and Me breakfast granola, which has up to 15 plants in a bowl. It’s a great way to start the day and I think my gut is thanking me for it.
My other hack is to stop buying crisps and sweet treats for Arthur because I can’t resist! In fact my science geek son knows more about gut health than we do so he’s happy to be on board with this new health push. He even likes Kimchi!
going:
To visit the sculpture exhibition ‘When Forms Come Alive’ at The Hayward. The Southbank is one of my favourite parts of London, and while I visit a lot for work, I don’t make enough time for pleasure.
I’m going to be sure to take Arthur to this. While he finds art galleries ‘ boring’, I think his 3D engineering mind will love this!
ENJOYING:
I’m enjoying cooking for friends at home this month, and one pot stews and oven to table dishes are the way I love to entertain. I’ve always loved my classic enamelware baking trays, but I recently worked with Le Creuset, and got sent some of their gorgeous cast iron casserole dishes. I’m obsessed and love how this way of cooking locks in all the favour and the juices.
My go-to cookbook is ‘From Oven to Table’ by Dianne Henry, so I can spend more time chatting when guests come over and then pop all the food straight onto the table, or set up a help yourself buffet on the kitchen island. And its less washing up too. Le Crueset have an extensive range of colours too so you can get creative with the colour mixing too,
coveting:
A Camilla Perkins piece of art because I find her use of colour and mark making absolutely joyous!
Camilla is based in Lewes, which is near me so I often recognise the local subjects she paints which makes them extra special. She love sto paint wild cottage gardens, and rural homes and I love the way you can feel like the palnts are swaying the in the breeze.
Don’t hesitate to let me know what you are loving this month, I find it particularly important time of year to feel motivated and inspired. I’m thrilled to see the bulbs that I planted at the end of last year are pushing through the soil and I love the anticipation of bright colour that they’ll bring.
Do you want to discover your style and get confident with colour? My online courses will help you navigate the incredible world of interior design with ease and inspiration. Click here.
