THE GRAPEVINE - Cath Kidston Bags for Tesco

Cath Kidston has designed a range of collectible, re-usable bags to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care. The bags are made from recycled plastic and will be available exclusively at Tesco from early July. A minimum of £250,000 will be raised for Marie Curie, which is Tesco's charity of the year.

Tesco has a commitment to reducing the amount of bags it gives out. The number has been reduced by 1.3 billion since Tesco introduced green clubcard points in 2006. These bags are stronger and trendier than using plastic bags.

The two patterns shown will be available next month, but four more prints will be released over a six month period. There are limited stocks being produced so get yours early.

TRENDS - Eastern Promise

Photo Credit: Jennaphoenix on flickr.com

Touches of the Orient are a great way to update your decor. I love black lacquer furniture but don't follow the cliche and team it with red and cream. We all know that look has been done. Try a flash of orange, or yellow with white for a striking combination. If you think black might be a bit harsh for your interior, then opt for a dark wood or trawl antique shops for one off pieces.

Photo Credit: solsken on flickr.com

Certain flowers also evoke the orient so the additions to your look can be subtle and changeable. Try some bamboo, lanterns and Chinese silk fabrics.

Book Cabinet - Shimu - £695



Vanity Screen - Zenzu - £635

Photo Credit: Fernando.S on flickr.com

The look above follows the traditional oriental cliche in terms of colour, but the striped fabric adds something new.

Photo Credit: jamesjustin on flickr.com

This hotel room keeps thinks sleek and simple, but the oriental touches are still clear. The black satin cushions and shutters are a decadent touch.

THE GRAPEVINE - Degradable Bag Confusion

Photo Credit: Brainless Angel on flickr.com

You may have noticed recently that Tesco are giving out 'degradable' plastic bags instead of your usual carrier. I found out when 3 bottles of water fell through the bottom of my bag onto the pavement. I guess I should have brought my own 'eco friendly bag' and could have avoided the embarrassment.

Don't confuse the term 'degradable' with 'biodegradable' or 'compostable' as the three are different. Organic Life Magazine described them as the following...

Degradable - Oil based plastic that is chemically treated to make it fragment into smaller particles as it ages. Hence my bottles on pavement episode.

Biodegradable - Will break down through natural weathering and microbacteria, leaving very little residue.

Compostable - usually made from vegetable sources e.g. corn starch. These bags will break down quickest leaving no harmful residues that can contaminate food.

Although Tesco is taking steps to combat the amount of waste left in the environment, it is probably the least effective choice of bag of the three above. We must not use the term degradable as an excuse to just throw the bags on the ground.

That said, given the weakening of the bags, it seems more likely that these will be thrown away before being re-used than the original plastic bags. Perhaps that is just me being cynical though?

MOST WANTED - Tea Cup Chandelier

Large 8 Cup Chandelier - Madeleine Boulesteix - From £925

Using unusual materials in an inventive way Madeleine creates superb lighting features for her clients. I love this 8 cup chandelier and it would make a stunning addition to any home with enough space to hang it. As an experienced designer, Madeleine also makes one-off commissions if you can afford the price tag that goes with them.

What is really great about this piece is that it uses recyled items, and objects that would not usually be associated with lighting. Fresh thinking in its design is what makes this a 'most wanted' product.

See more at the website or contact info@madeleineboulesteix.co.uk

THE GRAPEVINE - My Style

Here are a few snaps from my home to show some of my latest purchases. I try not to spend too much as this enables me to chop and change the look without having to feel guilty.

Boxes to hold DVDs. These were bought from Ikea for around £2. If I change my decor, I can change these with ease, to match.


Beaded twigs in a red glass vase by the window. I worked in Debenhams home department as my very first job and these were our best seller. There was a waiting list to order them!


My desk lamp in hand blown glass, which gives off a really warm glow. Very cosy, with an energy saving bulb of course!


I have always wanted a chandelier, so I took the bargain option and purchased a perspex one from Ikea, just £12.99. People always comment on how nice it looks so I am glad I didn't shell out more money on the real thing.

SALE - 45% off at the Cotswold Company

The discounts are huge. Check out the website and get bargains for your home and garden. There is a great party tub to keep your drinks on ice, and some big savings on furniture. I am loving the classic deckchair and variety of sleek kitchen accessories. It is also the perfect place to find that difficult wedding gift for friends.

Click the link above for more...

MOST WANTED - Mirrored Cubes

Set of 3 Mirrored Cubes - Dwell - £175

Decorative and functional, these cubes are most definitely on my most wanted list. They could be used in different ways; as a plinth for a sculpture or vase, as side tables or stack them up to make them a feature as they are. Just make sure you have lots of glass cleaner, as every fingerprint will have to be cleaned off!

5 OF THE BEST - Freestanding Baths

If you have the space, a freestanding bath is a chic addition to your bathroom. The traditional Victorian bath is no longer the only option, many manufacturers have designed exciting products for your bathing pleasure. See some of my favourites below...

Chic Contemporary Freestanding Bath - Bathroom Express - from £1170



Victoria + Albert Capri Bath - Hyde Park Bathrooms & Kitchens



Small Designer Bath - Castello Luxury Baths



Essex Freestanding Roll Top - Ocean Bathrooms - £1285




Contemporary Tipper Bath - Bathroom Evolution - £296.65

MOST WANTED - Shady Lace Parasol

Green Shady Lace Parasol - Conran Shop - £210

Sometimes you need to sit in the shade, but some dappled sunlight is much nicer than blocking out the sun entirely. This green stencil cut parasol from The Conran Shop, is the ideal solution.

Designer Chris Kabel has got it spot on with the looks of this umbrella, as it will blend with, rather than oppose, the natural surroundings of your garden. And for those that have a concrete paradise, it will give the illusion of green space. I like it a lot!