FURNITURE - Contemporary Style by Ligne Roset

I first saw the Ligne Roset brand at their Brighton store when it opened a few years back. You notice the furniture straight away because it doesn't just look the same as everyone else's. Their style of contemporary furniture featuring unusual colours is pretty unique and makes for a striking statement in any home.

The living room furniture is what I am most drawn to. I've got a thing for interesting sofas and Ligne Roset has plenty. Whether it's something in a bright, bold colour, something textured or something modular - you'll find it all at the brand's stores or online. I couldn't ever purchase a sofa that I couldn't lounge on, for me a sofa is first and foremost about comfort and style comes in a close second. A spacious or corner sofa unit is the style I love most and Ligne Roset have several with deep seat areas with room for putting your feet up.

Ligne Roset is definitely a luxury brand and the pieces are investments for your home which will pass the test of time. Sturdy, well-made and with plenty of design having gone into each and every item. When researching the company I was surprised to learn that it had been around since the 1930s, with such a modern look it's easy to forget the heritage that comes with it. But when you look down the timeline for the brand, you can see the influences from decades gone by which are still seen in pieces today. Much of the key items can be traced to pieces from the 1970s, an era that's very much in fashion again now, for fashion and homeware.

The website is handy for inspiration but also features useful room-planning software which can be downloaded for free. You can have a play and find out which furniture styles work best for your space before you commit to buy.

Ligne Roset isn't just available in the UK either, you'll also find they have US stores and plenty of locations across the rest of the world too selling designer furniture that's high on style and quality. Prices are at the higher end but you do get what you pay for. Ligne Roset have a team of brilliant designers on board creating new and inventive products for the home.

See a few of my top Ligne Roset furniture picks below...

Bloom Lamp

Malhoun sofa

Snowdonia Bed

DIET - 600 Calorie Dinner & Dessert Challenge

I've recently embarked upon a healthy eating plan which includes Slimfast shakes and snacks. As part of the plan, 600 calories are allowed for a healthy dinner so I am trying to be as creative as possible to ensure I'm getting variety and a meal that fills me up so I'm not tempted to snack. I'll be posting some of my meals here for a little bit of inspiration to others in the same boat too... bikini weather is pretty much here already.

Today I stocked up on dinner and dessert at M&S...

DINNER
Cauliflower & chickpea curry with Garam Masala spiced aubergines and a long grain and yellow split pea rice. 350 calories, 3.99.
Bombay Aloo for two (yes I ate the lot) 180 calories, £1.99.

DESSERT
1/2 a Count on us thick and fruity yogurt - spiced rhubarb. 35 calories, 55p.
1 Meringue nest, 50 calories, 14p.

Total price: £6.67
Total calories: 615

Verdict: I feel full, the grub was tasty and dessert was delicious. I think I could do much better on price though, would prefer the lot to come in under at £5. I also went 15 calories over but it was worth it because I won't be needing anything else at all this evening.

This is all very good timing as I've been asked to take part in the Lighter Self Aussie challenge where us Aussie Angels will be trying to get healthier bodies and minds. Aussie have sent over a video to help kick start things too, see below for some easy exercises...

Aussie's Lusciously Light Videos: Part 1 from 1000heads on Vimeo.

My 600 calorie dinner and dessert challenge was something I was doing anyway as I've spent far too long stuffing my face, I hope I can shift a few lbs in time for the 3 weddings I have this season and fit into the gorgeous clothes I have sitting in my wardrobe.

Wish me luck and feel free to share any tips you've got too.

DINING - Liberty's New Kitchen and Dining Department

When I heard that there was a new department at Liberty I was excited. The products are beautiful there, but so is the way everything is laid out and displayed. The new room which launched in March is a kitchen and dining area filled to the brim with fabulous china ranges, cookware, glassware and other essentials (and non-essentials) for your kitchen and dining room.

For those looking for something special, Liberty has exclusive collections from the likes of Emma Bridgewater ('Splatter' and 'utility'), Burleigh ('Blac Gentian') and Wedgwood ('Nature's Canvas'). There was a fun red polka dot collection of products which I know my sister and fellow blogger Abbie will love, and the carefully selected range of British cookery books were also worth a look.

We had the chance to chat to the buying manager for home Michelle Alger who explained that the inspirations for the new room actually came from a friend of her's who owns a country pad in Norfolk. She says "it's all about accessorising your kitchen".

Have you been and checked out the new department yet? let me know what you think if you do.

Upcoming Liberty events:

Thursday 14 April: Wedgwood pot throwing demon
Wednesday 20 April: Burleigh Easter decoration demo
Thursday 5 May: Ceramic decoration workshop, tea tasting and lecture

BRAND - RE a Touch of Vintage Chic

I was recently invited to a breakfast event at Liberty to take a look at some brand new concepts. One of these was the satellite RE store that is coming to Liberty of London from 6 April. The theme of the pop-up shop is outdoor living; from gardening twine to furniture and al-fresco dining ranges too, there's something to inspire the green-fingerd and sun-loving among us. The products have all been curated by RE who have an incredible way of styling things to make you lust after them.

RE's beginnings are quite humble, in fact things started for the creators of the brand in a garage in Northumberland. Simon Young and Jenny Vaughan, who own the company, have a refreshing approach to their collections which includes vintage and mass produced items. It's this inventive mix of old and new which makes them stand out and they've got a cult following.

I love the vintage look for homes even though it isn't really what suits my own interior at the moment. One day perhaps I'll have a country cottage somewhere filled with gorgeous RE products. We had the opportunity to meet Michelle the buyer for homeware and the CEO of Liberty and you could just tell how excited they were about working with RE and to be able to give them a platform to sell their products within the prestigious backdrop of Liberty's.

Find out more about the pop-up RE store