The Style PA at Home

SHOPPING - Top Home Buys For February

2012-02-13T22:52:00.000Z

If there's one way to update your kitchen for spring it's with a splash of colour. I love the lime, pink and purple bins on offer from Sabichi. With a practical pedal operation, removable inner bucket and non-slip base you think they'd cost more than £35 for a 30 litre capacity. But no, these are bargains!

2. Cara Gray art

If you've a love of fashion, Paris and art then you won't be able to resist the work of Cara Gray. The collection of artwork captures a beguiling spirit that's enchanting and covetable.

3. A Scarlet & Argent throw

I love this Albion blanket from Scarlet & Argent. In cream, red and blue, it gives a nod to this year's patriotic events but is stylish enough to be timeless and last well beyond 2012.

REVIEW - Little Miracles Organic Drinks

2012-02-11T11:43:00.001Z

I am a bit of a slave to caffeine, yet I also know how bad drinks like Diet Coke are for me. But can an organic drink rival the caffeine drinks that we all get so hooked on? Little Miracles are hoping to help replace the boost of our usual drinks with all-natural ingredients, free from artificial colours, flavours and sweeteners.

There are three flavours to choose from which I got to try recently:

White tea, Ginseng, Cherry & Acai
This was my favourite of the bunch because I loved the cherry flavouring that comes through.

Green tea, Ginseng, Pomegranate & Acai
This version was tasty and refreshing. Nice and fruity.

Black tea, Ginseng, Peach & Acai
This was my least favourite of the three, it did really remind me of peach tea that my Nan used to drink though. If you like that, you'll like this.

So do they give you energy? I think I'd need to test them out as a replacement for my diet coke for a longer period of time to know for sure. But drinking one in the morning felt pretty good and even if the ingredients aren't quite as dramatic for an energy boost, then just having a healthier alternative to replace nasty fizzy drinks could be enough to wean you off your caffeine addictions.

Enjoy all of these drinks straight from the fridge or with plenty of ice, that's how I felt it tasted best. Overall, all the flavours didn't feel too watered down or too intense, the levels of flavour were definitely about right. It's still caffeine so it isn't a complete fix to the problem of getting hooked on it, but at least the sweetness is derived from natural sources rather than being synthetic.

You'll find the drinks in the likes of Waitrose, Holland & Barrett and Morrisons, among other retailers, retailing around the £1.50 mark. Find out more about them at the Little Miracles website.

GIFTS - Valentine's Cards From Lazy Oaf

2012-02-02T21:16:00.001Z

Looking for an uber-cool Valentine's card for someone special on 14 February? Lazy Oaf have some of my absolute favourites and they aren't all that conventional. In fact, I love the quirky, back-handed compliments the best. Which is your favourite?

Shop cards at Lazy Oaf

REVIEW - Godiva's Valentine's Chocolates

2012-01-30T22:54:00.001Z

Here's a tip for the guys, if you are going to buy her chocolates for Valentine's Day you had better make sure they're good ones. I was sent some lovely confectionery from the well-known chocolatier Godiva.

First up, I tried the new limited edition Mont D'amour collection (it's a hard life right). This selection is about innovation and craftsmanship in the form of delicious mousse-based fillings featuring ingredients from France, Belgium, Japan and Sicily.

Fraises Des Bois is a wild strawberry mousse covered in dark chocolate. The flavour of the mousse was soft and subtle and the intense chocolate provided a pleasant contrast.

Cassis Marron features chestnut mousse with blackcurrant filling, covered with milk chocolate and blackcurrant powder. This was the most intensely flavoured of the bunch, rich, aromatic and seductive with a surprising tang of blackcurrant.

Noisette Citron is Sicilian lemon and hazelnut mousse in white chocolate. I loved this one, fresh, creamy and light I'd probably choose it over the darker chocolates any day. The nuttiness is barely there, almost just hinted at and it's not too sharp or sweet either.

Matcha was a little different, featuring Japanese green tea mousse in dark chocolate. Not my favourite of the bunch but a nice twist that some might find pleasantly surprising.

Fraise is a dark chcolate cased strawberry mousse including fruit from the Belgian region of Wepion. This was another favourite of mine, really creamy and velvety, subtle flavours and not overly sweet. Very easy to eat a few (or perhaps I'm just greedy).

In addition to this fabulous selection, my boyfriend helped me test out the Godiva Valentine's Coeur Fraise chocolates which came in a set of five. They are filled with a similar mouse to the Fraise chocolate from the collection above, but they are covered in white chocolate and finished off with a dainty little red heart made from chocolate.

I've one more set to try, but I think I might save that one to give to my Valentine on Valentine's Day itself. I'm certain there will be no complaints at all... the way to a man's heart and all that.

FOOD - Salad Stats Infographic

2012-01-29T17:10:00.000Z

Some interesting stats that would suggest Americans are big salad eaters.

Infographic from... Mint.com Personal Finances

THRIFT - Do More With Less Challenge

2012-01-28T11:12:00.004Z

I was enlisted by VoucherCodes.co.uk and their Most Wanted blog to join their 'do more with less' challenge, a concept that's on most people's minds during the month of January. We are all trying to make up for over-spending at Christmas time, and feeling the pinch from making our pay packets stretch further. On top of that, I went on holiday over Christmas so I've had a nice big credit card bill to pay. It's time to get savvy!

Some people might opt for charity shops, vintage stores, boot sales etc. but actually, there are great deals to be had on the high street too, especially when it comes to homeware.

My approach to this challenge was to focus on what I actually need right now, and staying within the £50 budget. In January it doesn't really make sense to just go for impulse buys, regardless of what a good deal it might be.

I'm time-poor as well as money poor right now so I decided to check out the online sales. Although I work in online retail, I very rarely shop online. Having recently bought a (desperately needed) new bed and mattress in the sales the thing at the top of my shopping list were two extra pillows and a new bed linen set.

I looked around and did some price comparison and then finally opted for the Debenhams sale where I was able to snap up the following...

2 hollowfibre pillows set - £7. with 28 reviews and an average rating of 4.5 stars, this was a bargain buy. At just £3.50 a pillow, these would be perfect for sitting under neath my other two feather pillows that I already have. I've since tried them out and they are light, soft and definitely help me get a good night's sleep, which is the general aim. These aren't about looking pretty.

Green 'Joni Ribbon' bed linen set - Was £75, now £37.50. I love crisp white bed linen, and the green accent and pleats are a nice fresh touch. Again, this product had a 5 star rating through its customer reviews which really helps. The other selling point of this set is that it will fit with different decor, so if I end up moving in 6 months it's not going to look out of place. Yes you can get cheaper sets, but quality is really important with bedding in my eyes, it needs to wash well and feel nice against your skin.

Extra tips...

When shopping online, look at the ratings and reviews for a product. You don't want the hassle of having to send something back because it wasn't quite what you thought
Shop when there is free online delivery, or see if there is a collect-from-store service which should be free
Keep an eye on any voucher codes sites to see if there's an offer somewhere you are intending to shop, obviously VoucherCodes.co.uk is one to check.
Check out the returns policy, if it's free you won't run the risk of extra expenditure if you need to send it back

DRINK - Douwe Egberts ground coffee packs

2012-01-22T21:11:00.000Z

Coffee lovers, this post is for you! Over the past couple of months I've been trying out some coffee from Douwe Egberts. I went out and got a cafetiere and invited my work colleagues to help themselves to six new varieties of coffee. Read on or find out more on Facebook.

House Blend (Strength 3) This is a great blend for everyday coffee, something you can drink at your desk at leisure. True coffee lovers mind find it a bit bland, but for me it was tasty and very easy to drink.

Café Milano (Strength 3) A laid-back blend with Italian charm. This wasn't cited as anyone's favourite, but was nice enough.

Flavourful Decaff (Strength 3) This was perfect for the office because one of my colleagues is actually allergic to caffeine. We all tried the decaff coffee and agreed there was no compromise on flavour, a good switch for anyone concerned about their caffeine intake.

Time Together (Strength 4) One of my co-workers said: "This coffee is quite nutty and smooth. Enjoyable with milk and very easy to drink as it isn’t bitter at all." I tried it too and found it to be quite enjoyable, even for a non-coffee drinker.

Morning Americano (Strength 5) designed to be drunk first thing in the morning, this coffee packs just enough punch to get your started.

Fired Up (Strength 6) with dark-roasted beans and intense flavours this was a favourite of the more hardened coffee drinkers. Definitely a bit too strong for me, but if you like your coffee dark and strong it's a winner. One colleague said: "Fired Up’ packs a punch with deep, rich flavour. Surprisingly it isn’t bitter but it’s strength is in the strong, earthy taste. A wake up call and a half!"

We didn't have a coffee machine so I picked up a really inexpensive cafetiere at Debenhams.

SHOPPING - Top Home Buys for January

2012-01-08T20:35:00.000Z

The sales are in full swing and that means there are bargains to be had. I've picked out a few pieces that have caught my eye in January...

Red Napkin Holder Bull & Matador - Bouf - Was £15, Now £12

You've gotta love this quirky addition to your dining table. Of course, it works best if you pony use red paper napkins too. It's a great little gift idea as well.

Designer Radiators - B&Q

Radiators can be ugly old things, so if you've doing up your home then getting some sleek designer radiators is a fab idea. I love ones which use up spaces that otherwise wouldn't be used, like under the low window pictured, and I love the mirrored version even more - such a practical yet stylish solution. For a limited time, B&Q are offering 15% off.

A La Cornue CornuFé 110 cooker

Agyness Deyn has one of these in her New York apartment and George Clooney and Brad Pitt are also reported to have one. They come in some great colours too including refreshing pastels.

By Nature Wildlife Havens

By Nature has launched a new set of pretty widlife havens, including a nesting box, bird feeder and insect hotel. Not only are they a great idea for supporting the wildlife near your home, they look really fab too. I love the pastel accent shade. The are all under £15. They have been designed by Sophie Conran, interior designer and daughter of Sir Terence Conran.

The S'well Wine Bottle (available in USA)

This 750ml bottle is designed to keep white wine chilled at picnics or social events. S'well wine bottles are handy and keeps wine cool for up to 24 hours, plus the stainless steel won't add any flavour to the wine itself.

SHOPPING - Top Home Buys for November

2011-11-13T20:51:00.001Z

1. And Chocolate Print - Bouf - £35

Show someone you care with this fab typographical print from One Must Dash, available at Bouf. I'm a big fan of monochrome prints and that's what I've got in my home. It somehow jars less with your decor which is also great if you move home quite a bit and want something to work with any decor.

2. Chick A Dee Smoke Alarm - Dutch by Design - £42.50

This quirky smoke alarm is a first for me as I've never seen someone do something different with this functional essential. You have to have one so it may as well look pretty.

3. The Edible Flower Bouquet - By Nature - £35

Like the idea of giving a bunch of flowers but don't like the wastage? What about giving a bunch that can be eaten afterwards? By Nature have a fab herb bouquet which can be used in the kitchen for a fully functional gift. The bunch includes bay, sage, chillis, rosemary and pepperleaf - what a fab idea!

INSPIRATION - GANT Home Collection SS12

2011-11-01T22:51:00.000Z

I recently went to the GANT press day for SS12 and here's a sneak peek at the homeware collection for next season. A coordinating palette of soft blues and neutrals with the occasional pop of red. It's all rather patriotic and flirts with both beach house, nautical styling and all-American design details like stars and stripes.

I loved the textured, cable knit throws and mix of striped linens used on the bed together. The striped styles reminded me of pyjamas and toothpaste, two things which are associated with bedtime.

Explore the full GANT home collection

ART - Inspiration From the Saatchi Gallery

2011-10-23T15:13:00.002+01:00

My boyfriend recently started a design course and I've been surprised by how much I am getting inspired from it. With projects to work on at home and tasks to complete I've been enjoying hearing all about it. One such task was to visit an art gallery or exhibition so we both went along to the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea. It's free to visit and well worth taking a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon to wander round.

I took lots of pics and have picked out a few of my faves below...

These crunched cars are by Dirk Skreber and taking them out of the usual, and rather distressing setting, they actually become striking and intriguing. Quite how it was all put together I don't know, but it was great to be able to see everything up close.

I snapped this picture because the colours worn by the girl sitting in the foreground tied in with the art installation behind her. The hollow tree trunk had been filled with brightly coloured foam. Rather surreal, but good fun too. The pictured art is by Folkert de Jong, as are the next few pieces I photographed.

Below are some rather ambiguous looking figures, sculpted by Rebecca Warren. They are crudely crafted with exaggerated body parts, and made from clay.

I loved this next piece as it reminded me of Tron. It's by Björn Dahlem and called The Milky Way.

And here's another using light, this time coloured neon. I love the chaotic mix of brights which make up these two separate installations.The first is by David Batchelor. There seems to have been lots and lots of light used within modern art, and it doesn't show signs of slowing down if these are anything to go by.

GADGETS - Philips PerfectCare Iron Review

2011-10-13T19:27:00.000+01:00

I hate ironing. In fact, I hate it so much that I rarely do it, perhaps twice a year I might break out the iron and tackle those creases. But when Philips got in touch to see if I wanted to give their PerfectCare Iron a go I figured I had best say yes. My boyfriend also encouraged me... but I think that's just so I could get started on his shirts.

Here's what the PerfectCare iron claims to do:

100% effective on all fabrics, iron any fabric in any order without having to change the settings
Up to 2 hours of steam ironing from one tank of water
100% safe on all ironable garments
The SteamGlide soleplate has great scratch resistance, excellent gliding and is easy to clean
Ready to use in 2 minutes

Being the good girlfriend that I am, I did start with his shirts and t-shirts. The claims that this iron glides over all fabrics easily are definitely true. It's a breeze! It did feel quite gentle on the shirts and t-shirts though and I think the overall finish could have been slightly better. Perhaps a few extra minutes taken over each garment would have resulted in perfection but I figured the quick method was good enough. Round 1... 7/10.

But to really put the claims to the test I decided to get out a silk dress that had been folded in a basket for months (it fits me again after a stint on Weight Watchers hurrah!) The dress is an ombre silk dress from Principles that I've had a while and to be honest I didn't even think I could iron it due to the shiny finish to the fabric, but after checking the label I saw that yes I could.

This is where the iron really becomes worth the money. There is only one heat setting but the claims say that it won't burn your clothing. I tentatively put the iron on the fabric and low-and-behold there was nothing but gentle steam and creaseless fabric. No nasty scorch marks, no dodgy patches. The fabric I was ironing was extremely light and thin and I was totally impressed with the results. Round 2... 10/10.

Before...

... and after.

The size of the steam generating part of the iron is pretty bulky, or at least I might struggle to store it inconspiculously in my tiny flat, but it is pretty quiet when in use and the iron itself isn't very heavy. As for the claims, yes it did heat up straight away, I didn't have to worry about changing fabrics and it does glide almost effortlessly. It's the fact that it makes ironing so much easier that means the £230-£280 price tag could be well worth it for those who don't want to feel like ironing is more of a chore than it needs to be.

So my verdict? This is the must-have accessory for the fashionista's wardrobe to keep those fabulous purchases looking their best. Will I be using it on his shirts? Probably not, life's too short to slave away ironing other people's clothes and frankly I'm selfishly saving this iron for all my special garments.

You can buy it at John Lewis.

BEDROOM - Agent Provocateur Bed Linen Collection

2011-10-12T21:40:00.002+01:00

From high-end lingerie to homeware... it might not seem like an obvious step, but in the case of Agent Provocateur it makes perfect sense. The new collection of bedding aligns with everything the brand stands for - it's luxurious, sensual and premium.

The models seen posing with the bed linen will certainly catch the eye but with frills, satins and beautiful details the bedding really does stand alone too. The colour palette is rich and opulent, but I'd be interesting to see how it shifts come Spring/Summer. The price tags are pretty steep, but if it makes you feel like the woman in the video preview then perhaps it's worth every penny...

Shop Agent Provocateur bed linen

NEWS - Wayne Hemingway Creates A Unique Umbrella

2011-10-02T13:25:00.001+01:00

Coca Cola and British designer Wayne Hemingway have teamed up for a special eco project. Coca Cola recently launched their new PlantBottle™ Plastic, their first ever 100% recyclable bottles which are partially made from plants and Wayne has designed a special umbrella to celebrate the launch.

Wayne Hemingway champions sustainable living and each umbrella is made from only five plastic bottles. The fabric of the umbrella is made entirely from 100% recycled plastic bottles which have been crushed and then processed back into yarn. Clever! The look of the brolly design is inspired by Brazilian sugar-cane, which is the sustainable source of the plant-based material used in the new packaging.

The best thing about the new plastic bottles is that the customer won't be able to tell the difference between the recycled ones and the old ones. It's an important step in reducing the company's carbon footprint. When you are a company as massive as Coca Cola, it's a responsibility to play a key role in sustainable projects.

Wayne Hemingway comments: “We hope this limited edition umbrella will get people thinking and ultimately inspire them to play their vital role in recycling their bottles – so Coca-Cola‘s new PlantBottle™ packaging can be re-used again and again.”

The designer umbrella will be available in Harvey Nichols Stores nationwide from September 12th for a limited period only and from the 26th September, it will also be available on CokeZone.co.uk

Find out more about the 100% recyclable bottles

I'll be carrying my Wayne Hemingway designed umbrella as soon as this heatwave gives way to the inevitable British rainy weather.

IDEAS - Bedroom Ideas for Boisterous Boys

2011-09-26T23:13:00.000+01:00

I was recently sent the latest bedroom ideas catalogue from Feather & Black. Although they offer furniture for adults and children, it was the children's ranges that they contacted me about and they are really lovely. Following on from my earlier post on ideas for girls' bedrooms, here are some style ideas for boys' bedrooms too...

Fun motifs
For younger boys, I love the shark print that Feather & Black stock, on rugs, cushions and soft storage. I used to work in an aquarium so I'm partial to underwater scenes and references, especially for kids. Prints, patterns and fun characters are almost expected for children but they do brighten up their bedroom.

Storage
Having a child definitely comes with a lot of clutter and you might find that your boy has more belongings than you do! In this case, hide things away in his bedroom with a great storage solution. The Noah Storage range at Feather & Black is a great option. With shelves, cupboards and drawers which can easily be removed or moved about, it's a versatile storage solution. The units are modular too so you can pick and mix the parts that suit your needs.

A desk
Before he's old enough for games consoles, a desk is perfect for drawing and story writing. Once he gets older you'll probably have to supply him with a laptop and nag him to finish his homework so enjoy it while it lasts. No matter the age though, a desk is an important item for a boy's bedroom.

Bunk beds
Got more than one boy and not enough space for separate rooms? Try the classic bunk bed which frees up floor space for them to charge around playing games. The Noah bunk beds from Feather & Black are great for smaller children, plus they transform into two separate beds so you can change things up if you need to.

Older boys
For older boys slick, industrial furniture can be an appealing choice. The Sydney set is made from powder coated steel and includes filing cabinet style drawers which are a great touch. Plus, it's got the desk built in which is one less thing to worry about.

Shop more childrens bedroom furniture at Feather & Black.

EVENT - London Blogging Tutorial Spots up for Grabs

2011-09-24T12:36:00.000+01:00

New to blogging? Want to know how to get started or grow your audience?

If yes, you could come along and find out more from me. I have 3 style blogs, contribute to Yell.com's interior blog and also run the blog for Debenhams. I've got 5 spaces up for grabs to my beginners tutorial next week so if you want to come along as my guest simply email me at jenny@thestylepa.com with a link to your blog, or a description of your blog idea and the one thing you'd really like to find out. I'll pick 5 ticket winners on Tuesday night.

Event: Beginners blogger tutorial
When: 1.30pm, Saturday 1 October 2011
Where: Westfield London, W12 7SL
With: Me

Plus if you are a bit more of an experienced blogger, Fashion Foie Gras and Disney Roller Girl are also holding tutorials. View full tutorials info.

Read the full post over on The Style PA

IDEAS - Beautiful Bedrooms For Little Girls

2011-09-10T10:22:00.001+01:00

Whether you're welcoming a new arrival or redecorating as your little girl grows up, something pretty but practical is likely to be top of your list for their bedroom.

I recently became aware of a retailer called Feather & Black who offer some great furniture and home accessories for kids' spaces. From my own experience, children are becoming far more interested in the decoration of their rooms and older girls may even want to choose everything. With littler ones it's all up to you of course. Here are some great ideas that caught my eye from Feather & Black...

Coordinating bedroom ranges

If you've got a little bit of money to spend and want a stylish solution for your child's bedroom then a coordinating set is a great idea. Matching furniture from beds and bunk beds to storage and shelving all tie together for a lovely scheme. There's a good mix of smaller children's beds and more grown up furniture sets as they get older. I love the white 'Charlotte' set which features a rather grown up and gorgeous dressing table and bed side table.

Floor cushions

Create a cosy atmosphere with fabulous printed and patterned floor cushions. These are great for creating a little den or for when they've got friends over. Plus the colours and patterns are very pretty and will look lovely within the bedroom's design scheme. Be quick though, these currently have great discounts.

Soft storage

Little girls always need storage what with all the toys, clothes and accessories. The soft storage pieces available at Feather & Black are a great idea. Not only are they practical, they're safe too for little ones as there are no sharp corners or solid bits to bump into. Whether it's a soft tub for throwing all their toys in or a hanging solution for clothes, there are some great options available.

Plus don't forget those great ideas for hiding away the clutter like under-bed storage. Toy boxes or blanket boxes can have a cushion added on top to double up as an occasional seat.

Shop more childrens bedroom furniture at Feather & Black.

RENOVATION - A Hove Home Fit for a Lord

2011-09-05T21:01:00.002+01:00

Ricky and Gemma got in touch with me a while back to share some pictures of a renovation they had carried out on a Brunswick Square flat in Hove. The area is highly sought-after for property and although the renovation work presented many challenges the finished result is stunning. There was fire damage and numerous original features covered up following the 1970s conversion of the building into flats.

You can read more about their project over on my post for Yell.com or see the before and after photos below...

DESIGN - Smack Nightclub's LED Room

2011-09-01T21:09:00.002+01:00

I love clubbing (when I can find a fellow raver to go with) and I love the idea behind the LED room at Smack Nightclub in Leamington Spa. Watch the video to see the amazing control and creative lighting effects that it enables. It really can adapt to fit perfectly the music playing.

Now I'm dreaming of the day that I've got a house big enough to create my very own LED room in. A bit frivolous perhaps? Yeah probably. But don't worry... I'll invite you all along when I get one.

DESIGN - An Amazing Use of Glass in a Home

2011-08-24T21:56:00.000+01:00

I had to share this amazing Town House in Chelsea using glass to create a modern look and a feeling of space and light. The basement living area feels light and airy due to the openness of the stairs which are also lit up with blue and purple lights. But it's outside that really shows off the use of glass. Those amazing windows lead out to a garden where the balcony has glass instead of balustrades.

Read more about the use of glass in this project over on my post for Yell.com's interior design blog.

INTERIORS - A Yacht I Could Live in

2011-08-13T19:47:00.000+01:00

Earlier this week I went sailing on a racing yacht (you can see the pics over on The Style PA for Men). But we also had the chance to sail on a very different boat, a sun-seeker with a lovely deck and beautiful living quarters. I've seen many yachts from the outside in the past, but very few have I had the pelasure of exploring properly until this one and i can definitely see the appeal.

The boat had 3 bedrooms, each with a bathroom of its own and decorated just as a luxurious hotel room would be. The living area had a large flat screen TV and big comfortable sofas. Then it was down a fewsteps to the kitchen/dining area and another dining table at the back of the boat. On top there was a sun deck where the boat could be driven from and where there was another table and room for sunbathing too.

I can imagine just floating around the Med on it, hopping off in beautiful harbours for dinner. For one day, at least I could pretend...

DESIGN - The Violin Factory

2011-08-06T18:55:00.000+01:00

I was recently invited to an event called The House of Hugo Boss which was set up to allow bloggers to experience 3 of their classic fragrances. The venue they chose for the event was a place called The Violin Factory near Waterloo and Southbank in London. The moment I walked in I was in love, it's a fabulous space that was restored over 2 and a half years by the architect owner. You may have seen it on Grand Designs.

You can read more about the house over on my post for Yell.com's interior design blog. Do take a look.

After the event my boyfriend and I took a stroll along the Southbank. Regardless of the fact that I've been a Londoner for over 2 years now, it never really gets old. It was lovely and sunny too which is always nice.

SHOPPING - Top Home Buys for July

2011-08-01T21:15:00.000+01:00

1. Metallic linen bedspread - Toast - Was £298, now £106.20

This gorgeous blue metallic bedspread from Toast is now available at a huge discount. Get set for Autumn early and save yourself almost £200 in the process. I love the soft, denim blue colour which looks great styled with country chic bed linen.

2. The Bose Companion® 20 multimedia speaker system - £199

I used to be a proper hi-fi geek and still think a great pair of speakers are super important for anyone who enjoys music. I recently threw out my old computer speakers which had broken and am currently plugged into my main amp and speakers. However, if I am to move my computer to another room I'd want a decent pair of computer speakers and this new set from Bose would be ideal. No need for a subwoofer and cler, natural sound is the claim and in my experience the brand delivers on its promises.

3. Seletti's quirky kitchenware - Bouf

I love these quirky kitchen essentials available at Bouf. Choose from Platinum effect or ceramic in a range of fun styles. From an eggbox carton to takeaway tubs, they are full of character and sure to impress your guests or at least keep them talking.

4. Hey Diddle Diddle picture - Bouf - £50

I love pictures with words. I've got a great London map made up of place names in my flat and I recently spotted some more awesome word art pictures too. This one would be great for a kids nursery or as a present to someone who has recently become a parent. It features lots of different nursery rhymes, all laid out with cute fonts and graphics to bring to life that rhyme. I simply love it. There are more like this too including a horror movie one.

5. The House & Home by Lisa Stickley collection at debenhams

The new season collection has been given a style update and features great crockery and serveware in a palette of pastels, cream and red with striking polka dots and floral designs. My sister would absolutely love this stuff. Plus I've met the lady behind the range and she's just as lovely as the collection.

YELL - 1950s Style Inspiration

2011-07-28T07:07:00.001+01:00

BBCs new drama The Hour has inspired my latest post for Yell.com's interiors blog.Take a look at how 1950s style and design is still important today.What is your favourite aspect of the 1950s?

Read full post on Yell.com

The Axia sideboard pictured above is by Paolo Piva, a designer for Poliform, and I just love it. Retro yet modern, subtle yet with that pop of colour. It's a pretty premium product, but you can buy it here.

RECIPE - Marmite Burgers

2011-07-26T13:57:00.002+01:00

I got a cool email from the folk over at Marmite yesterday with a recipe that Marmite-lovers might like to try. Marmite burgers will certainly add a little something extra to your summer BBQ, and I can honestly say I've never heard of it before. A truly original idea... let me know if you are a lover or a hater. Personally, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

If you are a lover then you should definitely become a fan of Marmite on Facebook - people over there have some amazing ideas on how to enjoy their fave food. And by 'amazing' that includes the odd, unusual and damn tasty.