I recently shared on my Instagram page one of the best pieces of advice I’d ever been give to keep my mental health intact – “don’t feel guilty for prioritising you”. We are all facing additional struggles of living through a pandemic, from home schooling the kids to worries about the future; so occasionally escaping…
Tips on styling your mantelpiece
Growing up in the 1970s and 80s, my mum worked as a window dresser and so every shelf, mantel and cabinet in our home was displayed to perfection. Books that matched the colour of the room; bits and bobs picked up from travels; and objects from shopping trips to Habitat. Decades later and I notice…
Giving my lounge a new look
One of the great joys about lockdown is having the time to get stuck into a bit of decorating and I’m delighted to say that over the past few months I have actually learnt how to wallpaper (with the help of my 14 year old son!). A few weeks into self-isolation I ordered new paper…
Be bold and be colourful
One of the questions I get asked most on Instagram is “how can I be more brave with colour?”. Undoubtedly, I am someone who has surrounded myself with a vibrant palette in my home; each room is bursting with blues, greens, reds and yellows. But to tell you the truth, most of it happens by…
Colour makes me happy
You know how good you feel when the sun is shining? I always think the use of colour in my home is just like a sunny day. I love the brightness I get from using a whole palette to decorate; how even on a grey Monday morning, my home still makes me smile. When I…
Plants are good for the soul
If you’re anything like me then you’re a bit of a plant queen. From cacti and rubber and snake to succulent, every room in my home is filled with green goodness … my kitchen alone houses 42 potted beauties! I love the instant colour they bring, their lush leaves brightening up a corner or shelf,…
Can your decor impact on your emotions?
I was asked this question recently for a magazine feature about my home … “Do you believe that the furniture and the decor you surround yourself with have a way of impacting your emotions?“ I immediately thought of my vintage leather club chair; it may be old and battered (and many will think it’s seen…
So what does being present mean?
If you’ve discovered my blog because you follow me on Instagram you’ll know there’s one thing I talk about a lot … being present. I often get asked what I mean by that term so I thought I’d explain how it has helped me. I have always been one of life’s control freaks, someone who…
How my family cope with anxiety
Share your favourite jokes and memes because having a right good giggle reduces stress, increases energy and helps you stay focused. Both of my children are diagnosed with syncope – that’s the medical term for fainting – and it’s brought on by anxiety and stress. When my son started high school, nearly three years ago,…
THE HAPPY VINTAGE LOVER 