I'm so lucky that I have got a partner that can build practically anything he turns his hand to around my home. It's not what he does for a living but he believes anyone can make things if they put their mind to it. One of the reasons we bought this house was to put our own stamp on it. It's just a modest 1930's house but it still has a lot of its original features.

It has two chimney breasts into which we have put log burners. However, the chimney breasts did present us with a problem. What would we do with the alcoves? We came up with the idea of a DIY bookcase that S promptly designed, then made an MDF box to fit a very awkward space (1930's houses are not the straightest!) S made the shelves different sizes to fit different sized books, vases of flowers and a lamp.

I had quite a few books that I wanted to hand (book hoarder!), and the bookcase is perfect. I love shabby chic and French styles as you can probably see. It houses my fashion and lifestyle books and I do tend to collect pretty notebooks so they stand on there too.

It's amazing how much it actually holds, it definitely adds interest to the room without it feeling cluttered. Everyone who visits my home, including my daughters friends, all make a beeline for the books.

1. Lightly toast the bread.
2. Whilst that is toasting, thinly slice a pear.
3. When the bread is toasted, brush on a little olive oil, and top it with the pear and some strips of French roast ham. Delicious!

A lovely day for wearing my Zara blazer, cold but beautifully sunny! I paired it with a blue and cream striped blouse and my darling Topshop jeans. I felt I needed a scarf to add a splash of colour so I had a hunt through my scarf drawer and I found this at the back. I had forgotten all about it; ideal, and with a picture of the Eiffel Tower!

The orange in the scarf is a perfect match for the bag, it has a detachable strap and I have to say I prefer using it more as a clutch.



We decided on a visit to the Botanical Gardens today, a lovely place to chill and relax all year round. I'm looking forward to the summer when we can lay out on the grass with a picnic, reading and watching the world go by. Around the corner from the park is a deli shop which make the most delicious sandwiches and melts. I am determined to have a go at recreating my own at home (watch this space!)


Blazer - Zara (wardrobe)
Blouse - Primark (wardrobe)
Jeans - Topshop (wardrobe)
Scarf - River Island (wardrobe)
Boots - Ebay find (wardrobe)
Handbag - Ebay shop (wardrobe)
Ring - Topshop (wardrobe)
Bracelet - (wardrobe)