A Very Good Morning Lovely People!

I have returned from Germany, footsore but very happy with our haul!

The trip started well as we flew from Heathrow and the Check-In section that I used had just installed new scanning machines, so one no-longer has to extract liquids, laptops etc from luggage - it just sails through; progress - yay!

The Design Exhibition was colossal, although it is fair to say that one must wade through a great deal of ugliness to find the good stuff! I suppose that is what makes it so exciting when one comes across a collection that makes the toes tingle!

We found several British brands making wonderful pieces, which was encouraging as the UK News keeps telling us that manufacturing is waning. I can attest that it is very much alive and producing exemplary work!

We had a couple of spare hours on our last day and so visited 'Christmas World', an enormous space featuring festive decorations. I expected this to be a bit much (too commercial etc), however it was absolutely charming. We felt like we were in Santa's Grotto ( Santa's Aircraft Hanger would be more accurate!) and were seduced by a forest of Christmas trees that hang from the ceiling and spin slowly around! 
It was magical and I want one! Only 11 months to wait!

We were in Germany when news of the earthquakes came through, and there were many Turkish businesses present at the Show, which was heartbreaking for them. When one sees destruction on this scale it is absolutely overwhelming. We made a B-Line for as many Turkish companies as we could - it was all that we could think of to do in the moment, hoping that supporting Turkish businesses would somehow help a little. I am very proud of the reaction to this disaster, we even have an 'Earthquake Appeal' in out little village!

We also managed to contact our glass, 'grape lamp' producers in Syria( more from them next week1) and they are all OK thank goodness - their home could feel the tremors, but is too far away from the epicentre to cause damage.

Overall the trip was a great success, with some really beautiful wood/glass/ceramic creations winging their way to us. My only complaint was that the food in Frankfurt was a little too 'literal', and the sight (and SMELL!) of thousands of people tucking into enormous frankfurters will linger!

As soon as I left home, Teddy the Puppy became very poorly and stopped eating, so there was a mad panic and trip to the vet. There is nothing worse than this happening when one is away and can do nothing to help. The good news is that he is recovering - he either ate something bad or picked up a bug.

TTP did have a wonderful time at 'Puppy Socialisation Club' last Saturday, despite being the smallest, and getting knocked over a lot - I have to curb my instincts to pick him up when this happens! He played for 40 minutes but had had enough after that, so sat on my feet and watched the Spaniels and Whippets bounding around. There was a Cockapoo with so much energy that I thought that she might actually catch fire! I felt very sorry for her owners who looked exhausted! We are visiting again this morning as one is only a puppy until 18 weeks (apparently!)
and so Teddy is on the cusp of adulthood !

The products that we purchased at the start of the year are beginning to arrive, which has made me happy. Buyers are always in search of the new, which is both a joy and a curse!

One of my favourite discoveries is, in my humble opinion, a 'design classic' and will be with us for many years. 

'Bobbin' or 'Spool' furniture has made a serious comeback in the last two years. The style originated in Northern Europe in the late 17th century, however was mass-produced in the late 19th and synonymous with a 'country' look in the UK and painted with pale or bold colours in Scandinavia.

Modern aesthetics have re-evaluated this design, appreciating that it is, in fact, simple and minimalist. Antique side-tables and corner chairs that used to be available for a song, are now selling for exorbitant prices, and contemporary furniture designers are re-creating
them - again at a very high cost.

I adore this style and so was absolutely thrilled to find a collection of 'Bobbin' salt and pepper grinders ( lacquered to a high gloss), in a myriad of different shades and at a good size( 23.5cm).

This collection is 'design-perfection' on so many levels.

Firstly, each grinder comes with both an 'S' (for salt) and 'P' (for pepper) steel knob, so the choice is yours. The grinders are made from 'rubber wood', which is farmed and a by-product of the latex industry. The trees are felled at the end of their useful life and instead of being burned and releasing carbon, are made into furniture or... grinders! The is a medium hard-wood so is very hard-wearing.

Finally, the multi-layers of lacquer produce a colour of extraordinary depth and sheen. The shades are just exquisite; there's 'Orange' and 'Yellow' for the bright young things! Navy and Racing Green for the classicists, and 'Cherry' or 'Green Leaf' for the modern sophisticates. My interior-design friends also encouraged me to purchase 'Cappuccino,' which, as one would expect, is a milky-coffee colour and very chic indeed!

Frankly, they thrill me to pieces on every front and I want them all! I cannot decide if we should mix the colours or be purist and purchase two of the same( actually I do know, as I am a very 'matchy' person!) and which colour should it be? The brights are soo sunny and happy but the 'Cherry' is elegant!
I shall let the Good Doctor choose!
 

And now for Picture Frames!

I know, I have never mentioned these before as we haven't stocked them for over ten years. Digital cameras came along and photographs are now housed on our computers or mobile phones.

This has always seemed a great shame to me. In my grandparent's home, there were always pictures of family and friends displayed on almost every surface and it was so memorable to see magic moments from their lives every day. How often do we look at digital pictures from last year, let alone five years ago?

I have decided that this is simply wrong, and so shall lead a crusade for the restoration of framed photographs around the home!

They make lovely gifts too - so thoughtful and long-lasting. It is Valentine's Day this week - did you think that I had forgotten?! - and what better gift than a framed picture of two people enjoying a special moment  - recently,
or perhaps when they first met?

I have discovered some old b/w family shots dating back to the 1920's and I have framed them for my niece, so that one day she will have photographs of her great grandparents and her great, great grandparents and even one of her great, great, great grandmother! These now exist physically (in frames!) - one wonders what will happen to digital family photographs in the future?
Will they be lost in the ether?

And so - for your delectation and (I hope!) inspiration, a have selected some gorgeous frames to celebrate happy memories........... and
decorate your home, naturally!

First, a collection of enamel frames trimmed with silver ( 5 x 7 inches) in orange, taupe, teal and fern. These are a lovely size as they are not tiny, but do not need too much space so can be moved around.

We have a slightly larger version( 8 x 10 inches) in grey chiffon or taupe -  I picked both because they seem to absorb the colours of everything around, so settle nicely into any interior!

And finally, a silver-plated 'bamboo' frame, which adds a little bit of 1920's glamour to the proceedings!

A photograph on the desk, by the bed or on the mantelpiece will raise a smile everyday, reminding us of those we have loved.....and those we continue to love. They should not be shut away on our laptops in a file - they
should be gazed upon !

While I am on the topic of St Valentine's Day, I Love It!

I know that it is commercial and viewed by many as a 'Hallmark' celebration, however I happen to believe that there is something wonderful about celebrating romance!

The Good Dr and I will be at home for Feb 14th this year as we celebrated our Wedding Anniversary last week and I have only been back in the country for a few days, however I shall be preparing a romantic feast and adding a thoughtful gift and card. Out nearest and dearest should feel appreciated, even if it is a little token.

We have a lovely, perfumed 'dry body oil' that are just the ticket in the cold winter months as this will scent and moisturise, leaving skin glowing and kissable! Or perhaps a pair of pale, pink cashmere socks to keep toes warm as well a curling! A perfumed soap will not break the bank but is a luxurious treat - we have one called 'Romantica', scented with roses and peonies!

For Gentlemen, a cider and cinnamon soap/shampoo bar from Nova Scotia Fisherman is again, gentle and kind to skin, and will leave it appley -fresh - in a manly way of course! Or perhaps some ecologically responsible socks made from bamboo in a nice, optimistic colour that will make him smile?

 

A classic choice is, of course fragrance. It's a tricky decision whether to select a scent that they wear regularly, or to choose something new.

For me it always has to be the latter, as this shows that you have carefully considered what will make them happy - been thoughtful and taken some time. I am lucky, as the Good Doc loves scent - although I have noted that my new bottle of sandalwood fragrance seems to be disappearing at an alarming rate!

Here are 3 fragrances for women and three for men, just to get you started - and don't forget that we can provide a sample of any fragrance for the recipient to try before opening the bottle, so that we can exchange, just in case
(a useful safety net for us all!).

For Her

'Cleopatra' from Tocca - this is an 'amber floral', which means that it is warm. Full of tuberose and jasmine ,this is sensual, sophisticated and elegant - but a little but naughty!

Our own, divine, 'Rose Cologne'' is modern, fresh and bright, with a hint of lipstick!

103 from Bon Parfumeur - this fragrance is light, fresh and very wearable with frangipani, hibiscus, Sambac jasmine and a lovely soft vanilla at the base.
 

Besides 'Puppy Playtime', I intend to stay put this w/e, as have been travelling a great deal of late.

We did have a spectacular Wedding Anniversary supper at 'The Parson's Table' last Saturday and, if you are ever in the locale, I heartily recommend it. Every course was sensational - both visually, and in terms of flavour, and we cannot wait to return! Only once in a great while does one come across a truly great restaurant!

I received the most beautiful vintage vase, in amber glass, from our favourite vintage/antique emporium '24' in Arundel, and it was filled to the brim with the most glorious roses! You see - romance is alive and kicking!

And on that note I shall bid you a fond farewell. Happy Valentine's Day to everyone - and have a smashing weekend however you decide to spend it.

I will see you next Saturday, bright and early!

Michael x