Interiors

BoConcept Comes to Edinburgh

As with everyone with an interest in design, I’m always looking for ways to bring new ideas into my home. It follows that I was therefore delighted to find that BoConcept had opened a store in Edinburgh, featuring their beautiful designer furniture.

I headed along to the store on Rose Street to check out what they had in way of inspiration. We’ve recently repainted our living room and redesigned our playroom; and I’ve been working on finding things to finish off these rooms. I was keen to spy some accessories and gain some insight as to what I could do to make these spaces work better. Although my house may not be full of designer furniture, visiting the store was a great place to get some ideas.Read More »BoConcept Comes to Edinburgh

Design: How to Revamp your Hallway

Last March, I wrote about my intentions for re-vamping our hallway. Over the years we had completely neglected it as a space, and it had slowly filled with clutter.

I wanted to have a space that was more welcoming and give a better first impression for guests. As a room that visitors are guaranteed to see, it made sense that is should get some attention.

It’s actually been ‘re-vamped’ for several months now. I would love to say that was under our own steam but I finally caved and hired a decorator. N.B. Any Edinburgh people looking for a painter decorator – I can thoroughly recommend Billy of Cedar Décor!Read More »Design: How to Revamp your Hallway

Design: Smiggle

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Smiggle before our visit, but given I’m not one to turn down an opportunity – last Saturday I found myself with Ben and Katie, ready to explore the newest stationary shop to hit Princes Street.

Following our visit, I can thoroughly understand the catchline ‘Smiggle – where a smile meets a giggle!’ Read More »Design: Smiggle

A photo session with Anna Moffat

When Thomas was four months old, I took part in the Real Nappy Project run by a local organisation, Changeworks. Operating within Edinburgh and the Lothians, they provide trial and lending kits so that parents can try out real nappies alongside ‘Nappuccino’ mornings where parents can find out more about using real nappies and receive support from a team of volunteers.

Thomas’ skin had been reacting badly to disposable nappies, and keen to save money I decided to give the trial a go. It took me less than two weeks to be convinced that changing to ‘real nappies’ was the right thing for us as a family. Sadly, the Council has changed it’s funding priorities and the future of the project is very uncertain. Changeworks are hopeful that the subsidies for the lending and starter kits will continue, but nothing is certain at this point. If you’re keen to try out Real Nappies, or attend one of their Nappucino events – now it the time to do it!Read More »A photo session with Anna Moffat

Design: Things to Consider when Decorating your Hallway

We will have been in our house for six years this summer, but the room most neglected  is the one that probably matters the most : the hallway.

If you think about it, the hallway is actually the most used room of any house. It’s also the room that guests first see upon entering your house, so it makes sense to  make a good first impression.

Put bluntly, I’ve completely failed in this aim.  Although I’ve added various bits of art and photography over the years there are several things that need to change.Read More »Design: Things to Consider when Decorating your Hallway

Design: February Reading Review

Still making the best of my Kindle Unlimited subscription, I have continued with my reading challenge this month. As a result I have a number of books to review and recommend!

I’ve always enjoyed reading and am aware that I have probably read a fair number of books over the years – but I’ve never actually kept track of how many. After seeing ‘Good reads’ popping up on my Facebook page, I thought it would be fun to set a challenge of reading 52 books over the year.

I have no idea if this is more or less than I usually read but I thought it a reasonable number to help me get good value from Kindle Unlimited!

With a hectic half term with all three kids, and a poorly Thomas I’ve found my reading time a little restricted this month. I’ve managed to read eight books, two however being Short Stories. This isn’t a genre that I’ve opted for before but I find it difficult to shop on the Kindle, so have often picked books a little randomly! It’s certainly made for some interesting reading:Read More »Design: February Reading Review

Design: Photo Inspiration

Back in 2009, I embarked upon a ‘365’ challenge in which I took one photograph every day for a year. I started the year out with a simple bridge camera and ended up with a DSLR. I learnt an awful lot about discipline, acquired plenty of new skills and best all, made some wonderful friends.

Edinburgh had some awesome meet-up groups back then, with loads of people willing to teach and share their techniques. I found that it’s easy to learn one skill – and to keep doing that one thing very well can be tempting – but to really stretch yourself, you need to try new things or techniques.

For that reason I really enjoy reading about other photographers and looking at how they’ve produced their work. I can’t say I’ve ever been close to achieving their standard (obviously!) but I’ve really enjoyed trying to mimic their style or actually – just being inspired by them.Read More »Design: Photo Inspiration

Design: #2015bestnine reflection

Like many others the world over the end of the year brings a natural time of reflection – What has the last year brought? What do we want from the year ahead?

Much of my 2015 has blurred into endless months of work and exhaustion – obviously completely surpassed by the joy that Thomas has brought into our lives. I hope that when I think back to the time in years to come, my abiding memories won’t be relating to anything other than my family and specifically, the kids. Whilst they may be noisy, excitable, at times uncontrollable – I’m in not hurry to quash their spirit!Read More »Design: #2015bestnine reflection