It’s officially summer! This month, the summer solstice combined with International Yoga Day. It was lovely to see so many outdoor yoga sessions taking place across Sussex. My favourite flowers are in bloom in the garden, and I couldn’t resist making a big bouquet to accompany our evening al fresco suppers.
They were resplendent at our company summer barbeque as well. We enjoyed the beautiful weather on comfy cushions and throws, sipping cocktails and mocktails, and admiring the view. We had meat from The Dorset Meat Company, a live saxophonist and prosecco aplenty. Lots of fun was had, with the help of a dressing up box and some imagination - photographic evidence is being kept under lock and key!
When you work hard, it’s important to also take time to play, and 2022 has not been without its problems: the Covid virus that won’t go away, a continued shortage of raw materials, shipping costs, plus floods and heatwaves across the globe have all made it that little bit harder. My wonderful team have been quietly swimming through treacle behind the scenes, so there’s been no interruption to the outstanding service they offer our customers.
As the summer term winds down, the children have been busy with a host of drama plays, both at school and with their weekend drama clubs. We were treated to a wonderful Father’s Day play, with Ben proudly donning his new shirt especially chosen by Layla.
At home we are very excited about a forthcoming visit from my brother and his children. They live in Florida and we’ve not seen them for three long years. The children have all doubled in height, appetite, and loveliness. Cue more BBQs, more prosecco (for the adults only!) and midnight feasts for the children.
Over the summer holidays, Layla is thinking about changing the theme of her bedroom to a more timeless design and is excited to get her older cousin’s advice. It’s important for her to have a space to express herself, but also one that grows with her and her changing tastes, rather than a fad style she will quickly grow tired of. She will be getting her inspiration from our recent piece on how to create a timeless children’s bedroom.
And finally, we’re very excited to have signed off a new advertising campaign for late summer and autumn, so keep your eyes peeled to your favourite interiors magazines!
Bisous,
SUNDAY DISCOVERIES
Sunday discoveries are our favourite, as it gives us the opportunity to share all the wonderful hidden gems we love – so you can love them too!
EAT
My easy summer entertaining hack: Eton Mess topped with rose petals from the garden. I planted them when my Granny died, and their beautiful blooms remind me of our moments together every summer.
This family-pleasing pud is super easy to make, but what an impression it will make on guests. It looks so pretty topped with rose petals, and a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds.
STYLE
Our brand-new linen Embroidered Crown Cushion was a favourite at our summer barbeque, adding a touch of elegance not only to interiors but exteriors too.
Crafted in an alluring shade of mid-grey with a coordinating piped edge, it allows for exceptionally versatile styling with a range of colours.
We love how the muted tone allows the quality of the natural materials to speak for themselves.
BALANCE
It’s great to have seen so much awareness raised around the menopause, something that will affect 50% of the population.
When we’re working hard and juggling lots of things, we all need a helping hand to ensure our vitamin mineral intake is in line with what our body needs.
I’ve discovered these magic supplements from Rheal Superfoods, formulated specifically for women to help us regain our inner balance. Their story is inspiring and heart-warming. Read more here.
BRUNCH WITH... KATHY
This month we are catching up with freelance writer and interiors lover Kathy, @rocking_the_cotswolds. We are big fans of Kathy’s impeccable style and authentic storytelling. We chat the joys of country living, and where to find the best interiors inspiration.
Describe your perfect Sunday.
Our weekends are often packed with children’s sport, so Sunday evening is a time when we’re able to regroup and spend some restful time together before the week ahead. In the summer, we might cook a BBQ and share a bottle of wine whilst the kids play in the garden; and, as the nights draw in, we’ll cosy up together in front of a fire, watching a family film or reading. I like to end the weekend with a calming ritual: running the bath, lighting candles, and relaxing before climbing into bed.
What is your preferred sleeping position?
I’m very much a side sleeper and tuck myself into a cocoon. I tend to dispute my husband’s claim that I sleep diagonally, although when our youngest comes to sleep in our bed she does precisely this and has, perhaps, inherited my sleeping habits.
Do you prefer city or country living?
I love the buzz of the city, but I’m a country girl at heart. There’s something about being surrounded by the countryside – the dark, star-filled skies and waking up to birdsong and clean air – that’s just unbeatable. Our bedroom probably reflects this relaxed country feel and I tend to opt for understated linens, natural materials and a muted colour palette.
Do you have a sweet or a savoury tooth?
Definitely savoury. I’m a sucker for cheese, olives and crisps – a sharing bag never lasts long in our house.
Where do you get your interiors inspo?
I’ve been obsessed with houses for as long as I can remember and now work as a freelance writer specialising in homes and interiors. There’s so much talent about these days, not just amongst designers, but also online. I take a lot of inspiration from Instagram – the interiors community there is wonderfully supportive and creative – and am continually in awe of the fabulous accounts I follow. As a journalist, I still have a soft spot for interiors magazines and the cutting-edge design they tend to showcase.
BLOG POST OMNIBUS
As always, we have been busy bringing you our favourite blog topics this month. We spoke about How to fix a squeaky bed, answered the question What makes a Vispring mattress so special? (hint: the answer is a lot of things!) and we showed you how to create a timeless children's bedroom.
