A global field guide to design, (life)style and secret finds
est. 2007

Archive: Nov 2011

  1. Christmas wee finds: Advent calendars

    7 Comments Today's November 30, which means come morning I'll be digging out the Christmas boxes and opening up the first window on the Advent Calendar. It will also be the first day of summer (here in the southern hemisphere), and it looks like we'll be welcoming it with sub-tropical Sydney showers. I have such strong memories of Advent calendars from my childhood. My mum did Christmas in a big way, and she built up an incredible collection of European calendars from her travels. A lot of them were fairly traditional with a nativity scene, a scattering of vintage-y silver glitter, and teeny-tiny windows that opened up to reveal a darling Christmas-themed illustration. How I anticipated opening up each window every morning! There were no such things as chocolates waiting to be popped open, although I do remember having one in the late '80s. 1. Eric Carle's Dream Snow Pop-Up Advent Calendar, $8.79. We also had a wreath of Advent candles on our dining table, which was filled with walnuts or summer's first cherries. And flowers! Just-cut Australian Christmassy flowers, which were always a variation of blue agapanthus, crimson Christmas Bush and - if we were lucky - red and golden Christmas bells. Aaah. It's been a long time since I've spied some Christmas bells. I'll have to keep an eye out for some this season. 2. Olive, the Other Reindeer Pop-Up Advent Calendar, $9.95. I wanted Harry to have an Advent calendar to open each morning this year, so Mum was obviously my go-to lady. I've borrowed one of her vintage European calendars with a Christmas nursery theme (see top). 3. Winter's Night Pop-Up Advent Calendar, $8.79 or £5.77 from my UK Amazon shop. If you've left it til the last minute, there's still time to get your Advent calendar. I've picked out three great Advent calendars from my US Amazon shop (see above) inspired by children's book characters with a pop-up twist (weirdly, only the Winter's Night calendar is available from my UK Amazon shop). Otherwise, make your own Advent calendar right now with a clever downloadable and printable design. I'm a wee bit in love with Australian designer Draw Pilgrim's Vintage-style Matchbox Advent Calendar, AUD$3.50. Each downloadable kit contains 24 individually-designed matchbox labels by Draw!Pilgrim, which are all vintage-style with an aged colour tint, fake 'off-register' colour overlaps and a variety of European Christmas Greetings. You also get 24 templates to fold up the matchbox bases as well as a template for slips of paper to write notes for treats or activites. Fun, right? Check back on December 1 on Wee Birdy for my festive makeover.

  2. Top 10 Clever DIY Christmas presents: Part 1

    21 Comments After some good crafty ideas for Christmas? So far I've managed to make a few pom-poms for decorations, but I wouldn't mind having a go at some of the rather lovely projects on my Pinterest boards. Here, I've picked out my top 10 DIY projects for Christmas presents. They're all gorgeous and more than a wee bit GENIUS - and so will you be if you make them! Just click through the links to the original tutorials and how-tos. Let me know how you go? 1. DYI Friendship necklace (top) by Honestly...WTF. 2. Painted pastel glass jars by Kootut Murut. 3. Fabric-wrapped bangles (wouldn't they look lovely in Liberty print?) by Corrieberry Pie. 4. Plant a Terrarium in a jar by Apartment Therapy (left). 5. DIY Garden Markers by Wit and Whistle (right). 6. Dip-dye cups by Design*Sponge. 7. Star Wars Chewie softie by Draw!Pilgrim. 8. Painted jars and bottles by A Creative Mint. 9. DIY hair comb by Lemon Jitters. 10. How to crochet a larksfoot blanket or an arcade blanket by Meet me at Mike's. All photography courtesy of the original blogger/designer/maker. Thank you to all the very clever people behind these projects. Tell me: are you making any presents for Christmas this year?

  3. Birdy pick of the week: Cath Kidston Christmas decorations

    4 Comments Today marks the first Sunday in Advent, so I'm finally allowing myself to unleash the Christmas decorations - on Wee Birdy, that is (the real decos don't come out til December 1). So my birdy pick this week comes from the ever-delightful Cath Kidston, who manages to pull out the festive goods year in and year out with a new vintage-y design. And this year, bless her polka-dot cotton socks, she's gone with birds. (How good do those baubles look on top of the bowl of Quality Street?) Tweet tweet, merrily on high! Clockwise from top: Christmas Birds Set of 6 Baubles,£20. Click here to buy now. Felt Bird Decorations Set of 3, £15. Click here to buy now. Christmas Bird Set of 3 Tea Light Holders, £8. Click here to buy now. (Support Wee Birdy and buy from one of my affiliate links above.)

  4. 20 Best Crackers… plus one

    Leave a Comment Remember that blog post I wrote about Christmas crackers a few days ago? Where I jumped up and down and swore that I had collated the ultimate top 20 list? Well, I just found one more. It only arrived yesterday. It's a real little beauty. And it's got my name all over it (OK, not literally). Introducing the exquisite Ben Pentreath Limited Christmas Crackers. Disenchanted with what he found in London's department stores last year, Ben decided there was nothing else for it but to create his own range. Made by hand in Dorset, these magnificent crackers are the Christmas incarnation of Ben Pentreath himself, handsomely wrapped with unique Judd Street and Pollock's Toy Museum papers. Inspired (and oh-so-London)! Novelties were hand-picked by Ben and include traditional favourites like wooden dice, pencils, marbles in a paper bag, pastry cutters and nutmeg graters. There is also a "terrible joke" (tick!), paper hat (tick) and it goes bang (tick! tick! tick!).  Crackers are £40 for a tray of six, and they're worth every single pretty penny. Ben Pentreath (crackers are available on the online shop and can be shipped overseas) 17 Rugby Street London WC1N 3QT Tel. 020 7430 2526 Nearest tubes: Russell Square and Holborn Click here for a Wee Birdy map. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 11am-6pm Read my review of the Ben Pentreath shop here. Read my 20 Best Crackers 2011 story here.

  6. Out and about in Sydney: Christmas lights

    6 Comments I really wish I lived on a street that went nuts with their Christmas lights. In fact, that just might have to be my number one criteria for future homes. We drove over to Second Street in Ashbury on Saturday night to watch them switch on the lights. Look at the amazing scenes that greeted us there. Twinkle twinkle! It was being filmed for the Lifestyle Channel, so there were loads of people out on the street enjoying the beautiful balmy night and festive atmosphere. It was one of those Sydney nights that just begs to be spent outdoors, and the air was heavy with the scent of jasmine and some kind of lemony, peppery eucalyptus. Most of the owners had set up tables on the footpaths and were getting stuck into the chardy and chip 'n' dip. Loved it! Enjoy the photos by my awesome brother-in-law, Lucas Boyd (and me)!

  7. 10 Best Bespoke Presents for Babies and Kids

    11 Comments If you're shopping for a baby or child this Christmas, there are few presents lovelier than something custom-made. Parents love the whole idea of a treasured keepsake and pre-schoolers get quite a kick out of having something with their name - or even better, face - on it. But tread warily when it comes to personalised baby stuff. The web is literally stuffed with naff bears with machine-embroidered names and dodgy 'nappy cake' novelty gifts (seriously, can we just ban the whole concept of a 'nappy cake'?). You also need to allow enough time for production and delivery - so now is a good time to order online. Here are some really lovely ideas to get you started... 1. Custom-made name print It’s been a few years since the world discovered the charming work of Dutch designer Nina Invorm, and I’m still as nuts about her bright folky stuff as ever. These custom name prints for girls (with strawberries, top of page) and boys (with apples, above) feature colourful bunting with the child’s name in Nina’s inimitable handcut alphabet. You can also order extra prints and postcards of your design. US$38.82 from Nina Invorm’s Etsy shop. 2. Personalised Wire Hanger  (above left) A fabulously original present – and a lovely way to display baby’s special outfit in their bedroom. US$15 from Lila Frances’ Etsy shop. 3. Personalised Wooden Name Puzzle (above right) Wooden puzzles look great, last forever and are wonderfully tactile in tiny hands. A wooden name puzzle? Even better. AU$26.95 from Mooo. 4. Personalised art print Who wouldn’t want their name on a red double-decker bus? These bold and bright prints by London-based design studio Ruka-Ruka feature retro-inspired illustrations in big bold colours, and would make a fun addition to a little person’s room. The Venn diagram prints in different variations of CMY are also very clever. New parents would love the mama, papa and baby print. £25 from Ruka-Ruka. 5. Personalised stamp Kids will love having a rubber stamp in their own likeness, which they can use as an ex-libris or to sign off on thank-you cards and letters. US$15.50 from Love Sprouts' Etsy shop. 6. Custom boy and girl dolls Super-adorable dolls for boys and girls can be customised with your choice of skin and hair colour and style, and can be further personalised with an initial on the front and the child’s name on the back. From US$35 from Sophi and Lili. 7. Custom silhouette plate These beautiful silhouette plates are hand-painted and feature the child’s name along with bows or ribbons and a scalloped rim in your choice of colour. The large plate is US$55, from Aedriel Originals’ Etsy shop. 8. Framed personalised paper-cut silhouette This beautiful hand-cut botanical silhouette is a whimsical take on the traditional portrait, and is drawn from a photo you supply. £50 by Mr Yen. 9. Personalised T-shirt These sweet rabbit and dog T-shirts can be personalised with your child’s name in the speech bubble. £20 by Littlechook from Not on the high street.com. 10. Personalised birthday cupcake stand These sweet ceramic cake stands in milky pastels make the perfect keepsake for baby’s first birthday cake. US$34 from Jeanette Zeis Ceramics’ Etsy shop. p.s. The custom-made plate, bowl and cushions, above, are by Etsy seller Olliegraphic. Her Etsy shop is on vacation at the moment, but it's worth signing up for notification once she's back. I also love PZMac's charming customised Liberty print cushion, which is made using your child's photo as a reference and features their name in hand-stitched felt lettering on the back. Bookmark them for next year's birthday presents. UPDATE: Olliegraphic now has her very own online shop, Sarah + Abraham, which is packed with all manner of custom-made goodness for kids (think stationery, stickers, cupcake toppers and water bottles) as well as a personalised Christmas card service. Thanks to Wee Birdy reader Emma for the super tip! Want some more bespoke baby present ideas? How about a... Personalised child’s apron Personalised English oak swing Personalised Russian doll ‘This Book Belongs To’ stamp Personalised Santa sack Personalised Baby’s First Christmas ceramic bauble Personalised lamp Customised hair clip Personalised name and picture stamp Personalised custom teepee

  8. 20 Best Christmas Crackers 2011

    10 Comments It’s back! Wee Birdy’s annual Christmas cracker round-up! Supposedly invented by Londoner Thomas J.Smith in 1847 as a marketing ploy to add interest and value to his bon-bon sweets, crackers are one of the most English of Christmas Day traditions. So what makes a good cracker? Firstly, it must look good. A Christmas table isn’t properly dressed without a splendid-looking cracker adorning each place setting, so choose wisely. It must also contain a wonderfully-interesting trinket (which could also be spectacularly crap – just as long as it keeps everyone amused while the turkey is carved). There must be a paper hat and it must be worn – at least until the end of the first course. There should also be some quality bad jokes to be read aloud around the table. Finally, it must go bang. (Or ‘snap included’, in cracker-speak.) Also, this is the very first Wee Birdy post where some of the products link to an affiliate site. Now, you know how picky I am about my crackers, so there is no way that I would compromise my editorial integrity by including anything that I wasn’t genuinely excited about. But since Wee Birdy is now my full-time job, I’ve decided to test affiliate links from time to time over the next few months (they are the ‘Click here to buy' links). I only recently discovered that so many of the products I recommend actually have associated affiliate programs, so it made sense to give it a go. If you’d like to buy one of my recommended products, you’ll be supporting Wee Birdy and keeping it up and running. Yeah! (And thank you in advance!) Let’s see what made my Top 20 this year… 1. THE BEST VALUE CRACKER John Lewis cream and gold Christmas Crackers, £10 for a pack of six, from John Lewis. Click here to buy. With a line-up of quality trinkets including photoclip, clothes brush with mirror, mini scissors, phone charm, bottle stopper, tape measure and an egg cup, these luxe-looking crackers are great value for a tenner. Otherwise, you can’t go past Tesco’s Value Crackers, where you get 10 crackers for £1 (though I can’t vouch for the contents or quality).   2. THE BIRDY CRACKER Christmas Bird Crackers, £30 for a pack of six, by Cath Kidston. Click here to buy. You can count on Cath Kidston to make a festive cracker with a sweet retro sensibility. Each cracker is filled with an assortment of Cath Kidston goodies, including a set of three badges, mini playing cards, two hair slides, compact mirror, mini pencils and red hanky.   3. THE FAIR TRADE CRACKER Fair Trade dinner crackers, £9.99 for six, from Oxfam. These recycled crackers feature blank name cards that slot into place on each cracker, so you can use them as place cards. The presents are Fair Trade and include a handmade notebook, friendship bracelet, earrings or a spinning top.   4. THE HANDSOME CRACKER Box of Blue Handmade Celestial Christmas Crackers, £29.95 for six, from Liberty. Click here to buy. Reminiscent of Liberty’s iconic Hera print, these ornate crackers are hand-embellished with a peacock feather and offer a stunning alternative to the traditional holly-and-berries crackers. Along with the usual line-up of hat, snap and motto, gifts include a lipstick case with mirror, ballpoint pen and a compass.   5. THE HISTORIC CRACKER Box of Mr and Mrs Liberty Christmas Crackers, £34.95, from Liberty. Click here to buy. Historic photos of Mr and Mrs Liberty first started to appear on Liberty merchandise about two years ago, but this is the first time they’ve landed their own crackers. Three cheers for Mr and Mrs Liberty! They’re looking suitably splendid in purple and gold and offer an assortment of trinkets such as a compact mirror, miniature photo frame and a clothes brush.   6. THE MUSICAL CRACKER Carol Concerto Crackers, £39.95 for eight, from Harrods. These hand-crafted crackers are exclusive to Harrods and contain Xylophone keys and a conductor’s baton so you can have your own little carols session around the Christmas dinner table. There are also numbered crowns, jokes and the traditional snap.   7. THE RETRO SWEETIE CRACKER Retro spot mini crackers, £18.95 for a box of nine, from Selfridges. Click here to buy. Confession: these cute handmade crackers almost didn’t make the cut. They don’t have hats. Or jokes. And I’m not entirely sure they go bang. But each one contains a mini packet of Love Hearts. Too sweet to ignore, right?   8. THE ENTERTAINING CRACKER Box of six Scrabble crackers, £18.95 for six, from Selfridges. Click here to buy. Now here’s a new idea for your classic board game: turn it into a box of entertaining crackers! Containing hats, mottos, and letter-moving puzzles, this box of Scrabble crackers also boasts a game board, letter tiles, letter-tile holders and more Scrabble paraphernalia and game instructions. I can’t work out if you get your starter letter tiles in each cracker – but it would be kinda silly if they didn't.  Monopoly and Twister crackers are also available.   9. THE PARTY CRACKER Party print crackers, £19.95 for six, from The Conran Shop. The Conran Shop also has a gorgeous line-up of beautifully-designed crackers, and this one is no exception. These little lovelies contain hats, jokes and quality practical gifts. 10. THE BEAUTY TREATS CRACKER Lancome Beauty Christmas crackers, £38 for a box of six, from Selfridges. Click here to buy. The perfect cracker for Christmas lunch with the girls. Available only at Selfridges, each cracker contains a mini Lancome beauty treat (either Génifique 7ml, Visionnaire 7ml, Bi–Facil 30ml, L'Absolu Rouge Mini, Juicy Tube 7ml, Hypnôse Mascara Mini), hat and beauty tip (so good we’ll forgive them for the missing joke).   11. THE VINTAGE CRACKER Mini vintage Christmas crackers, £7.50 for a box of six, from Hunkydoryhome. Give your Christmas table a retro vibe with these ultra-cute mini crackers in a ‘50s-inspired snowy village design. Each cracker contains a novelty hat, motto/joke and snap. 12. THE BEAUTIFUL CRACKER Over the rainbow crackers, AU$110 for a box of six, from Papier D’Amour. These stunning crackers from Sydney-based store Papier D’Amour contain trinkets such as a mini flask key ring, crystal perfume bottle, silver cufflinks with crystals, crystal memo clip and luggage tag.   13. THE HIGH ROLLER’S CRACKER Glad Tidings Cracker, £1,000 for box of six, from Fortnum & Mason. No Wee Birdy cracker round-up is complete without the ridiculously-expensive cracker, and Fortnums never lets me down. I always get a voyeuristic thrill inspecting the ultra-luxe contents. These wonderfully ornate crackers are presented in a polished walnut box, and contain silver-plated trinkets including a sugar dredger, egg cup and spoon. (Really? Surely you'd get your very own live miniature pig for that price.) 14. THE PRACTICAL PRESENTS CRACKER Santa and reindeer boxed crackers, AU$50 for a box of 12, from Papier D’Amour. Cooks and gardeners will love the gifts in these traditionally festive crackers, which include a silicone cup cake mould, travel corkscrew, sun stamp and inkpad, home-made food labels, wooden herb markers, gingerbread man cookie cutter and copper plant markers. 15. THE CRAFTY CRACKER Meri Meri Tis The Season Christmas Crackers, £15 for a pack of eight, from John Lewis. Click here to buy. Meri Meri is the super-lovely name behind beautiful partyware, and this year’s reflects the brand’s attention to gorgeous detail. Each cracker contains a hat, a joke and presents such as playing cards, a music maker, bouncy ball, dice, bowling set, water shooter, bottle opener keychain or a magic trick. 16. THE BEST OF BRITISH CRACKER Best of British cracker, £15 for a box of six, from Marks & Spencer. Celebrate one of Britain’s greatest traditions with these patriotic set of Union-Jack-emblazoned crackers. Each cracker contains a gift, motto and hat, as well as a British-themed trivia game. Gifts include a screwdriver set, sewing kit and mini nail clippers. 17. THE CHARITY CRACKER Rainbow Crackers, £10 for a box of five, from the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity. Choose crackers with a conscience and help raise money for the Rainbow Trust. Each cracker contains a hat, joke and an individual number that you register for a chance to win a £5000 Boodles diamond.   18. THE KIDS’ CRACKER Mask Adventure Christmas Mini Crackers, £5 for a pack of six, from John Lewis. Click here to buy. Children will love these mini crackers featuring cute Christmas character masks instead of paper hats. They also contain the traditional favourites (snap, motto and joke) as well as a secret task to complete, like, ‘try to get the word Rudolph into the next three conversations without it sounding silly’.   19. THE COOL DESIGN CRACKER P&C Christmas Cracker, £11.50 each, from Present & Correct. Online stationery shop Present & Correct is a long-time Wee Birdy favourite, and they’ve really come up trumps this year with this artful handmade cracker filled with all sorts of high-quality papery, design-y delights. Each cracker contains a 2012 tag book calendar, a rubber stamp, a christmas pencil, some erasers, a 10cm ruler, a lucky chocolate sixpence, a Scrabble letter magnet, some confetti and a label. No hat or jokes but it surely goes bang.   20. THE DIY CRACKER Make your own crackers with accessories, £3.99, from Oxfam. Get crafty and make your own crackers with this handy kit containing recycled paper, jokes, hats, ribbons, snaps and instructions. Notch up some more ethical points and add a Fair Trade gift from the Oxfam website, like lipbalm, chocolate coins and jewellery. p.s. You must check out these incredible handmade Christmas crackers by London-based blogger Junkique. They're the best I’ve ever seen! They were made using prints of 18th century book illustrations, and include handmade paper hats, jokes typed up on an old-school typewriter and presents from design shop Magma. They even go bang! (They ripped out the snaps from some cheapie Sainsbury crackers.) So very clever! Top photo of lovely Christmas spread courtesy of Cath Kidston.

  9. Birdy pick of the week: Milk from a Thistle

    1 Comment I first discovered Sydney fashion label Milk From A Thistle while I was browsing Funkis Swedish Forms in the Strand Arcade recently. Of course, the rather dreamy but distinctive seagull digital print caught my eye, as well as the busier monotone aviary print. I love the seemingly borderless use of the large-scale seagull print on the voluminously-draped cotton maxi dress (AU$295), which is quite perfect for Sydney's humid summer. The silk harem pants also make a great summer staple. Available from Milk From a Thistle's online shop as well as Funkis Swedish Forms.

  10. Birdy pick of the week

    5 Comments Montreal-based artist and designer Marc Simard used recycled, off-cut and scrap materials such as leather, wood and fabric to make beautifully designed bags, wallets, satchels and iPhone cases. His bird bags, in particular, demonstrate a wonderful graphic simplicity while paying careful attention to detail. Take, for instance, the leather sparrow bag (bottom row, US$195), which uses ten different leathers to create a depth of colour and sense of texture in the bird's wings. The strap is removable so it can be used as a very sweet little clutch. Although I do quite like the look of a wee bird strapped across your body. Mid-century artist Charley Harper's minimalist birds were the inspiration behind Simard's red-winged blackbird bag (top row, US$130), which can also be detached and used as a clutch. Both bags are available on Simard's Etsy shop, Broundoor.

  11. Wee Birdy’s London favourites

    7 Comments I did this magazine interview a while ago and it never eventuated, so I thought it shouldn't go to waste. Enjoy reading about some of my all-time London favourites! What are your favourite local stores, boutiques or markets for great fashion finds and bargains? I adore Liberty. It’s quintessentially London and the most stunning shopping experience. I’ve been known to while away entire afternoons on just one floor, and it has the best Christmas shop in town. It’s the first place I drag visitors from overseas, and the buying team have done a damn fine job with the most incredible mix of fashion accessories, stationery, cosmetics, homewares, and crafty things. It’s my one-stop London present-buying shop. If you’re after cutting-edge, avant-garde designers, head straight to Dover Street Market in Mayfair (which is more department store than market). You can also lose yourself in there for many an hour (and don’t forget to revive yourself at the Rose Bakery on the top floor). You really can’t go past Britain’s high street fashion chains, and COS, the older, more sophisticated sister of H&M, is my absolute favourite. Think Marni-style cuts and gorgeous fabrics at moderate high-street prices. They do men's clothes too, as well as a small children's collection. (Forget about Zara, I want a COS shop in Sydney!) If you’re up for a day trip outside of London, you’ll be rewarded with serious designer bargains at Bicester Village, which includes outlets by the likes of Alexander McQueen, Burberry and Marni. Liberty Great Marlborough Street, W1B 5AH. Tel. 7734 1234. Dover Street Market 17-18 Dover Street, W1S 4LT. Tel. 7518 0680. COS 222 Regent Street, W1B 5BD. Tel. 7478 0400 (go to the website for all locations). Bicester Village 50 Pingle Drive, Bicester, Oxfordshire. OX26 6WD. Tel.1869 323 200. Best local hairdresser for a Saturday night blow-dry or a colour touch-up? If I’m just after a blow-dry, I go to Headmasters in Mayfair. It’s centrally located and offers a seasonal ‘menu’ of on-trend blow-dries and pretty going-out ‘dos at very reasonable prices (from £24). They’ve never put a hair out of place. But I also have to mention my London hairdresser, John Vial at Realhair in Chelsea, who does an amazing job with my pretty ordinary long-bob. The man is a cutting genius! Of course, I’m not the first to think this, as he also looks after many a Conde Nast editor, as well as the likes of Gwyneth, Elle and Vidal Sassoon’s wife’s hair (he worked alongside Vidal for years). He comes at a price (£200) but he’s worth every penny. Headmasters Mayfair 11-12 Hanover Street, W1S 1YQ. Tel. 7408 1000 (go to the website for all locations). Realhair 6-8 Cale Street, SW3 3QU. Tel. 7589 0877. Local salon you’d suggest for waxing? Otylia Roberts Beauty Centre 23 George Street, London, W1U 3QA. Tel. 7486 5537. The best place to get a facial? Vaishaly Patel at the Vaishaly Clinic is considered the best facialist in London. Vaishaly Clinic 51 Paddington Street, London W1U 4HR. Tel. 7224 6088. Where to go for the best spray tan? I never do spray tans! But I AM a threading convert (I know it’s got nothing to do with tans, but it’s my must-have beauty-maintenance procedure.) I’d never had it done before I moved to London, and now I get my brows threaded and tinted every six weeks. I like Malika salons (great prices, too), but whatever you do, don’t let them put you in the chair next to the window at the Westfield Shepherd’s Bush salon. I once sat there and attracted a small audience, including a little boy who was mesmerised by my grimacing performance while I was getting my upper lip done. His eyes just about popped out of his wee head. Malika at Trevor Sorbie, 27 Floral Street, WC2E 9D9. Tel. 0844 445 6901 (go to the website for all locations). Best affordable mani/pedi? I love Cowshed near Carnaby Street for immaculate manis and pedis (a mini shape and polish is £17). But a little secret find is the salon at the London College of Beauty Therapy, just down the road from Liberty. Students do all the treatments but they’re supervised by experienced staff. You can get a mani for £10 (unheard of in central London!), as well as a host of other beauty treatments. Inside the actual treatment area, it looks just like any other beauty salon. And they do a really great job. Just leave a bit of time because while the students are super-careful, they can sometimes be a teensy bit slow, and they have to get their supervisors to sign off on each job. Cowshed 31 Fouberts Place, W1F 7QG. Tel. 7534 0870. London College of Beauty Salon 47 Great Marlborough Street, W1F 7JP. Tel. 7208 1302. Day spa or massage parlour you’d suggest for relaxing body therapy? The Agua bathhouse spa at The Sanderson is incredible, but the Elemis flagship Day Spa is an all-time London favourite. Elemis Day Spa 2-3 Lancashire Court, W1S 1EX. Tel. 0870 410 4210 Agua Spa at The Sanderson 50 Berners Street, W1T 3NG. Tel. 7300 1414. Your favourite café for a weekend brekkie/brunch? I love a traditional full English breakfast at Tom’s Deli in Notting Hill. Especially when it's snowing outside. Tom’s Deli 226 Westbourne Grove, W11 2CH. Tel. 7221 8818. Your favourite restaurant? Andrew Edmunds in Soho is perfect for a romantic dinner – expect flowers on the tables, candles and a modern European menu. It's by no means the best restaurant in London, but I love its cosy atmosphere. And Lexington Street just might be one of my favourite little streets in London. I love Bocca di Lupo for dinner with friends, where you can share delicious tapas-style Italian dishes. Oh god, the scallops there are melt-in-the-mouth. Bocca di Lupo 12 Archer Street, W1D 7BB. Tel. 7734 2223. Andrew Edmunds, 46 Lexington Street, W1F 0LW. Tel. 7437 5708. Your favourite pub? I've had some rather tasty Sunday roasts at Charles Lamb in Islington, which is a small and cosy pub in Islington. It's a tad off the beaten track but it's popular with the locals, which is always a good sign. Charles Lamb 16 Elia Street, N1 8DE. Tel. 7837 5040. Where to go for a scenic run/walk? I love the walk along the canal tow path from Little Venice to Regent’s Park. The colours in autumn and the blossoms in spring are incredible. And it's fun looking at all the narrowboats moored at the side of the canal, with their own carefully-tended mini gardens. Otherwise, head to Hampstead Heath's Parliament Hill or Greenwich for superb London views. Is there a great yoga or Pilates class to check out? I've been to Triyoga in Primrose Hill a few times. It has a beautiful spacious studio, as well as its own (healthy) café and some of the best yoga teachers in London. Triyoga 6 Erskine Road, NW3 3AJ. Tel. 7483 3344. Where to go for alterations/dry cleaning Designer Alterations is in South London, but they can do fittings at your hotel, work or home. Head to Celebrity Cleaners in Soho for pristine dry cleaning. Designer Alterations 220A Queenstown Road, SW8 4LP. Tel. 7498 4360. Celebrity Cleaners 30 Brewer Street, W1F 0SS. Tel. 7437 5324. What's the best hotel in terms of location (close to bars, restaurants), great facilities, good rates etc The Hoxton in London’s East End is brilliantly located near all the best shops, markets, bars, pubs and restaurants in Shoreditch, as well as Old Street tube. Sign up to their newsletter and keep an eye out for their crazy (but rare) £1 room specials. Alternatively, if you're staying in London for an extended period, consider renting an apartment. Ivy Lettings has an excellent reputation with really lovely options in fantastic locations. The Hoxton Hotel 81 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3HU. Tel. 020 7550 1000. Best time to visit London? I love the UK in early April, when all the blossoms are out, the new spring/summer collections are in store, and Londoners are cheery after the long cold winter. And the field of wild buttercups in Greenwich is pretty special, too. All photography by Wee Birdy, except photos by Headmasters.

  13. Pinteresting finds: indoor plants

    5 Comments Have you joined up to Pinterest yet? Go on, it's lots of fun. Follow me on Pinterest here, and I'll follow your boards as well. As you can see, I'm still with the plant theme, and these pics are from my pinboard dedicated to indoor plants. I adore the mid-century loveliness of architect Ira Rakatansky's kitchen, which you can see in the bottom right-hand corner. Check out the trailing vine-y plant tumbling over kitchen cupboard - that's exactly what I'm after! (Does anyone know what kind of plant it is?) Image sources, clockwise from top left: Floralart via Oh Joy; homes.ninemsn.com.au; Apartment Therapy; Design*Sponge; and Ancient Bees.

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