MAISON DU MONDE

Maison du Monde is the French equivalent of a middle way between our OKA and Ikea. (I'm sorry I can't be any more specific than that). Every time I am in France I make sure I pay a visit to see their things in the 'flesh' before ordering them online. They sell loads of cheap nick nacks as well as some lovely re-pro furniture (You have to sift through quite a bit to find it!)

I love this Beaumanoir Range... 

Beaumanoir Wardrobe - £1200

Height 190 cm, Width 150 cm, Depth 50 cm

Beaumanoir Linen Table - £420

Height 80 cm, Width 160 cm, Depth 45 cm

 

Beaumanoir Nightsand - £105 each

Height 58 cm, Width 40 cm, Depth 35 cm

Beaumanoir Headbord - £320 (Comes in two sizes)

Height 120 cm, Width 153 cm, Depth 5 cm

www.maisonsdumonde.com

FABRICS FABRICS??

 

I am in the process of decorating our house in North Yorkshire at the moment... very very slowly indeed. I don't know why, but I am finding it much more difficult than I thought I would. Maybe because I don't have much experience in the world of decorating, I am terrified of actually saying yes and going ahead with that sofa or those curtains. Choosing the right fabrics baffles me let alone wallpapers, trimmings etc etc. I am not saying I don't love doing it, but I do feel slightly out of my comfort zone. 

Anyway, I thought I would start sharing anything I found with you but as I said, I am no expert so you might want to read on! 

My mother sent me this website yesterday for inspiration for fabrics to use on some chairs and furniture I would like to cover. Most of it is much too expensive but worth a look for ideas all the same... 

  

Brocatello Ciniglia in Grey and Gold

 

Lucini Velvet

 

Constantinople in Neutrals & Pink

 

Brocatello

 

All these fabrics are a little loud so just imagine them on one chair or table... Not over a whole room. What is great about the website is you can create your own 'schemes' label them, add to them, edit them etc.

Topkapi in Neutrals & Blues

Coqhuille Upholstery 

Ottoline Weave Upholstery

 

Rapino Stripe in Pink & Green

www.fabricsandpapers.com

SNEAK PEAK

I'm sorry that most of these Blog posts are completely Topshop orientated. I suppose I am a big fan and can't resist sharing the things I find with you. The funny thing about Topshop is their stock changes so quickly, if you don't snap things up, they're gone! Anyway, if you like me are a Toppie Junkie, take a peek at this preview of their Autumn Winter '11 Collection. Featuring New Mod, Glam Rock, Bavarian and Prim & Proper, there is something for everyone. 

 

 

 

Available in Stores end of August or at:
www.topshop.com

STRONG LOVE FOR COUNTRY STRONG

My wonderful friend Sophia emailed me months ago telling me I must go and see this new film Country Strong. Why I didn't follow her advice straight away is beyond me. It is just A.M.A.Z.I.N.G... 

Gwyneth Paltrow plays a troubled country singing supersrtar while the film focuses on her comeback tour after a couple of stints in Rehab. Gossip Girls Leighton Meester plays 'Chiles' as well as super hottie Garett Hedland as 'Beau' who act as a June Carter and Johnny Cash kind of Love Act. Available to rent now, even if you're not Country Music Mad like me watch it watch it watch it. I haven't loved a film as much as this in forever. 

Leighton Meester as Chiles

Mega Hunk Garett Hedland as Beau

Gwyneth Paltrow as Kelly

Country Strong Trailer

Available to buy on DVD next month... 

Rated PG-13

LOVE FOR LITTLE CHEF

Tom and I were driving back up North late last night and couldn't quite facing stopping to buy food let alone cook it. As if my magic, amidst the rows as to who was going to have to cook, there was a sign for one of the new Little Chefs which has opened near York. Apart from not allowing Edie in (!!) I was more than impressed. The restaurant was clean, kitsch and actually quite cool, the service pretty quick and the food really was good (mine better than Toms). Scampi and Prawn Cocktail followed by Macaroni and Bangers 'n Mash (not together) satisfied our hungover Sunday appetite. I'll be stopping in at any Little Chef next time...

Romatic - Our Table

Simple Easy Menu

My Scampi (Sorry not the most appetizing photo)

1950's Diner Style Decor

All cooked in front of you

 My Macaroni - DELICIOUS

New Little Chef can be found all round the country...
www.littlechef.co.uk

EVERYTHING ALICE

I cannot believe this book has been written and not by me. I am beyond jealous but it does look pretty wonderful... Alice's Adventures in Wonderland provide the inspiration for this book containing Recipes, Craft ideas ranging from a hand-sewn White Rabbit to paper craft Tea Party Invitations. Each of the 50 'Make Me' projects provide all you need to get going on your Red Polka Dot Frilly Pinny to your Lavender scented Duchess Macaroons. If you are crazy enough to be 'Alice Mad' (like me) then I promise you this book is a real treasure. 

 

Everything Alice : The Wonderland Book of Makes
£8 from Amazon

www.everythingalice.co.uk

IS IT TOO EARLY?

Is it too early to be thinking about Winter Coats? 

After todays showers I'm thinking its not too mad an idea. My little sis just showed me this Dalmatian Swing Coat and all I can say is I'm a Lovin' it a lot... I'm just not sure I'm brave enough to Add to Cart quite yet.

 

 Constrast Dalmation Swing Coat - £98

www.topshop.com/Dalmatian