Chelsea Flower Show...

Going to Chelsea this Thursday, May 26th...Pic of me at Chelsea 2009...

 So we're off to Chelsea Flower Show, the horticutural equivalent of London Fashion Week!!

Where the world's top garden designers get to show of their designing skills and achieve the ultimate accolade of 

an RHS Chelsea Gold or the absolute ultimate award, 'Best in Show'.

 

I will post some great pics on my return. Plus my favorite and best new finds in the plant world....very exciting!!

My Secret Indulgences...Ostrich

I have a couple of these and absolutely adore them...I don't know what it is about the texture of ostrich leather (of course real would be fab but v. expensive) these little real leather faux ostrich beauties are must-have accessories in my wardrobe. Ostrich leather has a unique finish and pattern to it which simply oozes class. I have a black one, a nude coloured one and a tan one. Check out this one in tan...

Introducing Ben...

This is Ben, our  cream Persian. Ben is extremely lazy, sleeps a lot. But he is the most adorable, patient and soft-hearted saggy old cat. Alexia has grown up with him and he has never put out a claw even when dragged around, cuddled to death, dressed up, teased and fussed.

I love it...Marmite...Cashews? Yes...

OMG...I have just discovered two of my favourite things rolled into one...Marmite Cashews! At first, I have to say I was a little scared the combination might not work, but I was pleasantly relieved as I love both so yeah...thank you sooo much whoever came up with the idea of putting them together. Very addictive I'm afraid!!

Do you have any two flavour combinations that work really well together?

My Secret Garden

Wonderful Trilliums...


Love these woodland beauties...Here's one from our garden.

Starting School...Precious Days

I came across this image of my daughter on her first day at school. She looks so excited and carefree. She is now in Year 3 and still loves school which is great and enjoys learning and achieving. Only today she proudly announced over dinner, "Mummy, Daddy I got into 'Gold' today!" 


I hope that doesn't change when she gets to high school or secondary as it is more often known in the UK. In my job, secondary education, I watch our new Year 7's as they start every September and the change in them by the 3rd term is quite something (some even after a term). They come in so eager to learn and experience secondary education but somewhere on the way so many get distracted by outside influences and lose their way...I digress, this a topic for another day. I think it's important to remember just how quickly our children grow up these days and enjoy those precious years when things are innocent and uncomplicated and hormones haven't kicked in!!

Have you any favourite memories of school or education you could share?

Royal Purple and Gold...

Planting Combinations...Had to take a photo of Bearded Iris 'Mysterieux' looking stunning against the gold fan-like leaves of Acer Shirasawanum 'Aureum'.

Subtle Shimmer...

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Metallic Cream Eyeshadows...

I absolutely adore these shadows as they give such a subtle sheer shimmer that can be worn in the day time without looking overdone. 'Chrome Patina' and 'Brown Metal' are my favorites. So good because they don't crease, last all day and are just enough to create an understated yet glamorous finish to your look.

Raindrops on Roses...

My Rose Souvenir du Dr. Jamain is covered in stunning rich velvety burgundy colour. As perfect as the colour of vintage bordeaux. It has remarkable fragrance that just transports you into an English summer rose garden. This truly amazing rose is vigorous and a real performer! 

I think roses really give you so much pleasure for your money and make an excellent shrub. Not particularly high maintenance, as people seem to think. They just need a good feed every month or so. I use a seaweed based liquid feed, full of micro nutrients, and a sprinkling of Potash. Pruning need only be done once or twice a year (October and March). Dead heading of course encourages more blooms. You can remove greenfly by hosing down on an evening, if you get them, so avoiding the need for pesticide based sprays. Roses that flower prolifically and repeatedly give you perfect fragrant cut flowers too!! They will tolerate all manner of weather conditions too. With our unpredictable and now somewhat cold English winters that makes them a safe bet.  A good strong healthy rose can last for many decades! Now it doesn't get better than that!

 

Mysterieux....

Today, one of my favourite irises unfurled to reveal itself in all its beauty. Iris 'Mysterieux' is an amazing variety of tall bearded iris, originally breed from Cayeux in France. I discovered this stunner at Chelsea a few years ago and had to have it!! It is a prolific flowerer when planted in full sun or semi-shade. Strongly fragrant with an orange note. 
Do you have a favourite flower or plant...would love to hear?? Any plant recommendations welcome too!

AVON Key Lime & Passion Flower Volumising Shampoo...

Love this shampoo...so fresh and gives amazing volume and texture to your hair. I stock up regularly on this because not only is it so good but a real bargain beauty buy!! Just contact your AVON rep or you can order online...

Squee...

Alexia, my youngest daughter, affectionately known as Squee, here at six years old. She was originally nicknamed Squidge as a baby, because she was a little squidge, which then got shortened to Squee and 'Squee' she remains and probably always will be Squee to her daddy. I feel so lucky and privileged to have spent those first 3 years with her without having to go back to work. I also did this with my elder daughter Abby, now 20, studying Photography at the University of Falmouth. I think it is so important to be there for all those first steps (literally) in everything they do. Wouldn't have missed it for the world! I know this has given me a special bond with my girls too and I love that! Being a mother is truly one of the most precious gifts you get in life...absolutely nothing compares to those wonderful childhood memories and moments spent together!

These Boots Were Made for Walking...

I came across this photo of my daughter today and it really made me smile. She was only about 10 months old...but even then had attitude and certainly knew what she liked!! She was always dressing up, putting on hats and stuff and here as you can see she decided she was going to wear my boots!! Funny!! Alexia is 8 now! Love her...

Premier Model Skin...

Premier Model Skin I discovered when I followed the Channel 4 programme 'The Model Agency'. The programme interested me because I was a former model, 'a few' years ago (that's another story) and related to the programme. I digress, the skincare products intrigued me. I am a bit of a beauty product obsessive and so decided to try the facial scrub first....loved it and likewise the night cream, really does what it says and smells amazing!!! These products are available from Monu Professional Skincare at www.monushop.co.uk/...

A Little Piece of My Garden...

This is one view of our beloved garden...or 'green oasis'...

Introducing Prowf...

This is our very own Holly Golightly, or 'Prowf' as she is more affectionately known.
'Prowf' because she 'prowfs' a lot...talks non-stop (in cat language of course).

Holly is a Persian and Rag Doll cross-breed...and she is such a 'girlie' cat. She always seems to be around us with something to say...

My Secret Garden

Peony 'Buck-Eye Belle' is going to look amazing when the numerous buds open into sumptious velvet cups in the coming weeks! Can't wait! They are planted in amongst other favourites of mine, like Aquilegia 'Purple Emperor'.  More tomorrow...