summer Archives - Conversations through the middle

Summer photos from North Essex

June 5, 2013

What a difference a few months makes. Walking the dog today I was stunned by the changes in the wood since my last visit, obviously the snow has gone but the plants and trees – everything has just shot up, the oilseed rape was almost as tall as I was in the fields and poor little Spice was hidden by the grass. If you need a reminder of what this view looked like not that long ago then take a look here

Down in our neck of the woods in North Essex it really was a gorgeous day and these photos sum up the beauty and heat (yes, heat not just warmth) we were lucky enough to experience. We were two thirsty walkers when we got home. I love summer.

Interiors – summer sunshine home accessories

July 24, 2012

Well the sun has been shining for the past few days and at last it’s hot around here, so rather than go with what’s new for autumn/ winter I thought I’d pick a few favourite pieces from this year’s spring/ summer collections.


You can never have enough cushions in my view

Tropical Delights floral cushion in ochre, £60, from PlumChutney


If you don’t have a beach hut this could be the next best thing

British Beach Hut roller blind, size to order, £115, from Digetex Home

This is just simply sunshine in a jug

Handpainted stoneware jug, £45, from Berry Red

These are so beach tent-y and remind me of the seaside

Linen and cotton covered door stops designed by Lucinda Nicol, £18, from West Egg


I love the exotic pattern and again, you can never have too many cushions

Kashmiri hand-embroidered cushion, £36, from Fairwind


Cakes will taste even better than usual on a stand like this

Whitby ceramic cake stand, inspired by holidays at the seaside,
£29.95, from Hunkydory Home

What more is there to say?

Martin Wiscombe Love the Beach aged-look wooden plaque, £14.99, from Mollie & Fred

Boots summer launch

March 12, 2012

Summer of Dreams collection

Last week was a busy one in terms of launches and meetings – as I don’t live in London I try to schedule as much as I can into each trip to the capital (train fares are not cheap). It makes for an exhausting day out and sometimes I do wonder why I bother, but I’m happy to report that this time the experience was worthwhile and interesting.

First off was the Boots summer launch event. This took place in a weird and wonderful section of the Barbican I didn’t know existed; it was a sort of hothouse aviary, full of plants (presumably tropical), birds, fish and terrapins.

The Boots guys had laid out a trail taking guests through the various products, from children’s clothes to sunglasses to pharmacy products to beauty – the bit I was most interested in seeing. And I wasn’t disappointed. Boots No 7 has a new collection of make-up in pretty pastel shades and lovely packaging, including eye crayons, blushers (bronze and pinky shades), and lip glosses. There’s also a new mascara out in June I believe and two nail varnishes – one with gold glitter and one with silver glitter – both would look great with a tan on holiday.

Celebrity make-up artist and No7 ambassador Lisa Eldridge was there and it was great talking to her about the products and trends for this summer. I took a couple of photos, one of which is just about good enough to show here. The others are supplied by Boots.

The shape of the brush is supposed to ensure even distribution and bit lashes

Peach is set to be big this summer

Great over nail colour but I prefer it on its own

My attempt at an artistic image