A few questions about nice things...

Who do you most admire?

The Queen. I am constantly amazed and inspired by her Majesty’s determination and drive to serve her country. For all the wealth and privilege, I am in no doubt that she has sacrificed a great number of “normal” experiences we all take for granted. And she stands for most of the day! A monarch, a matriarch, and a mother. The ultimate multi tasker.

What are your favourite possessions?

I adore my 1920’s diamond eternity ring. It is a beautiful piece of antique jewellery my husband bought me after the birth of our second son. It is admired so often by friends and it will be something to pass onto a granddaughter – if I am lucky enough to get one! I also keep every letter and special birthday cards our family are sent. I have a loft full of memory boxes dating from when Richard and I were at school together, that I would be heartbroken if they were ever lost.

Tell us about your perfect day or weekend...

My perfect day would be on the beach at Southbourne at the bottom of the zig zag path. My grandparents bought a flat on the cliff top before I was born and it will be kept in the family for generations to come. I love to sit at the beach hut watching the boys play on the sand, pretending the waves are trying to catch their feet and running back and forth to the shore line. We’d end the day by cooking a bbq at the hut, drinking rosé out of plastic cups and watch the sun set over Bournemouth Pier in the distance. Magic.

What makes you happiest?

Noise on Christmas Day. I know most people would say peace would make them happy but I am at my most joyful when you can hardly hear yourself think, at present opening time, surrounded by family all laughing, ripping open paper with the dogs rummaging through the discarded wrapping. Since we were babies we only ever had our stockings from Father Christmas in the morning, then waited until after the Queen’s Speech for the presents under the tree. It’s a tradition I adore and one we’ve passed down to our boys.

What would you like to do in the future?

My blog has led to some amazing opportunities and there are times when it’s not possible to squeeze anymore out of life but then an email pops up that’s too good to be true and I find an extra minute in the day I forgot I had. It’s a juggle but one I can’t imagine I will ever want to stop. It would be wonderful if in the future I could make all of this a hobby, instead of a wonderful job with the pressure of earning a living! In 5 years I’d love to be in a little barn, filled with fairy lights running lovely workshops and inspiring other creative people and bloggers.