Thank you so much for your posts I always look forward to reading them as much as your recipes, which I have always loved -and listening to your podcasts and interviews, and as a mum of twin 3 year-olds and an 8 year-old with special needs, trying to begin a new career, I very much sympathise with the OVERWHELM!
Speaking of which, to keep this short, as I know you're madly busy, would you please be kind enough to share the links for the aforesaid perfect wooden playhouse and accessories and shopping stand?? I'd really appreciate it!
Thank you so much and sending all my best wishes for your endeavours! We're all rooting for you and can't wait to see how it progresses!
I 100% feel this - my mind is in a constant whirl of book ideas, post ideas for my Substack, home decor, sewing projects, and now the garden (filling up baskets on the online plant websites and then never pressing order... great use of time!) Actually getting any of this stuff done is another matter, of course.
But think there is a value in filling the online gardening baskets (my RHS basket has had 9 items in for two weeks) and then not checking them out, gives you time to think if you really want them or if it was an impulse buy? Our wallets probably thank us!
Yes this is a good point! I always do try and give purchases a bit of time to sit as I am deeply impulsive... have to give that adrenaline surge time to die down 😅
Lovely writing! I totally get the multiple creative things – except I usually end up freezing and doing none of them!
I KNOW it’s not quite the same, and I KNOW it’s a bit plasticky, but one of those waxed cotton tablecloths will last you forever and resist all the mashed banana your girls can throw at it! (As well as paint, tomato sauce and curry). you only need one, wipe it not wash, and you can buy it by the metre.
Yes! I keep passing the brightly coloured strawberry or fruit ones on rolls outside those sell everything plastic shops & realise that is exactly what I need!
Dear Mini, please look at my friend’s lovely interiors shop @RubyJonesHome for beautiful cloths/bags etc from a family-run business in Jaipur…. Wonderful block-printing and beautiful colours xx
The children say or do something, and I’ll think: 'I want to remember this forever, I must write it down’
I have a tiny notebook for each one - not been as good recently at writing things down, partly as they’re older, but when they were c little is just use it for the really funny sentences. Kept it somewhere near me at all times. I found limiting it to the funny stuff created a lovely thing to look back at. Just the sentence - I numbered each one.
I’d love to know what kind of book you would write. If not a recipe book, given your love of historical fiction, what about a well known cook in history? Just an idea as I’m obsessed with trying to re-create some dishes from the past
Just seen there’s a new drama about him - might have to have a look at that. I just made a note of what they said if it made me laugh a lot. Not a set time. Just literally the quote, one sentence, nothing else, so I would gather a list of their quotes.
When you forget about them and pick them up a few years later it makes your day.
The secret life of Carême! It would be lovely to do a historical book, wonder if have got the grit to do all the research!
How lovely that you did the same on the notebooks - I must keep mine in a handier place, or set up some sort of regular time every week to write in them - astonishing how quickly things pass otherwise!
Good luck with the new book! I’ve never been a mood boarder, not in my design work or my home life, Pinterest passed me completely by, but often enjoy looking at the designs of others. I’m still debating whether to re-read Margaret Atwood post your previous Stack, so expect my unsolicited advice on tablecloths in two to three posts’ time. x
Ahaha. I did re-read the Handmaid’s Tale & still very much enjoyed the book!
Thanks on the book! Aha, I imagine you keep the design ideas in your head, I can’t really work out what I like unless I ‘see’ it altogether, Freeform which is a big bit of virtual graph paper is my go-to for all decision making now!
Same re book proposal. I mentioned an old idea to my agent a while ago expecting her to be dismissive because we totally failed with it 12 years ago - but she was immediately enthusiastic and said now is the time. I’m now under pressure to get the propsosal done but I haven’t finished percolating yet!
So funny and spot on! Made me snigger out loud. And some of my happiest early childhood memories are of playing in a tub of water in the garden with my sister and washing our dolls hair and having tea on a blanket on the lawn. Simple and priceless 💖
So much YES! to all of this. I think for those of us who like to sit and write, when we’re not doing that, things in our brain fly off all over the place and cannot be caught and kept happily in one place. When I have to do 1042 things for garden, house, work, family etc I feel fizzing and uncalm and nothing gets ticked off. Also, in the same breath, Dunelm IS brilliant.
Glorious. As always.
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much for your posts I always look forward to reading them as much as your recipes, which I have always loved -and listening to your podcasts and interviews, and as a mum of twin 3 year-olds and an 8 year-old with special needs, trying to begin a new career, I very much sympathise with the OVERWHELM!
Speaking of which, to keep this short, as I know you're madly busy, would you please be kind enough to share the links for the aforesaid perfect wooden playhouse and accessories and shopping stand?? I'd really appreciate it!
Thank you so much and sending all my best wishes for your endeavours! We're all rooting for you and can't wait to see how it progresses!
Many thanks and warm regards,
Iona
Hi Iona! Popped these in an email but sharing here in case useful for anyone else!
Playhouse, from Etsy (comes in 3x sizes) https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1766823422/childrens-garden-playhouse-wendy-house?ref=shop_home_active_1&pro=1&frs=1&logging_key=94cd2f228edf12f23b567150efc1b482d29c1061%3A1766823422
Having inspected it in the light this am, would recommend, esp with the service where they assemble for you!
Shopping stand which doubles as a theatre:
https://www.scandiborn.co.uk/products/tidlo-play-shop-and-theatre?variant=39604724334663&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Standard+Products+-+PMax&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADQ-8LsKCBLWXR3WLvKI64OFMSjjo&gclid=CjwKCAjwq7fABhB2EiwAwk-YbMZD0YgX2rq64HsaQODT1LQwOtFXHe1RaGYwXofsPbkojlbyFu5EsBoCnaoQAvD_BwE
The chairs are La Redoute (perfect three year old size!) https://www.laredoute.co.uk/ppdp/prod-350515825.aspx?dim1=1&dim2=1&cod=BPS00201058UK&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwq7fABhB2EiwAwk-YbNGc0syjfUeGt40Fxj71PY-h_Mb2tJKT32FQ3UX-ImDgCgu742spARoCyCgQAvD_BwE
Rug is Dunelm: https://www.dunelm.com/product/practirug-hani-floral-washable-rug-1000218110?defaultSkuId=30839181&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Rugs_Rugs_%5BGOO-PLA+PSB-RUGS-RUGS%5D&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADGqyX1KlOq_faF7Y94mZaRqAy8Wq&gclid=CjwKCAjwq7fABhB2EiwAwk-YbLkx7_TPtoDJVD-4SjJ0XbkVevHl2R6ImeEDJjK5bmzE1IgQEB1-0RoChUYQAvD_BwE
Cushions are Dunelm (I realise having bought them they are far too big for the chairs, but v cute nonetheless: https://www.dunelm.com/product/suzani-cushion-1000218809?defaultSkuId=30892855
Rustic bench is Sostrene Greene: https://sostrenegrene.com/en-gb/products/home/bench-p-b351f06c
The cute metal storage trunks are La Redoute again: https://www.laredoute.co.uk/ppdp/prod-324157392.aspx?dim1=31&dim2=1&cod=BPS00201058UK&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwq7fABhB2EiwAwk-YbPaEZfIrMneGHNxMqmSiylU_wBP7tD0R1Bl6l5ON6TqqU-K7nuVanRoCj5AQAvD_BwE
Thank you so much! ❤️
Loved this!
1. When I research online, I can ONLY research obsessively. Every. Single. Option.
2. Yes, isn't Dunelm fab?
3.Definitely get the market stall. AND theatre? Too brilliant. Is it wrong that I'm 45 and kind of want one myself?
4. I look forward to your writing every weekend 😊 X
Ahaha! Reassuring that other people do the same on the research!
Haha no not at all - children’s toys are so compelling! X
🥹 beautiful writing. Hit me right on the heart ❤️
Agreed x
Thank you! x
Ah thank you!
I 100% feel this - my mind is in a constant whirl of book ideas, post ideas for my Substack, home decor, sewing projects, and now the garden (filling up baskets on the online plant websites and then never pressing order... great use of time!) Actually getting any of this stuff done is another matter, of course.
Aha, we sound exactly the same!
But think there is a value in filling the online gardening baskets (my RHS basket has had 9 items in for two weeks) and then not checking them out, gives you time to think if you really want them or if it was an impulse buy? Our wallets probably thank us!
Yes this is a good point! I always do try and give purchases a bit of time to sit as I am deeply impulsive... have to give that adrenaline surge time to die down 😅
Lovely writing! I totally get the multiple creative things – except I usually end up freezing and doing none of them!
I KNOW it’s not quite the same, and I KNOW it’s a bit plasticky, but one of those waxed cotton tablecloths will last you forever and resist all the mashed banana your girls can throw at it! (As well as paint, tomato sauce and curry). you only need one, wipe it not wash, and you can buy it by the metre.
Very envious of your weather 😀
Yes! I keep passing the brightly coloured strawberry or fruit ones on rolls outside those sell everything plastic shops & realise that is exactly what I need!
Dear Mini, please look at my friend’s lovely interiors shop @RubyJonesHome for beautiful cloths/bags etc from a family-run business in Jaipur…. Wonderful block-printing and beautiful colours xx
Thank you so much - I’m looking her up now! xx
The children say or do something, and I’ll think: 'I want to remember this forever, I must write it down’
I have a tiny notebook for each one - not been as good recently at writing things down, partly as they’re older, but when they were c little is just use it for the really funny sentences. Kept it somewhere near me at all times. I found limiting it to the funny stuff created a lovely thing to look back at. Just the sentence - I numbered each one.
I’d love to know what kind of book you would write. If not a recipe book, given your love of historical fiction, what about a well known cook in history? Just an idea as I’m obsessed with trying to re-create some dishes from the past
Just seen there’s a new drama about him - might have to have a look at that. I just made a note of what they said if it made me laugh a lot. Not a set time. Just literally the quote, one sentence, nothing else, so I would gather a list of their quotes.
When you forget about them and pick them up a few years later it makes your day.
The secret life of Carême! It would be lovely to do a historical book, wonder if have got the grit to do all the research!
How lovely that you did the same on the notebooks - I must keep mine in a handier place, or set up some sort of regular time every week to write in them - astonishing how quickly things pass otherwise!
Good luck with the new book! I’ve never been a mood boarder, not in my design work or my home life, Pinterest passed me completely by, but often enjoy looking at the designs of others. I’m still debating whether to re-read Margaret Atwood post your previous Stack, so expect my unsolicited advice on tablecloths in two to three posts’ time. x
Ahaha. I did re-read the Handmaid’s Tale & still very much enjoyed the book!
Thanks on the book! Aha, I imagine you keep the design ideas in your head, I can’t really work out what I like unless I ‘see’ it altogether, Freeform which is a big bit of virtual graph paper is my go-to for all decision making now!
Lovely!
Same re book proposal. I mentioned an old idea to my agent a while ago expecting her to be dismissive because we totally failed with it 12 years ago - but she was immediately enthusiastic and said now is the time. I’m now under pressure to get the propsosal done but I haven’t finished percolating yet!
Aaah that’s exciting! I’m so glad your idea is coming to light now - the percolating stage is crucial! Good luck with the proposal!
So funny and spot on! Made me snigger out loud. And some of my happiest early childhood memories are of playing in a tub of water in the garden with my sister and washing our dolls hair and having tea on a blanket on the lawn. Simple and priceless 💖
Aha thank you! Ah how lovely & same, must be something about being outside, lovely sunlit memories! X
Wonderful.
As a mother of a 33 year old, I can definitely confirm that there is no mood board for time spent together in true companionship.
Yes! Agree. There is now a moratorium on buying more STUFF!
So much YES! to all of this. I think for those of us who like to sit and write, when we’re not doing that, things in our brain fly off all over the place and cannot be caught and kept happily in one place. When I have to do 1042 things for garden, house, work, family etc I feel fizzing and uncalm and nothing gets ticked off. Also, in the same breath, Dunelm IS brilliant.
Yes you’re so right! I find writing and gardening the only things that ‘still’ the 1000 things buzzing around!
Gotta get a Dunelm sponsorship somehow, the number of parcels that drop through the door weekly is getting OUT OF HAND.
Thank you!