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With a name like McMeekin, on a day like today, it would be rude not to flag up Burns’ Night.

Seemingly, my ancestors originally hailed from somewhere in bonnie Scotland (I’m not sure where though). The story goes that three of the more adventurous McMeekin brothers from the clan took the brave step of sailing across the Irish Sea to settle in Northern Ireland.

I only discovered this little piece of genealogy after moving to England back in the 1980s. After landing a job at the Oxford Mail and Times newspapers, I bumped into a lovely girl by the name of Genevieve McMeekin, who I’m still in contact with. Her father had researched the family history and revealed that we were indeed distant relatives!

Anyway, enough of my ramblings…more importantly, I’d like to introduce you to Causeway Coast Lifestyle and, in particular, their Giant’s Causeway Tartan Collection – a range of pure wool throws, picnic rugs, mugs and ties, all with a distinctly tartan feel. Check out www.causewaycoastlifestyle.com

I first met Caroline Robb (who runs CCL) during a shoot for Coast magazine at her fabulous contemporary home on the Antrim Coast.

Since its launch, Caroline has brought together a wonderful collection of stylish giftware and contemporary home accessories, created for and inspired by coastal living.

I love the Antrim Coast with its spectacular scenery and abundance of tourist attractions, including the new Visitors’ Centre at the world-famous Giant’s Causeway.

One day I aim to visit Staffa – the Scottish island with basalt columns mirroring those of its counterpart in Northern Ireland. Who knows, while I’m over in Scotland, I may even do a little family history research myself and see if I can track down a few more of those McMeekins. 🙂

Pictured below is my little lad Jonathan at the Giant’s Causeway. He’s grown a bit since that photograph was taken…must be time for another visit there too.

Calling all green-fingered folk. I’ve just been approached by a magazine looking for interesting gardens for makeover features.

If you have transformed your own garden from a dull space into something a little (or a lot!) more eye-catching, or if you know of anyone who has, then please get in touch at mail@janetmcmeekin.co.uk

The only catch is that the magazine will definitely need a before shot to show the transformation from dire to gorgeous.

This suitably dreadful before shot appeared in a previous feature that was published a while ago. Thankfully, I can confirm that the after photographs were MUCH better and that the owner was absolutely thrilled with her garden makeover, courtesy of the lovely Matt Bodimeade of Terra Creative Landscape and Construction. For more information about Terra Creative view www.terra-creative.com

If love is in the air in your home then this could be the ideal gift for that special person in your life this Valentine’s Day.

The heart-smothered cushion has been made by Sharon Port – a lady who’s not just handy with the needle but one who can also turn her hand to making platters, bowls, pendants, vases, bowls and even the occasional sculpture!

I reckon this appliqued cushion, from Sharon Port Originals, is a much more thoughtful gift than the token box of chocs or bouquet of flowers. It costs £35 plus p+p.

For more details and other examples of Sharon’s work, visit www.sharonportoriginals.co.uk or visit her Facebook page.

PS Thanks for the Like, Sharon! 🙂

Finally on Twitter. Please follow me at @janetmcmeekin

Really pleased with the coverage given to my house finds in the current (Feb 2013) issue of 25 Beautiful Homes. I’ve never had three interiors features in one magazine before – definitely a first for the new year!

The trio of properties include a delightful family home created from a converted pub, a barn that’s been given a very stylish facelift and a four-storey Georgian terrace bursting with personality.

Although the houses are all very different they are good examples of why interiors features are such a terrific showcase for stylish homes. Over the next little while, I’ll be flagging up each of these wonderful homes on my blog and Facebook page.

However, if you’d like to read the full features, then the February issue is out now and, I have to say, I do like the rather cheery front cover.

Happy New Year everyone. Back to work and raring to go after a refreshing break spent savouring quality time with family and friends.

I love this time of year when everything starts springing back to life – like these stunning hellebores that I’ve just photographed in our back garden. The poor hellebores don’t get much TLC but every year, they magically reappear looking fresh and dazzling.

It’s shaping up to be a really exciting 2013 here with plenty stylish houses lining up as potential magazine features and several new opportunities on the horizon too.

Today’s jobs include finishing off a feature with an intriguing twist to the tale as well as interviewing another delightful homeowner about her stylish barn conversion.

On a more personal level, several projects are bubbling under at my own home. First on my hit list is revamping the master bedroom so, in that rare spare moment, I’ll be sourcing everything from bedding to lighting. Watch this space…

I’d love to hear how your own interiors projects are shaping up for 2013. If you’d like either a room makeover project or your whole house to star on the pages of a national magazine then just drop me a line. It’s mail@janetmcmeekin.co.uk

Fab coverage of Jane Eaton’s pretty cottage-style home in the current (January 2013) issue of 25 Beautiful Homes.

The feature, with a stunning full-page image of Jane’s cosy breakfast area (on page 107) is a terrific showcase for this lovely friendly owner who runs a thriving interiors shop and vintage tearoom called Cachepot, in Breaston near Derby.

As you’d expect, Jane’s home is jam-packed full of Cachepot stock and many of the products pop up in the photographs throughout the four-page spread.

Interiors articles are all about teamwork and, when the owner is a dream to interview, the photographer’s shots are super and the designers make a wonderful job of the layout, then there’s a real feeling of satisfaction when you flick open the pages of the magazine and know that everyone has really pulled together.

Jane’s kind comment below made my day!

“The article in 25 Beautiful Homes is terrific, I’m thrilled with it. It was printed earlier than I expected so it was a great surprise.”

Thank you Jane. 🙂

You can find Cachepot on Facebook and on the Internet.

Stop Press! Just received an urgent request for stylish Christmas homes. If your house is looking suitably festive or, if you know of anyone with a passion for decking the halls beautifully, then drop me a line at mail@janetmcmeekin.co.uk.