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Ohhh…lots of fab homes bubbling under at the moment including a gorgeous townhouse that’s just crammed full of fantastic retro finds. The homeowner is a huge fan of Winter’s Moon – a West Sussex-based company selling a bright and breezy range of vintage, recycled and handmade items. Julia Grant of Winter’s Moon says: “The collection is constantly changing and features a quirky range of vintage furniture and homewares. Some pieces are good to go as they are, while others need a little TLC to give them a new lease of life.”

Winter’s Moon is heading up to Chiswick Town Hall this coming Sunday, October 14, to take part in ‘The Vintage Home Show’. The event starts at 11am and promises to be a great day out.

Many thanks to all those who’ve taken the time to join my Facebook page this week including the talented ceramicist Sue Jenkins. Sue is a really hardworking, creative and lovely woman with a true passion for pottery. I’m lucky enough to own some of her fabulous range of handmade stoneware which is ideal for both the home and the garden. Sue works from a small studio in Holmfirth, located in the heart of the beautiful Holme Valley, just north of the Peak District in West Yorkshire. The town, where the BBC series Last of The Summer Wine, was filmed has a thriving arts scene and Sue is very much part of it.

Click here to visit Sue’s website to see her original pieces which make ideal gifts and, with Christmas in mind, are perfect for that person who seems to have everything!

If you fancy exploring this area, Sue and her husband Richard run a welcoming Bed & Breakfast called Blue Door B & B. Click here for details

If you’re up for a spot of decorating this month then why not double your efforts by supporting a good cause?

Homeowners never cease to amaze me. Take, for example, talented architect Jon Du Croz and his lovely partner Emma Lally. Having explored various options, Oxfordshire-based Jon decided to think entirely out of the box and snapped up a dark and disused toilet block in Witney which he has lovingly transformed into a wonderful light-filled home.

When I first saw this property, the project was very much in its infancy and, pretty much, a building site.

Gradually, with guts, determination and vision, what was once a crumbling building has been thoughtfully restored and is now a stylish three-bedroom home for the courageous couple and their adorable little girl Mabel.

You can read more about Jon and Emma’s journey in the current (October) issue of Real Homes.

Hey, hey, hey! 100 Facebook Likes…what a great start to a Monday morning and another busy week. Thank you so much to everyone for your support and kindness. Now…I’d better get writing – lots to do. 🙂

If you haven’t already liked my Facebook page, please feel free to click here to do so.

Ooh, la, la…just back from a wonderful week chilling out in Normandy in the north of France. Sightseeing included a leisurely trip to the staggeringly beautiful town of Honfleur, revisiting Mont-St-Michel and a whistle-stop tour of Monet’s enchanting home and gardens at Giverny – all with the added bonus of eyeing up an abundance of gorgeous ‘maisons’ (like this one) en route!

Very kind of Peter Spence to flag up my blog on a brand new website called Factual Writers. I’ve recently been invited to join this group which comprises writers and publishers based in the south of England. I’m looking forward to the inaugural meeting. The group is on the lookout for more members so, if you are keen, feel free to contact Peter at prspence@btinternet.com for further information.

Sometimes I have to pinch myself when I turn up for a job in Chichester Harbour to be greeted by views of colourful bobbing boats, glistening waters and spectacular scenery.

This shot was taken at Itchenor where I met sailing instructor Ashley Hatton who runs the successful Chichester Harbour Turtles.

Accompanied by the lovely Merryn Young – a budding writer keen for some work experience – we headed to Itchenor Sailing Club for, what I thought would be a fairly straightforward interview. Not a bit of it!

Before we could say ‘dinghy ahoy’, we found ourselves precariously stepping into a little rowing boat with coffee cups, handbags and briefcase in hand where Ashley rowed us (in rather impressive style!) towards a beautiful wooden X-Boat for a wonderful morning sail towards Bosham. Ashley took the whole thing in his stride and, before I knew it, I actually found myself at the helm for a few minutes.

It was an exhilarating morning and, back on my comfort zone of dry land, I managed to interview Ashley for the forthcoming Chichester Harbour News & Guide.

If like me, you’re a bit of a nervous sailor, I’d definitely recommend a trip out with Ashley. He’s on 07863 567584.

As for Merryn, seemingly, our fun-filled morning has reinforced her ambition to become a writer and…I can only hope she enjoys her chosen career path as much as I have and still do!

Beautiful weather…reminds me of this time last year when we popped over to Jersey for a fabulous break on this gorgeous island.

One of the highlights was a trip to the stunningly beautiful St Brelade’s Bay where artist and businesswoman Tina Ellis-Brecknell runs a gem of a beach shack shop called Fish n’ Beads.

This little treasure trove sells all sorts including colourful beads where you can sit outside, get creative and drink in the wonderful view of the sweeping bay. Fish n’ Beads is also a great showcase for Tina’s striking artwork as well as pieces from other local artists.

Following a tip-off from another Jersey homeowner, I discovered that Tina lives right next door to her shop in a much-loved home that’s jam-packed with her art, upcycled furniture and accessories, plus plenty of special beach-combing finds.

Your Home magazine jumped at the chance of featuring Tina’s beachside property and, with loads of input and enthusiasm from both homeowner and talented Jersey-based photographer Gisela Olsson, the pair pulled together to produce some stunning results.

To read the full feature, click here.

You can contact Tina at Fish n’ Beads on 01534 742348.

Click here for more information about Gisela Olsson  where you can also read her blog about the Your Home shoot.

To visit the Your Home website click here