Pink Cupcakes

Smeg Heaven

 

Take a look at this.  Stare at it.  Admire it.  Love it.  No, this isn't actually an ad for Smeg, but gosh, just look at the amazingly fabulous new 1950's retro style fireplace. TDF.

x

The Green Room

 

It was a long time coming; but we've finally done it, decorated our bedroom after almost 5 years.

 

It all started after I'd bought my beloved Cath Kidston eiderdown just before Christmas.  I was hinting at Big Fella for a while, and although he didn't mind I wanted to decorate, I was absolutely not to do until the new year.

 

The biggest change for us is wallpaper.  I've always been an emulsion kind of girl, but the reinvention of wallpaper, and of course my tastes, pointed me in the direction of this rather lovely botanical green, and a room was born.

 

Big Fella and I have always gone for a less is more approach in our bedroom (sorry for the cliche).  Usually I adore a bit of clutter, but the bedroom is the one place I want a bit of space, and a bit of calm, and I think we've finally got it right by going green.

 

It's fair to say, I really pleased with how it's turned out, and now absolutely love my new tranquil bedroom, although I have to say, it wouldn't have got done at all if it wasn't for my daddy!  - he put the wallpaper up, because in fairness, I wouldn't know where the hell to start!

 

Let's hope I get to actually sleep in it, since it's a luxury in our house at the moment!

Be good

Karen XX

I'm Making Winter Feel Good...

 

There is one reason why I could never live in another Country but the UK, and that's the Seasons.

Now listen, before you have a good laugh, because the season we never get is Summer, we do usually get a Winter, and this year, we're having a good one. Our garden proves it.

 

I've always written in detail about the seasons.  Usually it's autumn and winter, because despite loving the warm summer air, there's something about the smell of a log burning fire, the darkening skies and sunsets, the crisp frost mornings and possibly, if you're lucky snow that sets my inspirations alight.  Yes, I know, it's all pretty cliche, but actually quite lovely.

I guess seasons feature heavily in my work because I'm very much inspired by my autumn trips to St Ives and Christmas.  Our house is currently piled high with Christmas magazines, Country Living, Living Etc, Ideal Homes Complete Guide to Christmas, and for one reason only, to help me write.

Of course, I wouldn't be Karen Roderick if this inspiration didn't spill over into my home life, often to Big Fella's frustration.

 

One of the "overspill's" is Cath Kidston.  Now, anyone who knows me, will know I have 2 very twee obsessions: Cath and Emma Bridgewater.

Steadily over the past couple of years, I've been sneaking these two ladies into our house.  It started with children's pottery: name mugs for the boys, then teatowels, the odd bowl and plate, and finally, I've managed to shamelessly purchase a original Cath Kidston eiderdown for our cosy bed.  He didn't stand a chance!

 

This "need" is quite odd for a woman who usually considers herself to be fairly contemporary, which is why I've concluded it is the fall out of my writing.  The draft I'm currently working on is very much of this ilk.  "She" (who will remain nameless at the moment), lives in a renovated cottage with what I like to describe as a "contemporary country" interior, and I'd be kidding myself if I didn't admite I'd love to live in a place like this, an inglenook log burning fireplace, a cream Aga series 6.4 and a stunning red Smeg fridge freezer crammed full of Moet and fine olives - but I don't, so creating this lifestyle is the ultimate in indulging my alter ego.

I don't believe for a moment I am the only person to think like this, after all, isn't it usually why we read novels?  Escapism in a world saturated in bad stuff, is a tonic that should be consumed on a regular basis, certainly for me anyway, real life is around us every second of our lives, a few hours a week of totally living a different life is what keeps me going.

 

So, at the moment, I'm living in Nigella World, though obviously on a budget, and since my study lights finally blew the other day (not bad after 4 years), I've replaced them with ultra indulgent pink and cream rose ones whichI've had for ages but couldn't find anywhere to put them, well, they've found a home now and I love them, along with my Book Signing roses that are lasting really well considering roses usually die after 2 days (in our house anyway).

But the re-decorating doesn't stop there, like Nigella, Christmas is just an excuse to cover the house in yet more fairy lights and a mish mash of Christmas stuff.  I haven't gone quite as mad this year because Little Fella is now big enough to reach everything, and if there's a will, there's a bloody way, but even so, I've still done my bit.

 

I've been slightly less obvious this year, because in the last 12 months I've been writing a novel that features a most beautiful cottage (the one mentioned above) and so I'm kinda thinking there's no room for too much tack, but even so, there are some things I just can't resist...

   

My excuse is having children.

But really, I am inspired by this lovely cold weather we're having, even if Big Fella and dreamy JB have been suffering with coughs and colds this week, it still makes me feel cosy and Christmasy, I might even slip on It's a Wonderful Life later for a little more over indulgence, and if that makes me twee, then that's fine. Me, Cath, Emma and Nigella, wow, what a party!

Ps. I've also invited Tom DeLonge to the party, but not sure he'll make it this year x

Have a good day XX

Domestic Goddess

 

When it came to my house and lifestyle, I preferred to think I was Jamie Oliver, when actually I'm Nigella.

See, in our house at the moment, we're all getting a little snug.  It's cold outside, the nights are rapidly drawing in, and my most favourite time of the year is hurtling towards us, yes, Christmas.

 

Like the lady herself, Christmas is a time for me to totally indulge my lovely family with yet more fairy lights, candles and umm, socks.

 

A couple of years back, our first Christmas with Little Fella, I started going all girly.  I'd spent the best part of 7 months in rather unflattering maternity wear, especially the last month when I got so big, joggers and t-shirts were the order of the day, anyway, I wrote my list for Father Christmas after discovering the brilliant Debrett's "Etiquette for Girls", and he bought me a cute pair of pink lambswool bed socks (a la Lily Mills for those who have read my book), as well as numerous satin and chiffon underwear and I haven't looked back. 

I used to pride myself in M&S white cotton briefs, but no more folks, I have seen the light (not that there's anything wrong with these of course, I occasionally revert back when I need to, comfort is everything you know).

 

Anyway, I absolutely love Nigella Lawson.  I love her brazen attitude to food, how she's made it acceptable for (most) women to scoff their favourite dish and actually look as though we enjoy it, that it's OK to clear your plate, and it's most definately OK to NOT HAVE TO ALWAYS HAVE A DAMNED PLAIN SALAD!  (unless it Caesar, which I love, or a garnish). 

See, I love food, but like most of us girls, I have at sometime tried not to, I don't anymore, although I will always watch how MUCH I eat, I'm not a naturally slim woman, I learnt the hard way.  Anyway, Big Fella comes home last week and tells me about this dish his boss makes: warm gooey Camembert laced with fresh garlic and rosemary.  The fat content immediately puts me off, but once it comes out of the oven, followed by warm French stick, I decide to allow myself a little naughtiness.

 

And OMG it's stunning.  Big Fella's laughing at me because I can't stop scooping; I don't even think I took breath.  He disappears to see to the kids for a moment and I honestly have to slow down in fear of devouring the whole damned cheese!

 

I actually find it quite liberating, once in a while to really let yourself go, and I have to say, we've had this dish a couple of times since last week, which Big Fella is totally sick of (lest he forget he could absolutely live on Chinese), and I'm loving it so much I've had to feature it in my latest piece of work, because it is most definately worth a mention.

 

Right, back to the Domestic Goddess that is Karen Roderick. 

On a recent Christmas shopping trip to the amazing Bull Ring in Birmingham (yes, I have already started!), and I have to tell you this, but I couldn't help but indulge in a little Cath Kidston where I find this cute Seasonal tea towel set (the other being red and white polka dot), and it's so damned good I've had to hang it out  already.

     

So, with the family getting snug, and bit by bit little Christmas decorations appearing around our house, much to Big Fella's amusement, I'm kind of enjoying the dark mornings, the cold nights and watching the sunrise, there's a tranquil and cosy feel about the days, whether it's an excuse for the goddess to put on the fire, or to wrap up and go for a brisk walk with the kids, there is a reason why this is my favourite time of year, and I'm even tempted to pop on those recorded Nigella Christmas specials from 2 years back, just to reassure myself I'm not totally insane.

Christmas cards at the ready!

Be good

Karen X

Ty Ni (our house)

I've changed my shopping day.

Prior to the lovely JB coming along, me and Little Fella trudged the floors of a certain supermarket every Wednesday, taking our time, Little Fella with carrot stick Organix crisps and me pushing around a 2 stone toddler.  Anyway, times have changed, and the idea of pushing 2 kids around in a trolley, one screaming, the other shouting "I want, I want!" is not very appealing.

So, Thursday it is.

So, me and JB head to that supermarket, no list, I'm free wheeling today, which is actually lethal, but anyway, I stumble across these really cute cakes totally aimed at suckers like me. Fantastic Roald Dahl illustrations and the most stunning cutie pie cakes inside, honest, I couldn't decide which ones to buy.  Little Fella has a thing for Choccy cake at the moment, so that went in the trolley, and a little treat me for, a giant spongy bun -totally cool.

Anyway, we arrived back having spent a little more money than intended, and since JB was sleeping, I put the shopping away and started tidying up the house a little.

I love this house, honest, I do.  We'll have been living here for 4 years on October and I love it even more now, I just wish it was somewhere else. Anyway, enough of that, that's another blog entry for another time, I really do take Pride in my home, after all, it's our biggest asset and we spend most of our free time here, so, I've been taking a look around, and picking out my favourite things.

I have to say, apart from our dining room, most of the house is a homage to St Ives, or the seaside in general.  When we first saw this house, I knew exactly how I wanted it, and over time, it's happening, I have my very own seaside "cottage".

Over the years, I've collected a hell of alot of driftwood art from St Ives and surrounding areas, and since I have so much, it's popping up all over the house.

OK, so nothing beats a real fire, and I have to say I really miss the ones we had when we lived in Cheshire, but our pebble gas fire, which of course we use sparingly, is lovely when it comes to those cosy winter nights.

It's probably my favourite room in the house after the Study.

Then there's the dining room.  It used to be our Family Room before I created the Playroom, but now I like it even more, with it's French farmhouse feel.

It also makes better sense to have the dining room where it is, because through French doors is the kitchen, probably the Hub of our home (after the Playroom of course), and we are just about the change the colour scheme, I'm thinking a calm sage green.

As mentioned previously, I've recently painted Little Fellas room. JB's lovely room didn't need much doing to it apart from cosmetics, and I have to say, I absolutely love the colour and my very fav thing is the cute but cool chair in the corner, and it's dead comfy too, which helps at 3am.

Our bathroom hasn't escaped the seaside either, with it's original driftwood pieces and calming canvases picked up over the years we've visited St Ives.

Last year in Brixham, I picked up a load of old unused scallop shells and now use them as tea light holders, or possibly ashtrays if that's your thing.

The driftwood cabinet in the bathroom was made by the same couple who made the mirror in the lounge. Sadly, their studio Windswept and Interesting in St Ives no longer exists, but they still do some stuff online.

Little Fella's cool Britannia cushion was actually from a High Street shop, but reminded me of No 11 The Quay in Ilfracombe, the restaurant co-owned by Damien Hirst.

And of course, a house wouldn't be a home without what are undoubtedly the most important rooms in the house, yes, the Playroom...

...and this rather fetching cat house as modelled by the lovely Atticus Finch.  Macbeth currently unavailable due to constantly smothering everything in sight.

And of course this extract wouldn't be complete without you know what - my workspace of course, and since I love this room so much, I'm dedicating it. it's own space on the front of the blog (see left).

Right people, have to dash, got loads to do, it's already 15:17 and I'm on a tight schedule today.

Love ya and leave ya

Karen xxxxxx

Spring into a little optimism

Admist flu, long dark nights and Seasonal Affective Disorder, there is a light I run to every January - Spring. 

OK, so it may be a few weeks off yet, but that doesn't mean we can't start thinking about it, or dare I say it, summer.

See, during the run up to Christmas, I actually love those cold, dark cosy nights, but come January I feel pretty rotten about the dank weeks ahead.  I find myself wandering around the supermarkets for the first sighting of a daffodil or tulip, in the hope it will make me smile.

By now I'm also tired of the Autumn/Winter wardrobe too.  I adored polo necks and opaque tights in November and December, but now find them a bind.  Already I've caught myself daring to imagine the summer season and what I might be wearing.  I even discovered my lovely Orla Kiely bikini at the bottom of my drawer, I bought it after shedding my hundreds of pounds of baby weight after having little fella - imagine, an original Orla Kiely from Covent Garden, cool - let's just hope I get to wear it again after more baby weight from JB (bless).

And there's nothing like scanning through my modest handbag collection and remembering how much I love my Orla Kiely sunflower bag (bought way back from Selfridges in Manchester - check it on Ebay, it's still not cheap!)

Anyway, at the moment, anything that is sunny and smiley I'm into (Orla sums this up a treat).  The only acception to this rule is if we have snow, because I love snow, but rain - no way, you can keep the damned stuff.

So, with optimism strangely on my side, I've started thinking about re-decorating bits of our house.  Big Fella calls it "nesting", and in a way, I guess it is, but it's also because this will be our fourth year in our house and I'm looking for a bit of a change.  Nothing too radical, but something a little different, and by that, I mean, (dare I say it), wallpaper.

OK, so this isn't my house, but I love the colour, and this green thing is really doing it for me at the moment, so I've ordered something a little more "refined" to suit my taste and it's going in our dining room, because it's crying out to be loved.  I may even put a dash in the kitchen or porch (if Big Fella gives permission, for him, wallpaper goes with net curtains).

The other thing I'm mad in to, is window transfers.  As we live in an area where, for developers quantity was so much more of a priority than quality, privacy was an issue, until I discovered Brume a couple of years back, and it solved most of the problem.  Anyway, since we're revamping the kitchen too, I thought why not add a little Brume there too, and their new range includes these brilliant designs that I just adore.

I'm also a sucker for presentation, and up there with the best of them is Emma Bridgewater.  Check out the cool new pet bowls (chickens not included unfortunately).

Anyway, all I need to do now is find the time, not just because little fella is climbing the walls (me behind him), but because I'm starting to feel quite big and heavy, where even walking upstairs is an effort, but it absolutely HAS to be done for April, because that's when he comes. JB of course.

Adios. K xxx

It's just the little things in life...

I'm feeling really cosy at the moment.  The weather is cold and frosty, and Christmas looms ever closer.  Houses gleam and glisten with Christmas lights and I'm getting more excited as the days go on.

Anyway, as if there aren't enough lights in our house, I finally purchased those micro bulb clear lights I've been after to put on my well groomed conifers.  OK, so you can't really see them from the picture, but they're there and looking as festive as ever.  Now I can lounge out on the sofa at night, leave the curtains open and gaze stupidly at my creation - yeah,yeah, OK, but it makes me happy alright.

Talking of alright, take at peek at these two terrors.

Now these are two gentlemen who are really feeling cosy, courtesy of my lovely home, yes, the same lovely home they are lovingly wrecking and driving me bonkers (still!).  OK, so they have got a little better, and alot bigger, but Atticus and MacBeth still have the measure of me, (and Millie, bless her).

But we are one big happy family, promise.

Right, so back to my ultra cosy mood.  I've been looking for a bit of escapism for a while, and since I'm feeling inspired by winter and the festive season, I stumbled upon Julia Williams' Pastures New.  OK, so it was the cover that got me, the snowy winter scene embossed with silver snowflakes, but it's actually turning out to be a pretty good read, and not dissimilar to something I might consider writing myself.

Anyway, it's ideal for a cold winter's afternoon (if you get the chance!), putting your feet up with a coffee and turning up the fire - now I am feeling cosy.

Talking of cosy, I'm writing like a mad one at the moment.  I started a new story about October time, but just didn't get the time to give it much attention.  Then I sort of went off it, but now I'm back, and as crazy as it sounds, it's because of my cosy mood, see, the story is set through autumn and into winter, covering Halloween, Guy Fawkes and Christmas, all my favourite things.

The original inspiration behind writing this new story was our most recent trip to St Ives.  There is the loveliest shop there called The Glass Tree, and it's on The Digey.  So, back in October (I'm already visualising Christmas!), I picked up a couple of cute tree decorations, and now they sit happily in our living room where I admire them every evening when the lights go down.

Right, think I ought to get back to that story.  I'm totally buzzed up now, and time isn't on my side (it never is), so, have a great weekend all, and don't forget Nigella on Sunday!

Cheers K xxx

*click on INTRODUCING A LOVE THAT MAKES LIFE DRUNK blog to download Chapters 1-3*

Pink Christmas

I will make this quick, because I'm aware I spent the entire last blog talking about Christmas, but I just have to show you this - my Study, with just a touch of Chintz about it, but I'm loving it.

And last week whilst out and about Christmas shopping I picked up this cute red snowflake mug from Starbuck's...

And then yesterday I found these delightful Father Christmas and Rudolph pencils, now that really is cute.

Glad Tidings xxx

* Click on post INTRODUCING A LOVE THAT MAKES LIFE DRUNK to download Chapters 1-3 *

Give Me Christmas all year 'round!

Oh yes folks! You better believe it, it's 19, yes, 19 days to Christmas and I'm loving it!  OK, so I appreciate that anyone who doesn't like Christmas or who doesn't wish to be reminded how much shopping they've got left to do, won't like me very much, but I just can't help how much I love Christmas.

I started listening to music and Carols on the third week of November and will carry on until New Years Eve, but until then, it's Christmas everyday.

I convinced Big Fella to let me put the tree up last Friday (yes it was still November) because we were going out on the Saturday, plus, I also used the excuse that we couldn't possibly decorate whilst Little Fella was around because it would be pure carnage, so, over a Kaliber and Lime and ciabatta pizza and sweet waffles, we set about this mammoth task, and it really is mammoth, because as you can guess, I decorate almost every room.

I do however, try to be tasteful.  I'm not one for tinsel, although I do actually quite like it, I prefer lights, hundreds of lights and snowflakes.  It's also probably the only time of year I put the gas fire on - which goes down well with Millie.

I also love driving around at night with Big and Little Fella to take a peek at everyone else's lights, because although they might not be my cuppa, I just love Father Christmas, Stars and flashing lights in their windows, there's something very endearing about it.

Anyway, this year I didn't have to buy too much stuff because I went a little mad last year, but I did invest in these lovely Norwegian inspired Christmas blankets as modelled by a busy Little Fella.

I also got excited about retro hanging snowflakes, balls and bells (see above) that I picked up online from RE.

Then there's simple white fairy lights, logs, satsumas, chocolates and Christmas Cat stockings in the Family Room...

...and my sort of homemade wreath.

Even our bedroom didn't escape with it's twinkling stars in the window...

The kitchen has also be touched by the hand of Christmas - subtle, of course - allowing my Emma Bridgewater and Portmerion pottery a bit of an airing.

In fairness though, I am trying desperately not to get the chocolates out too early as I know too many too soon can seriously damage my already suffering waistline, and since I'm off the booze, food has become the object of my affection -very bad at almost 6 months pregnant.

Which unfortunately has not deterred me from seeking out the Christmas cupcake recipe I've been storing since the summer, with every intention of having a go and probably devouring most of them myself.

OK, to the more stressful side of Christmas (and I don't mean juggling family!), but buying prezzies, ones people might actually like - big ask for many I know), and no, I haven't finished mine yet, but I have almost, and those I have got, sit happily wrapped and ready to be opened and loved by the recipient (yeah, right!), we can live in hope I guess.

                                                                   

Anyway, I know I'll love all my gifts, because most people know me so well, my only regret...not having that glass of Champagne with breakfast - damn, you'll be missed.

HO HO HO K xxx

* Download Chapters 1-3 of my novel by clicking on post INTRODUCING A LOVE THAT MAKES LIFE DRUNK *

Confessions of a Boudoir

Carrying on from my lovely little house parts 1and 2, I decided I wanted to go into a bit more detail about my second favourite room since I've recently had a change around.

The thing I love most about this room is the quirky bits I've picked up along the way, things big fella can't always get his head around, like pictures of the lovely Deanna Baker (Playmate 1972) by our dresser, and yes, she is in the buff - and yes, that is a pair of ballet pumps.

   

As you might know, I make no bones about how girly I am, and taking a brief look at my dressing table you'll not be disappointed.

  I'm also a bit of a candle collector, and bought this cutie on my honeymoon five years back - an Emma Bridgewater shine like a star, because it reminds me of Jesus Hairdo by The Charlatans.

I'm giving you a quick glimpse into my wardrobe, becaue it's the loveliest it's been since having my son almost 22 months ago. There, it's done, I can rest easy now and have a brew.