Inspiration from Holly Becker at Anthropologie x

What could be better than one of your favourite bloggers hosting a book signing at one of your favourite shops...not much I hear you say. Well I agree wholeheartedly! Which is why I skipped along to Anthropologie to meet the lovely and extremely inspirational Holly Becker from the blog Decor 8...

I had a lovely afternoon listening to Holly's presentation on how to create a moodboard and I have to say I was more than a little star struck! I read Holly's blog most days and never fail to get inspired by her posts and I particularly love the way she reaches out to her readers and really puts herself out there so you feel like you (almost) know her. Sitting down to read her blog always gives me a little pick me up and helps me to keep on going with my creative business even when things are feeling a little tough. Anyway I have drifted off track...above you can see the before and after shots of her lovely moodboard, which she produced with the wonderfully talented Leslie Shewring who authors another beautiful blog called a creative mint. If you are ever stuck for some inspiration or just a little bit of positivity then you should definitely stop by their blogs.

I have to admit that I am a bit disappointed with myself as my nerves got the better of me and all thoughts of chatting and networking deserted me :( I had started the day full of confidence and armed with business cards to share with other creatives and left feeling a little cross that I had been so timid. I really wanted to share with Holly and Leslie how much I enjoy reading their blogs but oh dear I was too intimidated and left with all of my business cards and thoughts still in my head. On a positive note I did buy another copy of Holly's book Decorate, I already own a much thumbed copy...complete with many post it notes and scribbles, however I thought it would be the most perfect present for one of my dearest friends. I won't say who as it is going to be part of her Christmas present, but she is in the process of buying her first home so I thought it would be a perfect and very helpful gift. Anyway, I promise to be bolder and braver next time...x

Parsons Green Farmers Market x

I love living in Parsons Green, particularly the lovely community feel about the area. Last Sunday we headed to the new farmer's market which is just a stone's throw from our little upside down house. The sun was shining which is always a bonus and it was nice to see a good turn out from the locals.

We were quite spoilt for choice with lots of yummy food and drinks and I am pleased to say that we managed to steer clear of the cakes although they did look extremely yummy (we've promised ourselves meringues next Sunday!)...we did buy a huge bag of golden yellow cherry tomatoes which we have eaten with every meal this week, from pesto, tomato and mozzarella sandwiches, to fresh pasta with tomato sauce and my favourite yummy tomato stew with salmon. You have to get a bit inventive when you have such a vast quantity of tomatoes to get through!

I was very pleased to see Chegworth Valley Farm in attendance as I am quite obsessed with their delicious apple juice and always buy a bottle whenever I spy it in coffee shops and deli's. I sampled some bramley apple juice and beetroot and apple juice but in the end settled on rhubarb and apple juice...yum yum! It didn't last long in our house, despite me trying to ration it to last the week. I will definitely be buying another bottle next weekend...x

Hot chocolate and cake at Petersham nurseries x

Everybody has a favourite place, somewhere you feel calm and happy even when the rain is pouring and the wind is blowing a gale...my special place or at least one of them is Petersham nurseries in leafy Richmond. I absolutely love it and would go there everyday if I could...

I met two lovely friends there last week and enjoyed a delicious hot chocolate and a huge piece of scrummy cake as we caught up on each others news. The weather was terrible, but it didn't matter one bit as we were warm and cosy inside one of the green houses that make up the nursery.

After we had warmed up in the cafe we had a good look round at all of the gorgeous products on offer, the buyers do a fantastic job of putting together the most beautiful arrangements. How I would love to do a photoshoot here one day...We played the game, what would you buy if money was no object and spent a serious amount of time deciding, I loved the window frame mirror pictured below as well as a wonky red stripy jug and an old green metal chair...

Even the most utilitarian and mundane of objects take on a kind of magical quality here and I am always left with the desire to buy hundreds of plant pots and then stack them in deliciously artful ways around the place...

Oh how I love Petersham nurseries, as you can see from my big smile...I'm not sure baby Jake is quite as enamoured, but I am confident that he will change his mind just as soon as he is old enough to drink hot chocolate and eat yummy cake x

A special order x

One of my favourite products in my new range is the 'you and me' tree. I wrote a little story about her...

'from the moment we met I knew you were the one, you were cute and funny and special, you made me new and different and better...so here it is for the world to see...you + me = us x' This story is printed onto a recycled cardboard tag and comes with every little tree.

I was inspired to write this story by a very special person and each time I send one out into the world wrapped in crisp tissue and tied with a ribbon it makes me smile to think about both the giver and receiver of the you and me tree...

Last week I was asked to personalise a 'you and me' tree as a wedding gift. I thought this was such a lovely idea to celebrate a 'you' and a 'me' becoming an 'us' I made a little badge with the wedding date on and have since made two more with dates of engagements...Please let me know if I can personalise a tree for you with either a date or a name x

Crafty trail x

I am writing my blog today from cupcake, this is my refuge when staying in the house with Baby Jake becomes a bit lonely. Cupcake is a family centre just around the corner from my house and we come here to do baby yoga, sing nursery rhymes, dance about to music and to meet other mums and babies so I can have a chat and Jake can have a gurgle! Today I had the brainwave to bring my laptop to try and do a bit of work whilst Jake has his nap.

I have managed to send a few emails and start working on a new tree design for the urban garden range...very exciting, I have a lot more work to do but will give you a sneak peek when I have made a bit more progress.

If you are in London next weekend (10th and 11th September) you really should head to the Thames Festival, it is a wonderful celebration of the city with dancing, singing, racing on the river as well as delicious feasts and a fantastic arts festival. There is also a crafty trail this year and as a member of We make London I have donated some small prizes for the goodie bags as well as a bigger prize for the winner. My badge maker has been put to very good use!

If you take part in the crafty trail activities you could receive one of my super cute badges as well as lots of other treats from designer makers in the city.

I am really looking forward to heading over to the festival and taking part in lots of the exciting events...

Maybe I will see some of you there...x