Perfect Day

I have just spent the most fabulous 24 hour holiday in North Norfolk. Alfresco lunch at The Hoste in Burnham Market. The garden room is so exotic it reminds me of eating dinner at Biras Creek on Virgin Gorda - only without the Caribbean view. The weather was totally BVI, as I went on to shop in Holt for dresses, deli and diamonds. My budget took in 2 lovely halternecks and a great Pork dinner from Byfords, but sadly didn't stretch to the ring I really liked in Webbs - but a huge thank you to the really nice lady who let me try it on.

Then back along the coast to Lord and Lady Coke's lovely shabby chic boutique hotel: The Victoria at Holkham Hall. Check in is delightfully informal and keys are doshed out to make your way through the park, to the resplendent Triumphal Arch. We popped our Sandhams' pink champagne in the ground floor fridge (yes there's one upstairs too - those stone spirals can be tiresome after a while), oohed and aahed at the amazing bedroom/lounge/bathroom of the West Wing and hit the beach at 6pm to glorious sunshine, olives, Italian sausage and bread. We had the golden sands to ourselves, save for a couple of Oyster Catchers and thousands of tiny razor shells.

By 7.30 I was soaking in a lovely hot tub whilst Jim popped down to the well equipped kitchen to rustle up an amazing dinner. Sipping my chilled pink champagne, whilst opening cards and pressies, I felt truly blessed for such a perfect day. And even more so for my own mother, who made a 4-hour round trip the previous day, to ensure my daughter had a gift to give me for my birthday.

Mulberry Space

If you've followed a link from my copywriting website you'll know this is the May Bond Street for Mulberry Space created by one of London’s most exclusive florists McQueen’s. The inspiration came from the Mulberry tree. The tree was “in bloom” each week - using English grown, seasonal flowers in the colours of the Spring/Summer 2008 collection. It's just one of the innovative Mulberry Space initiatives that sees the brand collaborate with different creative companies and organisations to create a gallery space in its shop window.

The original florist's sketch actually became the concept for the spring summer Mulberry in Bloom home page and the brilliant piece of email marketing that enticed me in. Like you, I'm busy and cynical so it takes a lot. Something this fresh can't fail to grab the imagination and delight the senses.

So you can reach for your PDA, iPhone or Blackberry. I will happily use a pen in my 10 year old Mulberry Planner. Like what's happening in Mulberry Space, I enjoy its reassuring weight and real world presence. And although I haven't seen the Bond Street window, I enjoyed the experience online. Isn't that what web brand synergy is all about?

Green & Gold Goddess

I love vintage so I love the 50s inspired look of this pink and green choker by London designer Gemma Lister. Her work has been featured in Cosmo, Marie Claire, New Woman and The Telegraph's Stella magazine. Fashion stylists love her quirky British vibe and so do I. This piece is perfect with summer's goddessy dresses and strappy metallic sandals or just as a statement piece with a little vest, jeans and colour-rich peeptoes.

Lincolnshire's extra pair of hands

Friends Judi Rudolph and Claire Clark have recently set up this innovative business providing the extra pair of hands you need to enhance your home life.

I was thrilled with the pots they planted up outside my office. They've cleaned a colleague's stainless steel oven, given a busy career mum's home a thorough spring clean whilst she was on holiday. Their list of 'can-do's is endless. So many of my city-based copywriting clients would cut off a limb for such a service, but I'm sorry guys, these smart girls are re-locators. They've moved up from the south, leaving incredibly hectic jobs in business to enjoy some family time and fresh Lincolnshire air as they redress the work life balance.

It is their understanding of business that makes them so good at what they do. Their standards are as exacting as your own. Both are smart, professional, incredibly confidential and totally dedicated.

Whether it's planning a dinner party, restyling your property for sale or a regular clean, they have a few slots available. If you're within 10 miles of LN8, I would book them whilst you still can. Click the link for contact details.

I'm loving the Logo so lose the Litter

As a copywriter in the countryside, this is close to my heart. Every time I take a bike or horse over the Wolds, I'm staggered by the huge amount of litter and fly-tipping here in Lincolnshire. Despite the nearest McDonalds being around 17 miles away, people save their congealed fat soaked bags to chuck away when they reach the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Take it home with you. Better still, eat a piece of fruit, it'll enrich as it rots. So, I was delighted to see the CPRE's strong campaign. Especially, as I've always adored the the simple impact of their logo. It is a pleasure to say I'm loving it on my copywriting blog.

Creative Inspiration

Another lovely image to share with you from my friend Bev who is now in New Zealand and inspiring us with her picturesque postcards home via email imagery. This is a place called Milford Sound which, according to Wikipedia, Rudyard Kipling called the eight wonder of the world. Doesn't it look amazing? One for my must-see one day list.