My favourite haven treat

Sometimes it is worthwhile stepping away from the monitor and braving the chill to wander round the narrow streets to grab a sweet treat at Liggy's cakes.

I am always recommending Liggy's to friends and workmates - for birthdays, dinner parties, valentines, weddings or just a solo cake (wee lunch time treat). Their Edinburgh cake boutique is tucked in the West End of town along William St - far from the madding crowd.

Seeing owls

Bad omen or good luck? Different cultures associate owls with different attributes: intelligence, knowledge, mysticism, independence, protection, bravery, reincarnation. Ancient cultures believed the owl offered protection against evil spirits and ill health. So why not spark up your energies with owl-ccesories from rigby & mac - ranging from quirky owl salt and pepper set, night light, felt clock and cheeky cushion - to add a smile to your day.

Oh let it be spring...

It may still be snowing - in March - but the bright blue skies, random shoots of daffodils and chirping birds make me think that Spring is coming and all I can hope for is bursts of colour, bees and flowers all around.
An angel at my table offers some heart warming floral treats for the home to help Spring forwards.

Birdcage cloche glass cakestand

Cake-stand manic is upon us! And glass cake-stands provide a taster of the goodies on offer. The hunt for the perfect cake-stand ends with the birdcage cloche glass cake-stand from dotcomgiftshop.com which provides the sweetest showcase for those homemade cupcakes, macaroons, ... all for an affordable price - less than £20.

Time for tea, cake and a good chat

Melody Rose

Supporting ARTHOUSE Meath Epilepsy Trust charity

Here's decor for a good cause: designs that are timeless and celebrate the artistic talent of adults living with learning difficulties and epilepsy. To find out more about the charity and the artistic collection of stationery, kitchenware, jewellery and prints, visit www.arthousemeath.com. Personal favourite: the blackbird mug.

Spring forward with Camel & Yak

Forget new year celebrations. New Year starts with Spring and Camel & Yak bring Spring and Summer's  brightest and happiest feelings with their homeware, partyware and gifts. The collection works perfectly for this year's jubilee celebrations and homage. Time to party....

Source: Camel & Yak

Bamboo Placemat

Who knew bamboo was so good for dinning? These bamboo placemats from Red Lilly bring a sense of calm and authentic beauty to any dinning table or coffee table - for formal and informal occasions. Also handy as wall decor!

Source:  www.redlilly.co.uk   

Hurrah for Habitat

So glad that Habitat is still alive. They manage to entice with their collections of practical, functional and pretty furniture and homeware. To celebrate the coming of Spring, here are some refreshing pieces: Conceta teapot (matching dinnerware available), Primo beetroot bed linen set, Klein candelabra, citrus yellow picnicware, Panda ceramic chocolate fondue and Ceclia gold table lamp.

Source: Habitat.co.uk

Just slate

If you really want to stand out, forget the classic cake stand and check out Just Slate. The Scottish based company produce tableware - in slate. Their range includes cheese boards, coasters, serving trays, place mats and two or three tier cake stands. The products are durable, elegant and definitely, unique.

White lightning

Cottonbud canister, Rocking chair, Celeste gold bowls, Mr White number clock from Barker & Stonehouse.

Roseleaf - perfect for Sunday Roast

If you've been to Roseleaf in Leith, Edinburgh, you'll know about the tea pots of cocktails! Oh so elegant and classy. The Roseleaf's ideal on a Sunday, rainy one or sunny one. Take the bus (so you can sip some 'tea') or walk down from Edinburgh city centre to Leith. Order a hearty Scottish warmer, soak up the relaxing decor of vintage wallpaper and friendly staff then wind down the meal with a wee drink. Perfect 'high tea'.

• Location - Leith dock side, away from the city centre crowd and prices.
• Decor - traditional and homely. 
• Food - Homely grub. For early brunch, try out the proper porridge or on a winter's day, go for the creamy cullen skink. 
• When to go - Afternoon tea time or Sunday. Perfect for lazing couples or girlie chats.

Anyone for cake?

Grab a slice from the perfect glass cake stand (with frills) from Coco Målé.

B for Bamboo and Beautiful

Who thought bamboo could be so beautiful?

www.alsohome.com

Secret's out - check out Culture Label

Culture Label is definitely the home of stylish products. The online store offers unique art and style at affordable prices offering designs from famous art houses and independent designers all in one tempting site. Highlights:

• Pearl person brooch by Hairy Sock
• Archie cushion by Chloe Croft London
• Square watch face mug designed by Sue Timne
• Tea cup stool designed by Holly Palmer
• Capitalist pig money box from Southbank Centre
• Bunny blossom pillow from BALTIC x Kozyndan.

www.culturelabel.com

Hidden Art

Why not combine art with homeware to create practical art that's functional and beautiful? Hidden Art's collection does exactly that! Highlights: the Embrace table chair, ribbon coat rack, Louis chair cushion and quirky bamboo urban gnome.

www.hiddenartshop.com

Rose & Grey

Finding the perfect shop is like re-living your favourite experience over and over again. Rose & Grey is a hidden gem full of beautiful homeware, furniture and decorative accessories. Treat yourself or a loved one.

Coffee anyone? Get grinding

Grinding your own coffee gives a different meaning to making a cuppa. You'll smell and hear the coffee beans grind to form quality coffee "made by you". For extra pleasure, use a traditional or modern manual grinder, then brew. Un café parfait.

Source: John Lewis and Lawsons

Darling you glow - Plumen or Glass Jar?

Decisions, decisions, decisions:
PLUMEN 001 low energy light bulb? It's interior is exposed to create a work of art that screams simplicity and elegance. Perfect for the lounge, dinning room and study.
Or
Jar Light Shade by James Shaw? The sandblasting of the jars results in a magical glow. Perfect for any room.

Source: Plumen and James Shaw

Spread some magic - with Taika

Finnish design is renowned for its minimalism and clean lines.
The Taika collection by illustrator/decorator Klaus Haapaniemi defies these norms by using vibrant colour and folk art to create eye-catching ceramic dinnerware. The collection lives up to its meaning 'magic' (which is taika in Finnish) and creates perfect dinnerware for every occasion.

Stockists include Cloudberry Living, Lollipop Shoppe, Selfridges.

To find out where Klaus gets his inspiration for homeware, fashion and art, visit Nordic Design blog.