Time Out...

As the years hurtle on and everyday life often gets in the way of true progress, it’s easy to forget to take time out and look at the direction of your life objectively. It can be so easy to get stuck in a routine while the world changes, so this post is designed to inspire those who have forgotten that this life isn’t a rehearsal!

Take time for inspiration, whatever form that may come in, mine is this gorgeous book:

New York Interior Design 1935- 1985: Inventors of Tradition V. 1 (Judith Gura) 

Revisit some of your favourite music! A recent (and mind-blowing trip to Las Vegas with my friends) encouraged me to listen to some of my once beloved Americana- my selection at the moment is Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Prince.

Try a new kind of exercise! Anything that is so shockingly difficult you don’t think about anything but finishing for an hour! This, believe it or not, is a form of meditation…Bikram Yoga did it for me:

This picture can offer an additional tip- try laughing more and don’t take life too seriously…

Finally, do something different with your look. Whether it’s chopping your hair off (Coco Chanel advocates this for a life-change) experimenting with your perfume or style, it can often energise your life!

I’m trying Frederick Malle’s beautiful Portrait of a Lady scent (previously mentioned) as a welcome break from the norm…

And remember: 

“You’re never too old, it’s never too bad, and never too late to start again”…

Sunshine and Washing on the Line...

Last week I had the first opportunity to sit in my garden and properly experience the coming of spring sunshine. I love spring for it’s hope, it’s gathering of momentum after the ebbing lull of winter and for it’s promise of exciting times ahead. It’s now time to throw open those windows and dream of long, hazy summer days…

I love Francis Kurkdjian scents, and for me he encapsulates the perfection of a good fragrance that adapts to the character of the person wearing it. These are scents that are designed to be sensual rather than overtly sexy, so for a slip of scent on bare summer skin I love his APOM (‘A Piece of Me’) Eau Du Parfum Por Femme. Using Orange-Blossom, Cedarwood and Ylang-Ylang, the scent is designed to replicate the smell of happiness. Wearing it feels like hanging washing on the line for me, which, perhaps sadly, truly delivers spring happiness….

I adore everything from Anthropologie’s new spring collection, but a couple of special pieces I think would liven up any home and drag interiors out of the dust into the sunshine…

This Water Colour Petals Cup and Saucer was inspired by the lush landscape of New Orleans. Taking tea has never been so pretty…

I have a known obsession for cushions, but piling up heaps of bright, spongy jewels onto that tired old sofa may be the single most cost effective way to enhance a space. The anthropologie selection is truly beautiful, and delivers a guaranteed spring spruce-up…

I love the above repeated sardine design…

This one echoes the bold textures of exotic lands, and love the little bobbles…

Finally, I couldn’t help but include the following coffee table book: “Dogs” takes an intimate look at our loveable canine companions through the use of glorious and insightful portraits and descriptions of the breed. I love the cover, it’s hilarious and unique and enough to brighten up any table…

Tasting Tavira...

In recent years, Tavira, a small seaside town in the eastern Algarve, has experienced a quiet but steady murmur of attention as a boutique holiday destination. The maintenance of that delicate balance of authenticity and infrastructure that has become the mecca for travel writers and tourists alike has granted Tavira appearances in Hip Hotels and Chic Retreats amongst other alternative holiday websites in recent years. Twenty minutes drive from Faro airport, Tavira is a rough diamond that has stood proudly on ancient ground throughout many civilisations and cultures lost. Roman and Moorish influences weave through the streets, the original Roman bridge lying stoic as it connects the two sides of the town. In contrast to it’s more polished sisters like Vale Do Lobo and Quinta Do Lago in the western Algarve, Tavira’s secrets are there to be discovered by curious eyes, lending itself to surprise rather than expectation. 

Where to Stay…

The Old Wine Store, in the centre of old Tavira, can be rented as a four bedroomed house to sleep eight or as a two bedroomed apartment. A converted townhouse with original features, the house has been lovingly restored and provides a perfect introduction to the restaurants, beaches and historical sites of the town. 

The Convento Do Graca, standing at the top of the old town, is a luxury converted monastery that provides an atmospheric oasis of calm in the centre of town life. 

What to take…

Hermes Eau D’Orange Vert all over shampoo will ensure a luxurious shower when removing the sand from between your toes…

Buena Vista Social Club on your Ipod will get you in the mood for holiday antics, and captures the mood in Tavira perfectly…

Victoria Hislop’s books are perfect for enrapturing holiday reads. As they are a guaranteed quick read, take both The Island and The Return to capture your imagination while stretched out on the beach…

Things are looking rosy...

After an incredibly busy few months and a series of events including a broken wrist, an engagement and a new house, I am happy to say that Niche has a new post. This winter I have felt particularly bereft of inspiration, but, as always, the thought of Spring brings new ideas and the pulse of life once again quickens. 

As Valentines day is approaching and the temperatures rise, I thought I would include a couple of products that include the lovely pure scent of rose, but as always, I like mine with a twist…

I love the clean aesthetic of Aesop stores, and their products are just as innovative. This spring, I would love to try their Rose By Any Other Name body cleanser for a fragrant shower treat. The rosy scent in this gorgeous product is contrasted with cardamom and black pepper for a deeper, more luxurious aroma. The great looking bottle also contains 500ml of this lovely stuff, so you can lather up the love generously…

I have been a fan of Frederic Malle’s beautiful fragrances for a while, and visiting his boutique in Paris over Christmas strengthened my fascination with his talent to create mind-boggling and transportive perfume. I tried Portrait of a Lady, the latest addition by creator Dominique Ropion, on my sleeve in Paris after getting engaged and I know the heady and interesting scent will always take me back. This scent, in true Ropion style, elegantly combines contrasting ingredients such as rose, musk and patchouli to captivating effect….

For some post-winter hydration that also feeds the senses, I love Ila’s glowing, radiance range. The Bath Oil for Glowing Radiance transforms bath-time into a real at-home spa experience, combining Rose and Tuberose for an indulgent result. A little drop of this stuff goes a long way, leaving skin glowing from head to toe…

Those that are searching for some design inspiration, or just thinking of a seasonal change of interiors, check out the beautiful blog by interiors expert Patricia Gray, it’s full of ideas and is sure to spark your interest… 

 I was very excited to finally visit one of Cire Trudon’s iconic shops in Paris over Christmas. The founder of the modern brand, Ramdane Touhami (check out his intriguing personal website) is definitely an idol of mine. For an introduction to this fascinating brand, why not try their Trianon candle with Damask Rose, Hyacinth and Tea rose to be transported back to Marie Antoinette’s Versailles garden hideaway. After the candle is done, keep the beautiful hand-blown vessel to re-use for tea-lights…

Guilty Pleasures...

As the nights draw in, I can’t help but get excited about the indulgence of winter. Dark and cosy nights are an excuse, in my opinion, to celebrate the luxuries in life. For me, this means plenty of spicy-smelling candles, gallons of chocolate and soft knits.

A brand that has recently caught my greedy attention is True Grace, a UK based candle manufacturer that impresses with it’s high quality, beautifully scented candles. I have recently tried Amber, a warm and seductive scent made up of musk, vanilla and myrrh, to light up my evenings…

True Grace can be purchased online from a boutique-favourite of mine, www.amara.co.uk Other covetable finds at Amara include hard-to-find pieces from the Missoni Home collection, as well as quirky home furnishings and luxury lifestyle products…

Finally, if you haven’t yet tried Artisan Du Chocolat’s Salted Caramels- winter indulgence has not yet begun for you, my friend. As a seasonal treat, I’m eager to try their Hot Chocolate Flakes, a caramel milk chocolate with sea salt and death by hot chocolate…

Let the warm-up begin… x