Friday 30 March 2012

Win A Magical Makeover

copyright Carla Coulson
After living a stressful London life and the kids had grown up and left home, the time was right for me to follow my dream of being a freelance writer and PR. Mr B and I re-located from the suburbs of London to the depths of the French countryside and I swopped suits and heels for jeans and wellies.

I have spent the winter wrapped up in layers of thermals and now with the arrival of spring, I feel like a chrysalis emerging blinking into the sunlight....but what to wear??

Now one of my favourite bloggers and inspirational photographer Carla Coulson is offering a makeover and photo shoot in Paris, the city of lights. The glamour, the romance....ooh how I would love to win the opportunity to feel bien dans sa peau "good in my skin" for once. And... the prize is even more exciting because you get to share the experience with a friend, sister, daughter.

To enter like Carla on Facebook or click on the link below
http://carlacoulson.com/2012/03/win-a-portrait-shoot-and-make-over-in-paris-or-sydney.html

Thursday 22 March 2012

Flower Therapy



My most productive working from home days are the ones where I stick to an office routine.  An early start sitting at my desk, dressed, dog walked and dishwasher unloaded...ready to go. 

One of the joys of working from home in the depths of rural France is that I have beautiful countryside right on my doorstep.  If I need a quick break I just step outside and drink in the view.  Arriving back at my desk refreshed and invigorated. 

I take time out during lunch break to get away from the computer and telephone and go for another dog walk or do a simple but satisfying project like plant window boxes.  I found these pretty Pacquettes, red daisies, that happen to match my shutters and front door.  

Friday 16 March 2012

Family Ties



February half term was spent in Cornwall, south west England.  We organized a family reunion, there was 15 of us aged from 4 years up to 70 something.  We rented two cottages on a farm with goats, chickens and ducks.  The farm was in a wooded valley with a tiny train station up the lane.   Our family travelled, from South London, Sussex, Wales, Yorkshire, Somerset and France for the get together.

The farm had lots to keep everyone amused and with the seaside just 10 minutes away and the lure of Cornish icecreams and delicious pasties – everyone was happy.

It was a lot of work and a bit of an effort to get there but it was definitely worth it. We all had a great time, it was lovely to be together even if for a short time.  Although phone calls, emails and SKYPE are good for keeping in touch nothing beats a hug or three!!

So if you are thinking of getting together with relatives or friends, and the weeks and the months are rushing by……put a date in the diary and just DO IT!!