Visit Columbia Road Flower Market and Shops

I visited Columbia Road Flower Market in London a couple of weeks ago to purchase my plants for my window boxes, those of you who haven’t experienced Columbia Road Flower Market really should pay a visit, forget Covent Garden, this is where you'll find all your flowery needs met. Yes, the flower market is a historic part of London and if you want to see a bit of real working London this is a good a place as any. You'll see Pearly Kings and Queens there too! Since I've moved to London, the market has been my go-to for a Sunday afternoon wander. Get there about 2pm ‘ish and you'll get all the bargains too. You’ll find a huge selection of annuals, bedding plants, shrubs, house plants and cut flowers at a fraction of the price of most Garden Centres.

But that's not all, I love this market because it is on a fabulous street with over 60 independent shops and cafes on it. There is a wonderful sweet shop, cupcake shop, and vintage tea china store to name but a few. If you fancy taking a break from the market for a warm brunch or cup of tea/coffee, are tons of cute little cafes to pop in to along the road as well.

It smells amazing in the afternoon, when the flowers have been out all morning - making it just wonderful. Yes you'll find bigger flower markets in other cities but this one is London’s and it makes me proud. I'd choose this gem over any other commercial garden centre for price, advise and supporting real London businesses.

The atmosphere of the whole market is simply adorable, as well as Columbia Road itself. All the shops along the road are independently owned and so lovely. You’ll also find street entertainment most Sundays. So bundle up warm, grab a coffee, and get ready to face the crowds on Columbia Road. It's worth the trek, I swear!

Now I’ve finished creating my window boxes, over the next few days, I plan to create my own hanging baskets. Drama and lavish extravagance is what I love about hanging baskets, with their lush cascades of foliage and flowers. They're a great opportunity to experiment with imaginative combinations, including houseplants, and escape from run of-the-mill bedding options. – I cant wait for my next trip to Columbia Road to choose my plants for my hanging baskets, I know that there I will be able to find the variety I desire.

Check out the website for the Columbia Road Flower Market and shops, the website provides directions to Columbia Road and also a brief history to this historic part of good old London town.

http://www.columbiaroad.info/home.html

Hope you enjoyed reading this weeks blog, until the next one then…….

Jack

Choosing a New Sofa

Buying new sofas and chairs is a major investment and it can all seem a little bit daunting. You need to be delighted with your choice, and with so many different options available, you need to take some time to think about what’s best for you and your home before you buy. Internet shopping is a great way for you to consider your purchase and not act on impulse. In this week’s blog, I want to tell you about an on-line company called Sofa.com.

Sofa.com’s aim is to offer the best value, high-quality, beautiful and comfy sofas (and beds) in the UK, combined with the best customer service in the industry. That may sound a little earnest perhaps, but that really is pretty much all you need to know about them.

So far they have sold nearly 20,000 sofas and they receive tons of feedback from happy customers.

 

One key difference between sofa.com and other retailers is this: buying from them is entirely risk free – if, for whatever miniscule, titchy reason you don’t like your sofa, call them within two weeks, and they will come straight round and collect it – you lose nothing.

Below is an extract from their web site with 10 reasons why to choose them….

1. Exceptionally well made, stylish and comfy sofas.
2. Great value; a fraction of the price of similar high street sofas.
3. You are buying what counts – the sofa – not expensive shops and national marketing campaigns.
4. Seriously beautiful natural fabrics bought direct from top European mills to keep costs down.
5. Four week delivery, though often much quicker if in stock.
6. 100% free returns, no quibble, no problem, and we’ll remain chums.
7. Delivery is usually free.
8. Our own delivery service that is second to none.
9. Most sofas dismantle for total ease of access.
10. Because we’re great, we care, and we love you.

What’s the deal?

Sofa.com sells very high quality sofas, the type of sofas that would cost between £1,300 and £2,500 on the high street.

Their sofas cost half that. Why? Simple – they don’t waste lots of money on shops, brochures and expensive marketing campaigns. They focus all of their attention and money, into what really counts – your sofas. So it’s the SOFA that you’re buying – not all those other bits that you can’t sit on.

Three important things that make a great sofa:

Sofa.com believe that that the following three ingredients are the most important things when making super comfy sofas. But, if you would like to find out more about how your sofa is made, Sofa.com invite you to call them on 0845 400 2222.

1. Super-tough beech wood frame.

Their hardwood frames are made from European beech trees. This makes them tough and built to last. Lesser made frames may be cheaper but will not last as long. They also come with a 5 year construction guarantee.

2. Super comfy, easy plump cushions.

Sofa.com use the best cushion fillings money can buy. In effect they are a thick duvet stuffed with white duck feathers, which in turn is wrapped around a piece of top quality squidgy foam. The feathers give that lovely feathery feeling and the foam also feels good, but more importantly “returns” when you stand up, and reduces plumping time. The result is a really comfy cushion that you don’t have to keep on plumping.

3. Beautiful fabrics

Sofa.com believe there is no room for compromise in this department! So, they’ve gone direct to the best mills in Europe to find you the very finest natural fabrics; Pure Linens and Cotton mixes from Belgium, Velvets from Florentine mills in Italy. The good news for you is that they buy these fabrics direct from the mills, bypassing all middlemen, meaning that you really can enjoy the most luxurious fabrics for refreshingly little (if these fabrics were to come through the fingers of a middleman, they would cost at least twice the price, significantly upping the overall cost of your sofa).

What else?

• Most of their sofas dismantle for easy access
• The majority of their sofas have loose covers
• Zips we only use the best, YKK. This costs them more, yes, but is there anything more annoying in the whole wide world than a broken zip?
• Tailoring – a bit like the difference between a cheap suit and a well-made one
• Attention to detail – we all know that if you look after the little things…

They also have a great selection of scatter cushions, when ordering on line, simply select the size and the fabric and they will do the rest.

Check out Sofa.com’s website to see their full range of Sofa’s and Beds, believe me you won’t be disappointed with the choices that they provide. http://www.sofa.com/

So why not be “fine and dandy” in your home with a new Sofa from Sofa.com

 Until the next blog then……

Jack

A Unique Shopping Experience

You know when you just stumble upon that shop that draws you into its doors because it has something different to offer. Maybe it’s because its contents are unique and not the same old things you see on the high street. It may be the way that the items are displayed or it could be the friendly welcome that the shop assistant gives you.  What ever it is, you’re hooked and will always go back time and time again and recommend it to your friends and family.

Well in this weeks blog I want to recommend two great places to shop. Caravan in Shoreditch and Drink Shop and Do in Kings Cross both offer a very different but unique shopping experience.

Caravan

Emily Chalmers, the very talented and lovely owner of Caravan, and author of several interior design books notably, Flea Market Style, has her own unique style.

The white-washed shop is warm and inviting with curated touches of vintage treasures, candles in delicate votives, and fresh flowers tucked here and there alongside the store merchandise. Caravan features a variety of delightful pieces, some of which are quirky and fun some pretty and elegant, and some modern and functional. And much of what Emily carries is exclusive to Caravan; you can also pick up a signed copy of one of Emily's books: Flea Market Style, Contemporary Country, or Table Inspirations. Head over to the shop and get some Caravan Style, or why not visit her on line shop online shop. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Caravan
3 Redchurch Street
Shoreditch
London E2 7DJ
United Kingdom‎
+ 44 (0) 20 7033-3532‎
Tuesday - Friday: 11-6:30pm, Saturday & Sunday: 12-6pm
info@caravanstyle.com

Drink Shop and Do  a design shop and café bar selling products from emerging designers alongside vintage furniture and home wares.

Everything is for sale: from designer crafts, vintage tea sets, 1950's dressers and unusual tables and chairs, to hand-made cakes, ice creams, specialty teas, kitsch finger sandwiches, bottled beers and cocktails.

They are open for lunch, afternoon tea, cocktails and offer different things to 'Do' like 'Play with Clay 80's Style' and 'Dot to Dot to Disco'. These are mostly free and require no skills whatsoever. Check out their Website to so see what “Do” activities are going on.

They are tucked away just 2 minutes from Kings Cross station in an old Victorian bathhouse. Why not visit Drink, Shop and Do for a coffee and a slice of cake and browse the goodies for sale.

Drink Shop and Do
9 Caledonian Road,

Kings Cross

London
United Kingdom‎
+ 44 (0) 203 343 9138
mail@drinkshopdo.com

Transform Your Backyard

This week’s blog is dedicated to outdoor living. Knowing how difficult it is to get a ticket to the Chelsea Flower Show, why not consider your own outdoor space and spruce it up for summer.

One of the best home improvements you can make is to enhance the outdoor living areas around your own home. Every day more people are discovering their own backyards and the fun and beauty they can find there.

Patio Furniture

Sometimes just a new piece of patio furniture can make a big difference and outdoor lighting can completely change the look and the functionality of your outdoor space. John Lewis has a wide selection of patio tables bringing style to your outside space. Below is an Image of the Eos Outdoor Collection by Mathew Hilton which has been designed exclusively for John Lewis.

Check out the John Lewis website to see their full range and outdoor living collection http://www.johnlewis.com/Home+and+Garden/Area.aspx

Alfresco Dining

Whether a fun dinner with the family or a larger gathering for outdoor entertaining, cooking outside is always great fun.  At John Lewis there is a wide range of Barbeques available to suit ever pocket. From as little as £15 you can purchase John Lewis’s BBQ Bucket or why not spend a little more and purchase the very smart the John Lewis Bistro Burner Barbeque for as little as £89.

Sit in the Shade

A new gazebo offers the perfect gathering place for friends and family. Check out the Garden Centre on line website where some great deals can be found. http://www.gardencentreonline.co.uk

A Personal favourite of mine is the Polenza Metal Gazebo presently available online at a discounted price of £139.99.

Lighting

Why not create that romantic feel and a to your outdoor dinning experience, by purchasing one of these lovely lanterns from Occa-home, check out their website, www.occa-home.co.uk I love the Vieux Bois white lantern which is a real bargain for a set of two at £93.

Decking

Decks and patios are the most versatile outdoor areas of all. They are durable multi-purpose areas where all kinds of outdoor activities take place. With a simple patio umbrella and a gas grill, you're ready for the good times. Check out the B&Q website http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/?_requestid=114328 

Water features

Water features are a great way to make a dramatic impact on the look and feel of your outdoor living area. A fountain or even a soothing waterfall can help eliminate the stress of the day just by walking out the back door.  A water feature doesn’t have to cost the earth neither. Some great deals can be found at Tesco.com prices ranging from £30 - £120 – check out the Tesco.com web site http://direct.tesco.com

I was particularly impressed that they have a solar powered water cascade at only £74.25.

A Lick of Paint

Sometimes all it takes is a lick of paint to spruce up your Garden Furniture, Cuprinol have a great range of garden paints and shades for your garden furniture, they have three new trends which are particularly delightful: Dusk Havan, Urban Exotic and my favourite; Home spun chic (visit the Cuprinol website to check out their full range) Below is an image of Home spun chic

Picnic with Passion

I just love JME products, in a previous blog I wrote about having a Jamie at Home Party, I thought Id share with you a couple of his picnic products which are my personal favourites and an irresistible purchase to impress your guests with when you invite them round.

Jacks top tip – unusual planters

Absolutely everything can be used as a planter, using your "imagination" is the key. Here are a couple of unusual ideas I spotted – so let your imagination run wild and save some pennies.

I hope you found my suggestions useful and enjoy hours in the sun weather permitting.

Until the next blog then………..

Jack