Armadilla - Garden Room

I saw one of these at the Tatton Park Flower Show.  They're fantastic!

Perfect for an extra guest room.

Imagine a row of these overlooking a beach - Wonderful!

 

There's many uses.  Have a look at their website for more ideas.

http://www.armadilla.co.uk/

Westport Lake Visitors Centre - Stoke-on-Trent

For a trip out try the Westport Lake Visitors Centre in Stoke-on-Trent.  They have a cafe in this lovely modern building with a balcony overlooking the lake.

There's a path around the lake ideal for walking, jogging, cycliing, it's even suitable for a push-chair or wheelchair.

There's more information here...

Westport Lake Visitors Centre 

Mini Maglite LED

I've been a fan of the Mini Maglite for years and now they've brought out an LED version.

 

NEW Ralph Lauren - Polo Red EDT

NEW from Ralph Lauren 'Polo Red'

They describe it like this...

'Inspired by the qualities Ralph Lauren loves in a powerful car – speed, style and beauty, Polo Red eau de toilette is for the man with drive. Polo Red is a fiery mix of spicy red saffron, fresh red grapefruit and deep red wood that ignites the thrill-seeker in every man.'

My Perfect Interior - New England Style

I'd love to create an interior with my twist on an American New England style.

I have loved the Stag Minstrel furniture range for years and own some beautiful pieces.

Here are a couple of examples to give you an idea. They no longer manufacture but there's still plenty available from eBay, second hand stores and in local press advertising.

 

Stag Minstrel on eBay

For the flooring I'd use a white wash effect laminate floor.

They do one suitable at 'Carpet Right' called 'Chelsea White Wash Laminate Flooring'.  Any similar one will do.  I'd pick one with a wood grain pattern and where they look like actual planks rather than a smooth flat surface when put together.

http://www.carpetright.co.uk/chelsea-white-wash.html

For a sofa(s) I'd use one with clean lines in a neutral colour. Like this Klippan from Ikea.

 

Ikea Klippan

Cushions from Lexington

 White walls... any photo's are to be in plain black frames with a white mount.

Any accessories are to be chrome

 Pot plants are a must.  I like the Kentia Palm

...and Helixine in small zinc buckets

An American flag (One made from different coloured sections of fabric and embroided stars) to hang or drape.

Chrome or white venitian blinds or white window shutters

 ..and add some busts...

There you go!

The inspiration comes from these photos...

Portofino Restaurant Hanley - A Taste Of Italy In The Heart Of Stoke-on-Trent

One of the best places in Hanley to eat is 'Portofino' at 38 Marsh Street.

They've been around for over 10 years and started in Knutsford Cheshire.

Portofino Italiana
38 Marsh Street
Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent
TEL: 01782 209444

http://www.portofino-italiana.co.uk

There's a couple of gents clothes shops worth a visit within walking distance if you're calling in the daytime.
(Always check shop opening times before setting out)


 
Terraces Menswear

5-7 Marsh Street
Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent
  ST1 1JA
www.terracesmenswear.co.uk 

and


 
Pockets
80 Piccadilly
Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 1HX
www.pockets.co.uk 

A Gift For A Royal Baby? Try Little Scamp's Nappy Cakes

If you're after a gift for a new born or expectant mum then try

'Little Scamps Nappy Cakes'

They make up beautiful bespoke gift packages know as 'Nappy Cakes' although they can contain pretty much whatever you want.  Each one is put together by hand with care and great attention to detail to create an object of interest.

'Know an expectant mum and want to get her a special gift then look no further, little scamp's nappy cakes will have just what you are looking for. Catering for any budget you'll have a gift that shows you really care.'

They are quite exclusive as you can request items to be included in whatever colour combination you like!

There's more on Facebook where they can be contacted

or

Tel: 07701 031 455

Click here to view the Facebook page for 'Little Scamp's Nappy Cakes'

(May only be viewable to Facebook account members)

If you're in Hanley Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday July 27th 2013 they have a stall at 'Piccadilly Summer' so pop along and say 'Hi!'

Click here to view details of the 'Piccadilly Summer' event

They do mail order too!

Shorts For The Short Guy!

 

If, like me, you're shorter than the average man then be mindful of the length of the shorts you wear.

I find shorter shorts work best as they make the legs appear longer.

Try the Maine range at Debenhams.

If you want a rugged summer look you can always add walking socks and a pair of classic 6" Timberland boots.

Click here for 'Short shorts' at Debenhams

The Royal Horticultural Society's - Tatton Park Flower Show (July 25th - 28th 2013)

If you're lucky enough to live within easy travelling distance of Knutsford then why not enjoy the great outdoors and pop along to The Royal Horticultural Society's Tatton Park Flower Show in Knutsford.

It's on from July 25th - 28th 2013

Click here for more details of The Royal Horticultural Society's - Tatton Park Flower Show

 Remember there's a Barbour shop in  Knutsford too!

Check opening times before you travel.

Click here to link to my previous post on the Barbour shop in Knutsford 

An Ideal Holiday Travel Toothbrush - The Oral B Pulsar

 

If you're off on your holiday travels and want the compact size of an ordinary toothbrush and the cleaning power of an electric then give the Oral B Pulsar a try.

You use it like a manual toothbrush with the addition of a battery inside the handle that powers the vibrating bristles gently, so they pivot and pulse, to lift off food and plaque and stimulate gums.

The battery is meant to last for 3 - 4 months and is sealed inside the handle.  There's no need to replace the battery as dentists recommend changing your toothbrush every 3 months.

When I'm out and about I use the Pulsar.

 http://www.oralb.co.uk/products/pulsar

Range Rover Evoque Convertible / Cabriolet - Given Official Go Ahead!

Good new!

Reports say the concept Range Rover Evoque Convertible / Cabriolet has been given the go-ahead for production.

124 Panorama Road Sandbanks Poole - Another Dream Home

Another dream home I love is the beautiful property at 124 Panorama Road Sandbanks Poole Dorset.

I've been following the progress of this property online for some time.  It's situated next-door to the home of Harry Rednapp (Football Manager) and has fantastic views over Poole Harbour.

 

 

 The property is for sale and has it's own unique website with loads of lovely photographs of the modern interior.

www.124panorama.co.uk