Catherine

Summer gave a sigh and said farewell. Autumn has arrived with cooler air and a weaker sun in a clear blue sky.  The markets are full of colourful vegetables, mushrooms and you just know that it is time to rug up. Not being a fan of winter, it is at least mild where we live and soups beckon, pear and parsnip, butternut pumpkin and cinnamon, all with a swirl of creme fraîche. Some friends love this time of year but for me it has a sense of melancholy, so I approach it with the same thoughts as Nathaniel Hawthorne,

Feng Shui can be used anywhere that you live and work in , it is not just for your living space but also for the car, the office, your desk and definitely for a business. There is a new hair salon nearby that opened up a few months ago and it is clear that business is slow. I would walk by on the way to the gym or the beach and kept noting the poor Feng Shui aspects and lack of clients, with the employees looking worried. Finally, deciding to try them out just for a basic manicure, it

Tomorrow is the start of one crazy and emotional week - the US elections, a new moon for those into astrology, changing of the clocks, changing of the seasons and anything else that may come from left of field. All we can do is hope for the best, stay in a good mood and listen to happy music. Do whatever generates that feeling of love, hugging a tree, running a race, sitting on the beach, eating dark chocolate and then stay in that mood and dance to Huey Lewis singing, "The power of love is a curious thing, make

These old sail boats sat there on a day that was a sudden 24 degrees marking the end of a long and lovely summer. The next two weeks are dipping to lower temperatures and although that means the cooler breath of autumn is around the corner, I am grateful for the endless days in the Mediterranean azure blue sea. As I took my last dip for the season, I looked back on several months this year and the last, when the beach has soothed my spirit and thoughts through loss, change, new decisions, mapping our next steps and looking

"Pink is not a colour, it is a culture to me", says Deangelo Williams as part of breast cancer research and last week's breast cancer week. It is a colour that is often associated with romance, femininity and innocence and over the years has become a colour representing life, women's health, strength and endurance. Pause and think what shade you can live with and what it means to you. The colour pink can range from soft hints to absolute lollipop colours including hot pink which was invented by the fashion designer, Schiaperelli. Pale pink is a summery, relaxing colour

As we have moved around the world, we have always managed to create a community or family of friends. They have been vital to survive and enjoy each place we have lived in through the ups and downs. Some have disappeared due to lack of connection or personal situations but many are still in our life and it would be amazing if all lived within an easy train, plane or car trip. With our New York couple, we have promised to try to see each other every year if possible. Our French neighbours from our first time in France

As we wait to sell our apartment, it has become a lesson in patience and a sense of time going by slowly. Time is an interesting concept when sorting out old clothes, photos and other souvenirs as poignant moments are recalled of a bygone epoch in your own life.  Currently, we are entering in to the 21st year of having left our homeland and it feels like a century ago. The summer is ending and it feels like it has been ongoing for months. Our local friends seemed to have been part of our lives for years and yet

Others spend their money on designer clothes, handbags and watches and go for it if that is what is desired. You will find me hunting for treasures in flea markets, antique stalls and goodwill shops. There is always the hope of finding something that catches your eye and says, you must have me. We have a Selangor pewter sugar bowl and cream jug given as a present decades ago. By chance, the same style teapot was up for sale for only 20 euros and after contacting the seller to alert them to the design, we happily bought it and