Catherine

Love the idea that Dolce & Gabanna are in to chocolate! Considering they make skinny clothes for tiny women, there may be a disconnect or some subtle psychological longing. Chocolate is such an emotional eating experience for many and just when it can't be possible for a new range, someone decides that it has to happen. It is such a chemical process to create something that for most, is an intense and instant delight, hot or cold. I love that it has some nutritional value, 100-grams of milk chocolate offers 19% of the daily requirement of riboflavin, vitamin B12,

Spring is around the corner, shots of bright coloured flowerbeds are appearing. There is a sense of renewal for those of us fortunate enough to take advantage of it and move forward. Visiting friends in another city was refreshing and relaxing. One friend is starting a new job and stepping out on her own. Another is reflecting on a lost opportunity and how to look ahead. We are all seeking internal harmony. Feng Shui First The shops are still full of blankets, slippers and comfortable interiors in beiges and cream. Decor still seems stuck in cocooning and having visited

A Sahara storm hovers over parts of Europe presenting a strange inversion cloud that hangs low over the horizon and dulls all the colour. There isn't a great drive to go outside and be part of the world and the apartment becomes a cocoon once again. So we headed off to Cannes for a Saturday lunch and in spite of the wind, we wandered around a different market, shops and the long promenade. We found a lovely cafe that caught my attention immediately. It had two of my favourite things, lots of aqua decor and beautiful chocolate for sale.

Friends are considering an opportunity on the other side of the world. Lots of late night discussions with us and others and decisions to be made based on hope and a promise. Having done this several times over the years, it isn't easy. As we talked we both realised that we have lost some courage in doing this as each time has a sense of adventure but also a price to pay. After making such a decision, the practicality kicks in with logistics, removals and the dreaded bureaucracy of anywhere new. There is also what you are prepared to

Rumi, a Persian philosopher stated, "raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder'. How apt for another crazy week. On a morning walk, a single daffodil shone as the sun rose, symbolising hope at a time when it would be so easy to be despondent and move with a sense of hopelessness. Many psychologists at the moment are talking about hope not being delusional but providing energy to go forward. This past week, various people came together to help others during a terrible conflict, determined to focus on individuals and their needs. Not a

When I think of Valentine's Day, the colour red on cheap cushioned chocolate boxes, tacky lingerie and plastic roses come to mind. You are thinking, well she isn't very romantic. Perhaps not, as it seems sad that we have to remind ourselves to profess love and affection on another Hallmark occasion. Isn't it better to cherish the first morning coffee presented in a favourite green cup and appreciate meals prepared with love at the end of a day? With that said, Feng Shui practice would embrace the whole sentiment in pink!   The Relationship Corner This is in the

The mornings are getting lighter earlier and there is a breath of Spring in the air. More people are sitting outside the cafes and a feeling of optimism is appearing. Spring doesn't officially start until March but shades of lemon and blue are appearing in shop winters and after the Vermeer winter tones, they are very welcome. The natural sunlight is so important for wellbeing and a dose of Vitamin D is known to lower anxiety and depression. When we lived in Berlin and experienced our first winter, we were amazed to see the pharmacies full of vitamin D

"The sound of colours is so definite that it would be hard to find anyone who would express bright yellow with base notes, or a dark lake with the treble," said Wassily Kandinsky. Absolutely! Yellow sings of the sun and happiness which can be seen in the hints of spring appearing and the neon mimosa is the first sign. Yellow is the Feng Shui colour of stability and is comforting and grounding representing the Earth. How do we manage again this year, asked a friend when many of us feel as if the foundations and control of life are