Interiors

“It’s a sure sign of summer if the chair gets up when you do” – Walter Winchell. It is mid-August and the sun is frying, the sea is warm and even the seagulls are quiet. We get up early to swim in the morning heat and before the tourists arrive to put themselves on dial 6 to slow bake. There is a group of regulars and we bob our heads to each other in recognition. We say hello to the ancient, leathered-skin French ladies in bikinis, the Italian family that brings a suitcase of towels, food, umbrellas to set

Having a summer cold isn't great and a cup of tea in the afternoon soothes the throat. George Gissing said “The mere chink of cups and saucers tunes the mind to happy repose.” It does have a sense of ritual, a black Ceylon tea from the hills, in a lovely cup, can slow down the moment. How often have we seen a moment of crisis where the solution is supposed to be a cup of tea. Unfortunately, it is not but worth trying. And then Eleanor Roosevelt said, "A woman is like a tea bag: you never know how

It is life covers so many situations. At the moment we happily say this swimming in the Mediterranean aqua sea with the sun and sand at our doorstop. Other times, when another crazy person visits our apartment wanting a 19th century Parisian style building but with a 21st century car park, we say the same. Other friends are struggling with finances, some have work doubling up due to re-organisational schpeak, divorces are happening at the same time, others are changing their lives to something more positive, and we continue to have our face to the future whilst being in

We have celebrated local events and days in every country. Thaipasam in Malaysia, 4th July in New York and Bastille day in France. It is a lesson in history and culture and adds to our knowledge and experience. Five French friends are coming for dinner. One will bring his own homemade bread and canapés, another will bring his own gateau and we will provide smoke duck salad and four varieties of cheeses - a French passion! Happy whatever and wherever you are.

For those who know about Feng Shui or have been following my posts, this is the most contentious room in the living space of a house or apartment.  It is all about the Water element and we need to recall that Chinese toilets were less than desirable. Fast forward to now and we treat bathrooms like spas for relaxing in and spending time there. You will recall that where the bathroom is placed in the Bagua map, tells you the colours and elements to manage. The bathroom has the most water and drains in a living place, other than

"Smell the sea, and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly", said Van Morrison. The aqua sea on the French coast is warming up and I check the temperature each day. My minimum is 21.5 degrees and it is almost there for a real swim. Otherwise, cold dips are the only option. On the beach, there are so many different cultures but we all act the same. Watching us enter the cool sea with anticipation, we all go "oh!' at the first small cold wave. Then splash our arms and shoulders as if that will warm up

The Relationship sector is the second most asked about area of the Bagua map; the first is Wealth. My philosophy is that wealth is also about abundance and that includes friendships and love. In over twenty years of international travel meeting a breadth of people with various wealth, one thing I can say, riches are about whoever you connect with, family, friends and partners. Then if you have enough money, share it with those who don't, without offering it as charity but also don't buy into its glitter, all is not gold. It is the friendships we have made

A sunny Sunday spent on the Ile de Porquerolles surrounded by the contrast of modern art and nature was perfect. A full gallery of paintings and collages and then a walk through the garden where modern sculptures popped up out of nowhere. Some worked and some didn't. The bright red piece stating that "Mother Nature doesn't like you and wants to eat you," didn't quite gel with the beautiful arch of bamboo and a hedge of jasmine. However; the Asian mask hovering above wild hedges was quietly meditative. Feng Shui practice would prefer the latter!   How Does Your

It was a weekend with friends sharing food and cocktails. The sky was blue, the pool was blue and it was perfect for a blue cocktail. Simple recipe for a 1937 Darlington. Per glass: 4cl of a London dry gin 1cl calvados/apple brandy 1cl blue curaçao 2cl dry Italian or French vermouth 2cl lemon or lime juice A bit of sugar syrup to balance Shaken or stirred with ice and served up with canapés. Cheers and chin chin!