Monday Snoop – an artist’s beach retreat…

I am usually sold on anything that includes the words “beach” and “retreat” and this little cottage is certainly no exception. Situated in the laid-back tourist town of Trancoso in Brazil, the cottage once belonged to local ceramist  João José Calazans but it was recently snapped up by an ex-executive of JP Morgan Paris – who no doubt fell in love with its simple charm and beauty. I can definitely relate to the need to flee the rat race and opt for a simpler way of life . I could happily live out the rest of my days besides that sparking blue pool.

How about you? Could you give up the hustle and bustle of city life for something like this (I think I know the answer to that…)

All images via Casa.com.br

Mango Summer 2013

As a Londoner, I am frequently bombarded by ad campaigns – they are on billboards, buses, shop windows and TVs. I’ve mostly learned to filter them out but the recent Mango campaign featuring Kate Moss caught my eye. Firstly, I had no idea that the prices were so reasonable, I also had no clue that they had such fantastic stuff. Miranda Kerr has since jumped on the Mango campaign bandwagon and I have to say that she is sure giving Kate a run for her money! (But in all honesty, these clothes could sell themselves).

Happy weekend all! Here’s hoping next week brings good weather and good news!

All images via Mango

Some thoughts…

I turned on the TV on Tuesday and felt so overwhelmed by the craziness of the world that I had to turn it back off again. I remained (un)blissfully ignorant all day but the lingering feeling of sadness and unease stayed with me. The news of the bombings is the kind of news that no one (especially those of us who live in the big cities) want to hear. I very nearly didn’t post anything this week thinking that whatever I had to say would sound so trivial in comparison. But ignorance is certainly not bliss and I decided to turn the TV back on and instead, I got overwhelmed in a good way – the amount of support and strength for the victims of the Boston bombings gave me goosebumps. The solidarity of the city, and of the country as a whole, gave me some much-needed faith in humanity again.

I know I don’t often get deep and meaningful here but I felt funny about not acknowledging the serious events of the week. And just to remind us that there is still beauty in the world, I thought normal service could resume…

A well frequented aisle at the supermarket…

When I go to the supermarket with intent (i.e. with a list, trolley at the ready, no browsing or hesitating) I always turn right after entering and go straight to the food. For those more relaxed days, I like to do a bit of browsing – usually turning left and heading to the homeware and ‘seasonal’ aisles. I have been turning left a lot lately. I don’t know if Sainsburys has new buyers but they have some really great homeware goodies, at even more fantastic prices. Check out my favourites…

heart wooden box; large heart bottle; polka dot jug; large net bottle; pillow; blue striped pillow; acacia heart bowl; wicker baskets; compost tin

A pocket full of Rye

We went adventuring again. This time to the seaside village of Rye in East Sussex. The narrow and steep cobbled streets that wind through the town centre are incredibly photogenic. There are seafood restaurants on nearly every corner and the locals are friendly. We spent the morning strolling up and down, peering into shop windows and generally enjoying ourselves. Rye has some beautiful antique shops – I am kicking myself for not buying a pair of vintage boxing gloves that I fell for. I feel another retail trip might be necessary!

All images via Wishful Thinking

Monday Snoop – Island Living

I’m in good spirits today! Yesterday temperatures peaked at 18 degrees celcius. The barbeque was dusted off, the garden furniture was hosed down and we spent a lovely afternoon out on the deck drinking beer and eating burgers. I am not so foolish to believe that the cold weather is behind us but it’s amazing what a bit of fresh air and warm weather can do for your morale. Summer doesn’t seem too long away and I am already planning for lazy days spent outside. In an effort to spread the good cheer, I thought I would post another Spanish beauty – this time set on the idyllic island of Mallorca. Traditional? Yes. Old? No! The house was actually built in 2002 and I think the owners and designers have done a fantastic job of blending a new house into the surrounding landscape. The interiors have been kept subtle and classic but it’s the outside areas that had my jaw dropping. In particular, the small terrace with an outdoor fireplace – imagine quiet autumn (and summer) nights spent sipping red wine and watching the stars from that prime position…

All images via