Get some lights in your life...

With natural light in short supply over the next few months it seems like a good time to invest in some new lighting around the house...

Take a look at these quirky lights...great for a kid's room...

Samson light at Liberty

Snakkes message board lamp

Alien abduction lamp

Petit Pan paper lanterns

Neon message

A few tips to consider...

Take time to plan your lighting to avoid later disapointment.

Include a variety of light sources around a room to create a cozy feel.

Be safe, consult with a qualified electrician when installing your scheme.

Include one or two 'quirky' light fittings in a kid's room for a fun element.

For more help...download our 'Lighting Needs' document.

Congratulations to our winner.

Well done to Lydia in Wiltshire, who's name was first out of the witch's hat to win a copy of 'A Zombie Ate My Cupcake'...a gruesome collection of recipes ideal for a Halloween party.

Planning a Halloween Party?...

Here are a few top tips for a successful 'fright-night'...


1. Create a spooky scene...inside or out...with low lighting and gruesome props.
2. Make the food as revolting as possible...no I don't mean your cooking...find inspiration here.
3. Make up a monster music montage.

4. Be ready with freaky activities and games.

5. Send your guests home with a few party-bag horrors.


For more ideas, download our Halloween Party Ideas

Image from wvpics.com.

Halloween giveaway...

Hi there 'fright night' fans.

Looking for some macabre recipes that will have your little monsters screaming in delight...?

Take a look at 'A Zombie Ate My Cupcake' by Lily Vanilli...we're loving the marzipan beetles and meringue bones!

What do you need to do to win a copy?

Just sign up for the monthly Dreams and Wishes e-newsletter HERE ...before 27th October '10, and the first name out of the witch's hat on that date will win the book!!

Ghoolish good luck to you...

A great day for charity.

He's finally done it...my 'other half' completed his charity parachute jump last Saturday...

Here he is floating in to land...

And that means the two weeks of cake-baking is done too...lots of money raised though, so it's all been worth the upheaval!

Some of my cooking creations...

Reviving my Domestic Goddess

My sixteen stone 'significant other half' is due to throw himself out of a plane very soon...!

It's all for charity I hasten to add and, whilst I commend his bravery, it's not something I could do myself.

So in support of his actions I am baking cakes...!!!

Now I know that doesn't sound very adventurous but, believe me, the kitchen holds many fears for me!

So for two weeks, starting yesterday...here's my first attempt...I'll be baking various delights to sell to friends and colleagues to help raise money for Brake, the road safety charity.

Bring on the colour...

I hadn't realised how long it's been since I last blogged...!

I'm ashamed of my neglect...

Here to brighten your day is a selection of my favourite kid's rooms. Full of colour and a little bit eclectic, they show 'mix-and-match' can be so good.

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My thanks to numerous blogs and websites for profiling these beautiful rooms...including Atticmag, Make room for living, Room 7 and Skona hem.