Bring out the inner child in your man...

It's that age-old dilemma...what to get Dad for Christmas?

I think I might have solved the problem with these two great books found on Amazon....

Both are packed full of D.I.Y. projects for Dad and the kids to get stuck into.

Handy Dad contains practical projects while Geek Dad will appeal to the more 'techy' amongst us.

My dad is no Geek...so my choice is easy...how about yours?

'Enchanted Forest' room theme ideas

There's not many kids that don't love letting off steam outdoors...

Add a few 'outdoorsy' features to your child's room for a timeless decorating theme.

Most classic fairy tales have an enchanted forest scene...think Little Red Riding Hood or Snow White...or films, Bambi perhaps?...even Harry Potter's had his share of woodland adventures.

Indulge yourself...after all, this is inspirational homework...!

Make a real statement with a feature wall full of leafy trees...using digital 'wallpapers'..!

Add pieces of rustic furniture, keep the style simple with a hand-made feel in natural woods.

Use textured, natural fabrics like tweeds or linens in woodland colours...mossy and forest greens, leafy rusts and yellows, etc...

Create an Autumnal forest floor with a leafy-design rug.

Add a bit of fun with woodland animal accessories...lamps, cushions, soft toys, etc...

Here's a Dreams and Wishes take on the woodland room theme....

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...