Tinker Tailor

AD INFORMATION – The table linens featured in this post were kindly gifted by The Fine Cotton Company 

I planned this collaboration with The Fine Cotton Companyback in February when COVID-19 was not part of our daily lexicon. For a while I thought I shouldn’t publish the post, everything seems so serious at the moment but then I had a change of heart. There might be fewer of us around the table…

Easy gluten-free banana pancakes

Hands up if you love pancakes. I knew there would be a huge show of virtual hands!

Pancakes are much loved in our house, I can’t say that I make them very often because to be honest they’re a bit off a faff. Particularly if you make American style pancakes as you can only make a couple at a time. Then there’s the issue of keeping them warm until you finish cooking a whole batch without them…

I’ve arrived in Menorca for my yearly summer break with my family and this post is a very quick roundup of the sun protection I’ve been using since I got here.

All Beautyhave kindly partnered with me for this post so the items I’ve listed are my picks from their holiday selection. I focused only on sun protection because this is a very relaxed break and I very rarely get dressed up or…

Layered necklaces, my style staple

Style inspiration has been in short supply where style is concerned this summer thanks to unpredictable yet typical British weather.

Pretty dresses have hung mostly unworn in my wardrobe while I rotated chinos and lightweight tops in this warm but mostly overcast, often wet season.

A simple way to elevate your outfit

Fortunately, you can always turn to accessories to cheer-up and…

Halcyon – The story behind Tinker Tailor’s first fragrance

When the idea for Tinker Tailor was conceived I was very clear in my mind that I wanted to manufacture my own products. I wanted to give life to my brand beyond the confines of my shop.

Starting from scratch

I had absolutely no experience or idea how to make this part of my plan come to fruition. You’ll notice this is a common theme in my story so far!

I made some enquiries with large…

How to use Instagram and stays sane

At the end of 2018 I had a watershed moment. Fatigued from scrolling through my phone and from the pressure of putting my best foot forward ever day, I realised that I no longer cared about Instagram. Suddenly time spent online growing my brand felt futile and pointless.

I have always been fairly level headed and realistic about social media, I know that every post doesn’t tell the full story.…

I have been a fan of London Bridge for many years so when Hotels.com challenged me to explore the area I was more than ready for the challenge!

For me London Bridge is synonymous with two things: food and arguably, the best views in the city.

Perfect for sightseeing

The bridge itself offers magnificent views of both old and new London. You can take in sights such as Tower Bridge and St Paul’s…

New season updates for your home

Here we are, almost at the end of January and I am wondering how the hell that happened? The decorations have long been cleared away and everything is looking quite neat but perhaps a bit dull?

I’m currently thinking about home decor projects that we can’t afford right now, especially after all the building workwe had done last year but the odd new season update will do the trick. So if…

Make your eyes sparkle in 3 easy steps with Trish McEvoy

I was invited to a makeup masterclass with the force of nature that is Trish McEvoy. If you’ve never heard of Trish let me fill you in – she is married to a dermatologist and together they opened a salon on Fifth Avenue some 40 years ago. They were pioneers in bringing make up and dermatology together under one roof.

Trish then went on to launch her eponymous (and still privately owned brand)…

Get the glow, the light therapy facial

You know how I love facials and beauty treatments, well I was treated to a new sort of facial at the swanky Hershesons flagship store in central London. It’s drop dead gorgeous by the way and definitely worth a visit.

The Light Therapy facial promises to rejuvenate, refresh, lift and deal with a whole myriad of issues. It doesn’t take much more to encourage me to have a go! It’s also suitable for…

Why you should support small businesses this Christmas

Why support small businesses this Christmas? Because every single sale, no matter how big or small, matters. Every single thing you purchase from an independent shop will make a difference not just to the business but to you and your community. Also I do a very fetching happy dance every time someone buys from me and who wouldn’t want to see that?

‘Just a card’

I have been spurred on to write…

Earlier this year we embarked on a huge home renovation project that had been in the pipeline for 4 years. The dust has finally settled and I’m delighted to give you the full bedroom tour after months of updates via social media.

We bought our 3 bedroom 1930’s semi knowing that a loft conversion was essential in order to accommodate all five of us comfortably. At the time we thought we’d do it…

Chasing slow, choosing joy

I have written only a handful posts in the last 12 months and I think I’ve mentioned how tired and emotionally drained I am in most of them. I know it’s dull, everyone is busy and knackered but it is my reality. Throw in a healthy dose of anxiety because this woman, mother, business owner feels she is lacking in almost every department and you’ve got yourself a recipe for misery.

Starting with…

Cashmere, the perfect travel companion

I went on a little adventure recently, Brooklyn to be precise. It was a mini-break – just me and my husband, crucially without our children. We love them dearly of course but its nice to have time away as a couple.

New York is beautiful at this time of year as the leaves begin to fall, there is a chill in the air and the light is glorious. With no agenda other than to explore a new part of the…

Overnight skin healing routine for clear skin

I chuckled smugly under my breath as the girls in the pamper tent – I am aware how ridiculous this sounds – at Camp Bestival discussed how not being able to cleanse properly was ruining their skin.

Pampered princesses! I thought to myself. Surely alcohol consumption and sleep deprivation were the culprits? and surely their skin could survive a few days of cleansing wipes!

That night, as I…

Bedtime rituals with The White Company

After a hedonistic summer of unprecedented weather in the UK, late nights and glasses of rose I’m really happy to welcome the new season with open arms. September is a great month to set good intentions and invest in self-care without the pressure of New Year’s resolutions.

Major life changes meant that I neglected my health and I have been sleep deprived for much of 2018 but I am finally ready…

Spring has been a long time coming in the Northern Hemisphere this year but now that the mercury has finally risen and peonies are on their way –  happy dance! – I have ditched the winter coat and jumped into what is fast becoming my spring uniform. It’s one of those simple outfits that came together with little effort but a great deal of impact.

The simplest formulas work best

I’m keeping…