Brighton and the month of May

May is my favourite month as a Brightonian. The City comes to life and celebrates everything which is great about living in this wonderfully colourful city. May is the month of the Brighton Festival, The Brighton Fringe Festival and the Artist Open Houses Festival.

This year the Artist Open Houses (AOH) celebrates 30 years since Brighton's first resident opened their doors to the public, and is the biggest and oldest event of its kind in the country.

AOH is a fantastic and unique opportunity to view work in artists’ homes and studios and to buy directly from the artist or maker. And in all honesty, I also simply enjoy having a look around other people's homes, having cups of tea and eating cake!

More than 1,000 artists are exhibiting their work at over 250 venues, spread across the city of Brighton and Hove and the surrounding area. The 2011 Festival dates are May 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th, 21st & 22nd and 28th & 29th. For further information click here

Finally it's here... hello Spring we've been expecting you... Had to tear myself away from sitting in the Pavilion Gardens soaking up the sun. Glorious day here in Brighton. This is what Brighton life is all about. We're not good at gloomy grey days. Happy Days x

Weekends away until Spring is upon us ....

A few of us were lucky enough to have spent, separate, weekends away last week, which helps enormously with getting us through the last long months of winter. Two very different weekends; one a beautiful, relaxing time with girlfriends at a wonderful 'country' spa, great company, a beautiful environment, heavenly food and wonderful treatments at the Spread Eagle Hotel Spa in Midhurst, West Sussex. The other to celebrate a 40th birthday party, at Hill House, in the Cotswold's; not quite so relaxing (due to party fun!), but still a gorgeous environment in a stunning setting. So we think both deserve a mention and our recommendation, if you are lucky enough to be able to pop off and indulge in a weekend away!

I wish .....

Wouldn't it be great if you got exactly what you wished for this Christmas, or for your next birthday? The right lingerie set, in the right size! A gorgeous leather handbag that you can't believe your husband chose himself! Or a beautiful pair of earrings that go amazingly well with your party dress! Well now you can get exactly what you want, if you make a Wish List with us. Come in and see us, write down all the things you covet at lavender/room on your own Wish List card, tell your friends and loved ones that you have a list with us and then ... start dropping hints! And prepare yourself for a very happy Christmas.

Customer Event - Thursday 30 September 5.30-9pm

If you are free between 5.30-9pm this Thursday then pop in and see us at the Brighton Store where you can preview all our new collections from Baby Ceylon, Pyrus, Chie Mihara, Ash Footwear, Princesse Tam Tam and Mimi. Interiors Stylist Selina Lake will be with us, signing copies of her latest book, Romantic Style and we will be offering free mini-manicures from Essie, 15%off all purchases and a free gift! So well worth coming in!

Barbie on the beach?

I want to be there. On the beach, eating shrimps from the barbie. Anyone else fancy that? These Whitstable bucket BBQ's, which are new in, are brilliant. Quite simply, a bucket which barbeques! Fill with charcoal before you set off, carry in one hand and have yourself a great little party on the beach, park, roof terrace or garden. Whitstable BBQ £22.

Jenny's House Beautiful ....

For those that haven't seen it yet, take a look at August's issue of House Beautiful magazine, featuring Jenny and her gorgeous kitchen!