Happy New Year!

Alright I know it’s still technically 2011, but I thought I’d just take a moment to wish you all a very happy new year!

The Christmas season may not be over for another 6 days,  in fact my son asks me everyday which day of Christmas it is and what that means, but most of us are probably looking forward to new year celebrations and gatherings this weekend.

After the children were born staying up until midnight became a distant memory and we had to look for new ways to ring in the next year. Much like Christmas Day my family has developed it’s own traditions and customs. Over time this evolved into a family party that is almost like a miniature Christmas. We eat lovely food, play humorous games and give little gifts. My kids even count down the days and become very excited, proving that quantity of gifts or their size has little to do with childish anticipation 🙂

This year we also took inspiration from our new Christmas tradition and have made an awful lot of biscuits in the shape of feet! This was initially thought out because I was given some gorgeous metal cutters in the shape of a footprint. The idea is that it also represents the tradition of ‘First-Foot’. I don’t know if I will be able to convince my brother to visit again on New Years Day (as the only dark haired male) but at least if I can’t we have a mini nod to this old tradition.

If you are looking for a last minute New Year craft I have also written a tutorial for the Boden Community which was posted up today. This is to make my New Year Promise Pots (another tradition).

Have a wonderful time whatever your plans and I’ll see you all again in 2012!!

Boden Press Day Spring Summer 2012

Last week I was lucky enough to be invited along to Boden’s Press Day, to preview the Spring Summer 2012 collection. You are probably all aware that as well as this blog, I also write for the Boden Community. If you’ve not taken a look at their site yet do pop across and check it out, there are many wonderful posts on a wide variety of subjects. For today though, here is a brief taster of what Boden has in store for us next year.

The upcoming collection has been inspired by world travel, even the board outside welcomed us in with a giant airmail letter! The whole room was festooned with maps, globes, signposts and doors. It was a visual treat before you even began to peruse the clothing.

There were three stories within the collection:

Globetrotter – a more subtle direction for Boden. The prints were delicate and refined, think of a gorgeous watercolour painting. There was a real touch of classic feminine glamour.

Breton Charm – I adored this collection of clothes, nautical inspired prints with a classic Britishness that was hard to resist. Perfect for a Spring picnic beside the lake, these clothes were wearable, classic and relaxed.

Secret Mediterranean – The holiday collection, beautiful vibrant colours that instantly transport you to a world of bright blue seas, golden suns and hours spent on the beach. The summer dresses really stole my heart here, easy, comfortable but with little touches that really made them stand out.

Even the men have been well catered for, here I am busy flicking through a lookbook and admiring some wonderful summer shirts.

If I had to pick one must have item, it would be this stunning Purple Satchel bag (also available in tan and red). Although it seems I wasn’t alone and everyone I encountered was coveting it too. I’m sure that’s a mark of good taste 🙂

The Mini Boden collection was absolutely stunning, I particularly liked the pieces that employed a mixture of applique and traditional print.

The Boden team are a really happy, helpful bunch and are genuinely enthused about this collection. They know the pieces well and really believe in the vision they are creating.

So whether you’re looking to be smart, casual, classic or bright, Boden has something for all the family next year. I already have a shopping list of must have pieces for all my family (it’s rather long), I’m genuinely very excited!