The Blog

Davina, The Ultimate Housemate.

Amanda Cottingham | May 16, 2013 | 1 Comment

Here is a guest post and interview of Davina McCall. I have a great admiration for Davina, I love that she puts so much importance on family and womens issues, I was delighted to host this interview with her talking about her home and family life.

After two decades on our screens, Davina McCall is certainly deserving of some downtime with the family, even if the interiors of her new home are still up for debate.

For someone who carries such effortless style around with her in appearances on shows such as Big Brother and Million Pound Drop, it’s possibly something of a surprise to find that presenter Davina McCall can be rather indecisive when it comes to putting the final touches to her new home in Wadhurst, East Sussex.

The property, snapped up a couple of years ago for a figure in excess of £3.5million, led to the 45-year-old and husband Matthew Robertson landing themselves back in the spotlight given the stately surrounds of the eight-bedroom country mansion. But Davina admits she’s never one to rush into a decision when it comes to interiors.

“I think if it’s something you’re going to live with you absolutely have to make sure it’s right,” she begins. “I’ve had terrible worries in the past over everything from the right curtains to kitchen units to leather furniture. It can take an age to make a decision because I’m so fearful of getting it wrong.

“Sometimes I find the solution is to call in the experts, or to have something custom-made so that it’s exactly the match of whatever the picture was that I had in my head. We know some fantastic craftsmen and we’ve been really pleased with what’s been produced for us, though that’s not a luxury any of us can afford all of the time, and sometimes it’s just a case of keeping your eyes peeled. When you see the right thing, you know it.”

Despite her refreshing openness and willingness to talk, Davina has always preferred to retain a large amount of privacy over her personal life. Does she feel that being the reality princess makes her more approachable than the average celebrity?

“Possibly. It’s something I’ve not thought about too much, to be honest. It’s nice that people are interested in what you do, of course, but I think no matter how you live your life, everyone deserves privacy when they want it, and generally, it’s given.”

And Davina is fiercely proud of her family life, notably her three children Holly, Chester and Tilly.

“I guess I have a bit more freedom over the work I choose to take on these days, so with things such as half-terms, I can plan the work around my kids, which feels really great. Particularly since relinquishing the Big Brother stuff I have felt a whole new freedom, because that was a programme that used to absolutely consume me during filming. It was a hugely rewarding thing to be a part of, but the schedule was punishing.”

So despite recently returning to our screens with new show Long Lost Family, this newfound freedom must allow more time to plan those interiors, then?

“You would think so, yes, but the reality is I don’t go too much for extravagances. I pay the bills, enjoy time with my family and like everything else around me to slot into place. I’ve been doing TV now for two decades and family definitely comes first. Nothing else is as important.”

Thank you Davina.

Modern Kitchen Design Ideas for 2013

Amanda Cottingham | May 9, 2013 | 4 Comments

Source: blissfulbblog.com via Amanda on Pinterest

This is a sponsored guest post brought to you in association with Betta Living.

Given that the average kitchen is such a frequently used room in the home, it is little wonder that homeowners are keen to create the perfect kitchen space. This means creating an area that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical. With some great kitchen designs to choose from, achieving this is not as difficult as you might think.

A sleek, functional and modern kitchen is just what many people are looking for in their homes, and with some of the great design ideas for 2013, you can create the ideal kitchen to suit your tastes and preferences. You can then enjoy spending time in an attractive and contemporary kitchen area that is perfect for everything, from preparing meals to entertaining friends.

Design ideas to create a great modern kitchen

There are many options available for those looking for beautifully designed fitted kitchens. By choosing the right design for your kitchen, you can look forward to creating the perfect kitchen area that combines aesthetic appeal with functionality. Some of the design ideas you might consider include the following.

A practical design: for many people, practicality is the most important aspect of a modern kitchen. You can opt for a kitchen design that makes the most of your space, enabling you to enjoy comfort as well as a highly functional kitchen space. This is the ideal choice for those who spend a lot of time cooking such as those with bigger families who prepare a lot of meals at home.

A high tech design: we live in an age of high-tech gadgets and devices, so it is little wonder that many people want their kitchen to fit in with their lifestyles. From futuristic fixtures and fittings to state-of-the-art appliances, you can create a hub of technological wonder in your very own kitchen with the right design. While this might not be the perfect option for those with large families and young kids, it can be a great choice for singles and couples who love to cook.

Open plan design: many people use their kitchens for entertaining and dining. If this sounds like you, then a modern, open-plan kitchen could be just the thing. You will have plenty of space to move around without restrictions, and you can enjoy the relaxed feel and spacious look of an open plan kitchen. This is a design that is perfect for those who tend to have friends and family visiting a lot, and those who like to cook and entertain in their own home.

These are some of the great kitchen design options for 2013, and each has its own unique benefits. Your lifestyle, tastes and budget can help you to make an informed decision with regards to the most appropriate option for you.

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You’re Never Too Old for a Gap Year.

Amanda Cottingham | May 8, 2013 | 1 Comment

This is a sponsored post, brought to you in association with Original Volunteers.

Have you ever thought of taking a gap year? I know I have, and in the past couple of months I have heard of a several people my age (in my 40′s) who are taking time out to follow their dreams and passions.

I think it an interesting concept, as to my mind it is both carefree, and caring? I can think of nothing more carefree, than being able to leave my home, commitments and work, to explore another country, and a different type of life. And yet during that time, you are thinking about your family, maybe trying to enrich their lives, or volunteering to help others. Sounds exciting, even intruiging doesn’t it?

I wholeheartedly agree there is no age that is too old to take a gap year, perhaps a better way of wording it though, is to take a sabbatical. As it doesn’t really need to be a year, or even a gap in your working life. Traditionally though, it is young adults who take a gap year, before or after University. According Original Volunteers, gap years offer valuable work experience in an ever tougher work market.

So I can see this also working for people who would like to change their career path, taken early retirement or have been made redundant for their work place.

In recent years though having a family gap year has become popular. So putting all of your normal lives on hold, and exploring, having an adventure, and seeing the world. I can really see the benefits of me going on a family gap year with my whole family. I am sure it must help cement the family unit, as often experiencing something life changing does.

In an ideal world, I think I would love to go down the route of volunteering, I can’t even begin to imagine how mutually beneficial this could be. You could make a real change to people lives, and in doing so change your family.

So what important things would you need to consider if you were starting a gap year – young or old?

How long for?

This is something you would need to decide based on the funds available, and also perhaps, how long your work place could leave you position open for. It would also be essential if you have children of school age, to obtain permission and a time frame from the school.

Research

I think the most important thing would be to put research into the area you would like to travel to. Also researching the employment, study and volunteering that you would like to do once you are there. Contact reputable places, do your research thoroughly, and always have a contingency plan.

What to Take

There are lots of valuable resources on the internet that will help you with check-lists and ideas. I think they thing that would be at the top of my list though would be my camera, as I would want to record all of the exciting things that we did.

Insurance

Because this is going to be more of an unusual and extended stay its important to get comprehensive insurance. Its also important to make sure that your house insurers realise that you are not living in your house for an extended period. This can invalidate the insurance, so make sure you let them know. Its also equally important to do this if you are renting your property out.

It really does sound like something so fulfilling, with valuable life lessons being learnt, I can see why so many students have in the past done it. Maybe it really is time for change?

What do you think, is it something you have ever considered?

Thank you for reading

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.

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Making you own Gift Tags : Homemade Ideas

Amanda Cottingham | May 8, 2013 | 13 Comments

Honestly, in around half an hour, you can have enough gift tags, to last you all year. I use whatever I have in my craft things, so there is no cost at all. I think they more personal and individual than buying gift tags. All you need is to buy either brown paper, or plain coloured wrapping paper to wrap the gifts in and you are sorted! If you are feeling extra thrifty though, how about using newspaper, or magazines made into gift bags.

My first idea, is the bunting gift tag. I can’t remember where I saw this idea first. It is so simple, and you can get your children to make them with you. You simply use a pencil with an eraser on the end, using a sharp knife *adults only this stage though* make the eraser into the shape of the triangular bunting. Then using different coloured inks get stamping! Drawing a line to finish the bunting.

The second homemade gift tag idea, is the much-loved washi tape gift tag. For this I cut up coloured card, with a hole punch for the ribbon, and simply added a line of washi tape. The beauty of this one, is you can make them lots of different sizes, so if you have awkward small or large gifts, you can make very different sizes.

Ruffles gift tags, I really enjoyed making these. Again, I made my own tags from coloured card, but for this I added scraps of fabric that I had left from another project. Choosing a simple zig-zag or straight stitch I found worked best. I pleated the fabric, by hand as I fed the tag through the machine. I love the 3D effect of this one.

And finally….

Because any handmade post I write, wouldn’t be complete without the addition of my favourite buttons. I have also made some button gift tags. Attach the buttons, you can either sew them, which looks really effective, or use double-sided tape, if you don’t have the time. Adding some decoration around them if needed.