At last this week is giving us some relief from the rain! I realise rain is not only important but a very necessary life force. But REALLY? All at once? While “men are like buses” is an often repeated old adage that rings some chimes of unquestioned truth, “raindrops are like buses” does not have quite the same ring. We might have to start saying it though. Indeed in some parts of the world, this is already true but I am no climate expert so enough of that. The one thing I do know that April showers might have forced one to look inward. Sure you couldn’t see anything through the rain-spattered windows. The rain was the perfect ticket to stay indoors and really do some looking around the house. What are those pile of papers about? And do I really need those old magazines? Maybe I should colour code my wardrobe and in the process clear out the redundant pieces along the way. Be ruthless. Throw sentimentality out the window! And that out too. And so the spring cleaning began with the force of a bulldozer. It never ends I must admit but as the sun breaks through rain clouds, it does eventually reach a level of enlightenment, where you know what’s what and you know what’s where. It’s a good feeling. It is at this stage that you can think about HOME IMPROVEMENTS. You know the thoughtful little things that just make a home better… Better storage… Prettier… And the things that conjure up dreams of summer dinner parties in the garden. And makes them come true. The things that you normally don’t have time to think about but once they’re there, you wonder how you managed without them. The icing on top. And not the sickly sweet quick-fix factory goo but rather the kind your grandmother would make; a subtle taste enhancer, full of thought, love and care.
The Handpicked Collection is a shop that caters beautifully to this niche. It is full of bright ideas and finishing touches that make a home more homely. Here are a few of my favourite things:
Takeaway Menu Organiser, Handpicked Collection
Sun Jar, Handpicked Collection
Black + Blum Hot Pot Barbecue, Handpicked Collection
Personalised Oak Swing, Handpicked Collection
One Tonne Doorstop, Handpicked Collection
Carolyn Sheffield Elephant & Zebra Tissue Box Holder, Handpicked Collection
Pretty Sticky Notes, Handpicked Collection
Sophie Conran Bird Feeding House, Handpicked Collection
Wicker Cutlery Holder, Handpicked Collection
Multi Photo Box with Frame Lid, Handpicked Collection
Hi-Wire Partridge Jewellery Tree, Handpicked Collection
Zinc Heart Hanging Lights, Handpicked Collection
Seed Packets Organiser, Handpicked Collection
Just So Stories Spineless Classics Complete Novel Poster, Handpicked Collection
Abahna Grapefruit & May Chang Scented Candle, Handpicked Collection
hornback & Peel Deckchair, Handpicked Collection
Rocking Glasses, Set of Four, Handpicked Collection
Emma Bridgewater Big Love Tin, Handpicked Collection
Can't Sleep Write Now Notebook, Handpicked Collection
Embroidered Cushions, Handpicked Collection
