The Nursery

Ta Daaaaaah… My ‘other’ labour of love; Rex’s nursery. This room was, as expected, so much fun to put together, especially as we (and by ‘we,’ I mean, ‘my boyfriend’) wanted to do a lot of the work ourselves. From building wardrobes at weekends, to fitting coving and moving spotlights, my scientist by day, and builder by night, really outdid himself. I meanwhile, being about to pop, took on the less physical task of scouring the internet for the most environmentally-friendly baby shops I could find, trawling John Lewis (a parent-to-be right of passage) and spending some glorious hours on the sofa searching for those little magical touches from small brands that really make a space unique.

When it came to the paint, we went straight back to Farrow and Ball and enjoyed another of their brilliant at-home colour consultations (although, this time via a Covid-safe Zoom), to make sure the different colours in the nursery blended well together, but also complimented the other connecting rooms. The in-depth guidance and peace of mind surrounding the colour palette and quantities provided by the consultant Emily Harrold was such a weight off our shoulders, and her expertise really helped bring my little African vision to life. You can read about my previous colour consultation here.

Walls, Ceiling, Radiator and Skirting Boards: Pale Powder

Coving and Double Doors: Webet

Cupboards: Lichen

Sunshine: Hay

The addition of the sunshine was something I knew I had wanted, having been initially inspired by a picture of Molly Madfis’ nursery my sister saw on Pinterest, and thankfully DIY aficionado, my friend Katherine Ormerod, stepped in (or more waddled in, both being prettttty pregnant at the time), masking tape in hand, and helped me. It really does makes the room, and I’m so grateful for her help - It would not have looked remotely this impressive had I been left to my own devices, that’s for sure!!

I always knew I wanted Rex’s room to be safari themed (you can take the girl outta Africa…) but obligatory giant giraffes aside, I also wanted to include some mountainous nods to his rock climbing Daddy!

Laundry Basket made in Kenya: The Basket Room, Lion Seagrass Toy Baskets: Belly Bambino, Luggy Basket and Stacking Bowls: Oskoe Living, ‘A Pod of Hippopotamuses’ Illustration: Fee Greeing for Polkra, Wooden Train, Play Tent, Bunting and Wooden Vans: Scandiborn, Vintage Penguin Books and Mountain Caps: Ebay, Bespoke Knitted Wire Word: Seventy Seven 84, Custom Hoop: Leo and Wilf.

I bought the main piece of furniture, the wooden dresser, from Mamas & Papas. It was the largest I could find and it really owns the space. I love that once Rex is older, we can just remove the baby changer top, and he can enjoy the dresser for years to come.

You may recognise a few things from my old flat. After moving into my boyfriend’s house, we decided that my much-loved Gray Malin leopard balloon photograph, for instance, fitted this room and the theme perfectly. The other art we chose to feature I either found on Etsy or on Instagram, having had some lovely artists and illustrators contact me; Tatiana Alida, Frances Costelloe, Rose du B Illustrations, and Jo Laing.

Lion Rug: Oyoy Living, Sea Shell Music Mobile: Cam Cam Copenhagen, Sunshine Cushion and Mountain Cushion: Scandiborn, Lion Cushion: Jungalow, Cot Bunting: Arnold and the Caterpillar.

Having found the perfect cot, I was determined to find the comfiest and safest bedding to accompany it. After a lot of research, I was set on Rex having the sweetest dreams on an organic, non-toxic and chemical-free Naturalmat mattress. Handmade in Devon, the sustainably sourced, natural fibres used are inherently breathable and self-ventilating which helps babies regulate their body temperature for a comfortable night's sleep. I then chose organic linen/cotton sheets in a honey colour pop from The Little Green Sheep.

Custom Wooden Baby Name Letter Blocks: Etsy, Lace-up Baby Boots: Each Peach Baby.

Photography: Claire Menary

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TLC Staycation: Beaverbrook House

With understandably most of our summer having been put on hold, it seems the frequently overlooked ‘staycation’ looks finally set to have its moment in the spotlight once we’re all out of lockdown. Luckily, we are spoilt for choice with so many gorgeous places to visit across Britain, and before social-distancing became the word on the street (or in the home, as the case very much was), I stayed at the stunning Beaverbrook House, a luxurious country house hotel, set in the woodlands of the Surrey Hills (a mere 18 miles outside of London).

Striking the perfect balance between cosy and opulence, I was able to completely zone out, enjoying their delicious restaurants (the Mediterranean Garden House was a true highlight), a much needed massage at the Coach House Spa (designed by glass architect Brian Clarke), and their truly elegant 1920’s-style bar, adorned with over 250 botanical prints and overflowing with Pisco Sours.

Other staycations recommendations of mine would include, Heckfield Place (Hampshire), The Pig (near bath), Artist’s Residence (Cornwall), University Arms (Cambridge), Thyme (the Cotswolds), Middleton Lodge (Yorkshire) and its worth checking out Kip Hideaways, a brand new membership site full of small, stylish and affordable rentals, from tree-houses to eco-cabins, designer apartments to coastal studios, all within the UK.

OOTD: 08.05.20

Summer ready in sustainable Belize gingham...

With a basket whose only current role in life is to carry my M&S Fruit Sherbets from one room to the next...

ALSO… Wihelmina Garcia’s Gold Daisy necklace is giving me aaaall the instant pick-me-up joy feels

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OOTD: 28.04.20 (In Support of Age UK)

It was only a matter of time before the quarantine dungas came out... Consider my lock down complete!

I’ve recently upped my collar game with Troy London, who during these challenging times are donating 15% of all their sales to Age UK, the country's leading charity dedicated to helping the elderly, providing a support network for many of the UK’s vulnerable 2 million older people living alone in isolation during the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Earth Day 2020

In the 1980’s there were an estimated 1.2 million elephants in Africa, and the latest survey shows there are now around 400,000... A shocking demise which has occurred in my own lifetime, and the result of savage poaching and human/wildlife conflict. On this most poignant of Earth Days, I am sat here wondering; How many more years will I be visiting these innocent, orphaned victims?⁣ ⁣

Despite some recent gains in elephant conservation, the worry now is, that with the sudden, unexpected standstill in African tourism (an industry that provides millions of jobs, and sees large percentages of their costs go back into local communities and wildlife protection) a spike in poaching is likely expected with vital incomes being lost, and safeguarding wildlife becoming harder and more dangerous; Threatened and endangered animals may become the additional casualties of the pandemic.⁣ ⁣

Conservation groups are now calling on finance ministers to make the protection of nature a cornerstone of their Covid 19 economic recovery plans; Our most precious wildlife cannot rely on tourism and donations alone anymore - We need governmental commitment to both planet and wildlife preservation!! ⁣

Also - Please don’t cancel your safari, just postpone it... It is money you will never invest better - and it goes a long way to preserving, protecting and supporting some of our world’s most special ecosystems, wildlife, and people.

Head over to my friend’s pages at Ol Malo, House in the Wild and The Safari Collection for some travel inspo, to Space for Giants to join their #AHealthyEarth campaign, and to my sister, Claire Eastwood, an African travel expert, to get planning your future African adventures!

⁣ Then and Now: Both pictures were taken at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (major shout out to the full 80’s commitment of scrunchie AND terry toweling shorts... Strong!)

OOTD: 16.04.20 (In Support of Re-Engage UK)

Verified Pajama Party; Silk Pyjamas are the real ‘Going Out-Out’ of Lockdown Looks...!

Ridley London are donating 100% of the profits from their gorgeous new loungewear collection to Re-Engage UK, helping provide a support network for many of the UK’s vulnerable elderly living alone in isolation during the Coronavirus crisis.

OOTD: 09.04.20 (In support of Meals for the NHS)

Self Distancing/Timering... 💙

My pals at Chinti and Parker are donating 100% of the profits from their Anni Heart Collection to Meals for the NHS, a not for profit initiative who partner with local restaurants to ensure our frontline heroes get the delicious and nourishing food they need to tackle their arduous 18-hour, life-saving shifts... #HelpOurHeroes

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Hello There: With Nothing Underneath

I love to highlight small, sustainable British brands that I truly love - and wear; After living in my throw-on linen With Nothing Underneath boyfriend-style shirt allllll last summer (which so many of you consistently enquired about), I’m finding their recently launched brushed-cotton design just as useful, and sooo cosy... Basically, they are my everyday wardrobe staples, whether I’m spending the day in town, on the beach, or in bed (don’t judge, it’s cold out there...)

Not only does this brand source all its organic material from the Better Cotton Initiative and use plastic-free packaging, but despite being a small company, after seeing a surge in orders after the Duchess of Sussex wore one of their cotton designs to visit the Luminary Bakery, my friend Pip Durell (WNU’s founder), made a generous donation to this London-based social enterprise that supports disadvantaged women, as a way to pay it forward.... Jolly good shirts by a jolly good egg

Photographer: Rosalind Alcazar

After Hours at the National Gallery

I had an unforgettable ‘after hours’ night at the National Gallery recently, which houses one of the greatest assemblies of Western European art in the world.  Being spoilt for viewing choice, I managed to catch up with some of my favourite fellas (Van Gogh, Monet, Cézanne, Degas…) before enjoying a portrait-worthy feast; Just a complete honour that left me feeling more than committed to being a culture vulture, and investing in a National Art Pass (50% off major must-see exhibitions? Yes please.)   

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Tried and Tested: Kosas Cosmetics Lipstick

I discovered whooole new depths of strength at the highly anticipated ‘In Goop Health’ London Summit last summer, managing to restrain myself from telling Gwyneth Paltrow that I’ve long since thought we’d make the most excellent of BFF’s… Other discoveries included learning that the whole Goop team wear Kosas Cosmetics ‘Rosewater’ lipstick - I immediately purchased it (obviously), along with ‘Darkroom’ which is the perfect reddish-plum shade for Winter. Both have become handbag essentials.

Kosas Cosmetics cult, hydrating, everyday-wearable lipsticks are each infused with natural oils and soothing butters, whilst also being free from parabens, phthalates and mineral oil. Two enthusiastic thumbs up! Thanks for the tip, GP… #BFF4Evs

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