These boots are made for walking

In the winter I always get in the mood for knitting but I'm a very impatient knitter and pretty unadventurous too. Bored of not venturing beyond scarves, I attempted Heidi Neurauter's 'One Hour Baby Booties' pattern from Stitch and Bitch Nation and boy was the pattern easy to follow. If you're after a quick knitting fix, be sure to look this pattern up.

"The boos always come from the cheap seats."

Listened to a fascinating interview last night on the radio with James Lee Burke, an American author and an absolute character. Anyway today, Radio 2 read out some of his wonderful words from his web chat with listeners after yesterday's show. After hearing this little piece of advice he gave to a young girl, I just had to share it with you all as it's truly inspiring.

"Thanks, Miss Sophie. Never give up. I believe that talent comes from a hand outside us and that it is given to us for a reason. Never let the naysayers get you down. Write one day at a time and write for one reason only, to make the world in some fashion a better place. Eventually every artist learns the following lesson: Take pride in rejection and excoriation. The boos always come from the cheap seats. You stay on that oldtime rock and roll and grin and walk the cannon smoke and let go of the world. It will drive your critics insane."

What a wonderful way with words.

Lightbulb moments

Every creative person should have one of these by their bedside.

The Tag-it designed by Ham & Cheese. Source: Design Milk

Maybe it's because I'm a Londoner

London home accessories always catch my eye. I have a growing collection of London gems to remind me of the city I grew up in and still miss to this day (as happy as I am on the south coast).

Loving the above: The London globe from John Lewis (other cities also available - see link) and this dear little lampshade by the inspiring Charlene Mullen.

Source: Living Etc, Dec 2010

Cardboard City

I love it when designers do clever things with paper. Truly inspired by Daisy Lew's Pop-up NYC. At first glance, each spread represents an icon familiar with NYC. When viewed from another perspective you get a cityscape - genius.

Pen & Pringle Purchases

I can often be found rummaging in junk shops - I love it. I love hunting for quirky finds that bring a touch of uniqueness and charm to a home. I'm slowly building up an eclectic mix of both old and new to create what I feel is a vibrant, happy and characterful home that's true of me and the hubster. As I clutter my home, I'll keep you posted on my finds. Here's a look at some of my latest indulgences:

I've always liked the idea of having a valet stand. I like leaving things lying about for a day or four - it's called living I tell the other half. I like the lived in look and in our Victorian house this valet stand will look lovely in the bedroom with a few of my usually strewn garments.

The globe I got as a present for the hubbie. Although it's not old, the vibrant colours look great on the shelf with my vintage bits. It's actually really nice to look at the globe and daydream about flying off to the other side of the world. I think every home should have one.

The Woolpack

I've been saying how it's high time I picked up my knitting needles and what do you know, I get an email about a knitting pack whose packaging is so cool even hoodies might be tempted to knit. Ok maybe not quite.

They're on the pricey side starting at around £50 for a basic kit but the package design makes this set very tempting, plus it's not just any old wool and the wooden needles are very slick too. Check out their website to see their collection.