I like to swap furniture about and look at how using pieces that add space and serve a function is a win-win! Shelving, coffee tables and side counters that use slimmer frames and materials such as wood, glass and iron, that allow light to flow through the design, can be a game changer.

A great example of this is with both the coffee table and shelving unit from My Home Stories. They both look minimal and sleek and are very useful for storing books, plants and ornaments. In fact, I think they work really well if, like us, you have children and need a place to store extra arts and crafts, games, books, and all those little toys that seem to be everywhere!

Finding storage solutions that look good enough to have on display is important to me, especially as we do have a lot of things we use with the children in the day but, come night, we like to pack away to regain our space and have our evening time.

One of my all-time favourites is this set of three Velvet Touch trunks from BundleBerry by Amanda Holden. I love how well made they are but, more than anything, the velvet touch finish; also, their nod to that classic vintage style is gorgeous and they’re so versatile. I’d go for dark blue for our bedroom as we have blue feature walls.

They make perfect storage for handbags, scarves, big jumpers and books (if you don’t have shelves in your room). I’d also say they are perfect for children’s rooms as they can double up as little seats if the kids want but, of course, are ideal for storing toys, linen and all those clothes that you can’t bear to part with.

When it comes to bedding, I’m a huge Cozee Home fan. The quality is second to none and you always know it will look and feel great. I’m moving from my dark, jewel-coloured bedding of the winter months to those beautiful soft florals. Think sky blues, pastel pinks, sunshine yellows and warm whites with prints of spring-fresh florals.

I always say that the bed, and its bedding, are the biggest swathes of colour in your bedroom, so it makes a huge impact. You don’t have to redecorate the room to make a big change; by simply changing and coordinating your bedding and adding a light-toned rug – like this little number from My Home Stories – you’ll have a much more affordable way to feel the change.

Happy spring and best wishes,

Eilidh xx

The post Eilidh’s home mini-makeover tips for spring appeared first on Stories.

I’m not a “list” person by nature but here are the three areas I consider ahead of spring…

1)  Tidying up after winter – simply clearing your lawn of leaves or creating small leafy refuges for wildlife or turning over soil, etc. few of us want to, but it’s got to be done! So perhaps it’s time to finally replace that much-loved rake, you know.. the old heavy one that gives you that blister? Modern designs now incorporate strong but lightweight materials that’ll make your life easier in the long run. Take a look at the Grumpy Gardener 3-in-1 telescopic Leaf Rake, it’s affordable and versatile! I can also highly recommend the Radius range of shovels and spades.

2)  Pruning existing shrubs (if necessary). Some plants and shrubs need pruning back in the spring, such as roses, and some varieties of clematis, so make sure you have a good pair of secateurs. The Grumpy Gardener Ratchet Bypass Secateur duo will prove invaluable and make short work of pruning and cutting back.

3)  Planning new planting ideas and getting the most enjoyment from our space. Winter is a good time to take stock, think about what you would like to see grow in your garden, maybe buying some summer flowering bulbs, improving your lawn or getting a better show of flowers from existing shrubs? You might also want to attract more birds or other wildlife into your garden, patio or balcony or add garden furniture or decor this year. If your lawn suffers from moss or is looking a little shabby after the heatwave last year perhaps Richard Jackson’s excellent Premium Moss Remover and his Lawn Magic are worth a try? They worked wonders for me last year as did his ever popular Flower Power.

Put out nutritious food for the birds and they will come to your balcony, patio or garden. There are various designs of feeders available at QVC together with “no grow” bird seed mix from Richard Jackson and The Grumpy Gardener DeLuxe Fat Balls. Online at QVCUK.COM  we have curated a really comprehensive selection of fantastic Plants, Flowers, Fruit and Vegetables from our top quality brands giving everyone with access to a balcony, patio or garden the opportunity to grow something special. On top of that we have a wonderful selection of gardening furniture, lighting and decor to help you enjoy your own space even more this year, however big or small!

Dale

The post Getting set for spring appeared first on Stories.

I think most of us approached 2022 with a degree of optimism following the restrictions of the previous two years. It felt as though the hardship of the pandemic had helped us to pull together and be kinder towards each other and that was reflected in the lovely feedback we QVC presenters received from you, our viewers. Comments about keeping you company while locked down in your homes really did keep our morale, as a team, high in some difficult times.

For a lot of us, the thing we were most looking forward to was being able to travel more freely again, albeit wearing masks on planes and in public places. Anxious as I was to travel abroad, our first foray was not to sunnier climes but to a rather wet and windy Lake District in February. We’d rented a holiday cottage in Shap, on the edge of the Lake District long before we knew storms Dudley and Eunice were brewing on the other side of the Atlantic.

We did manage plenty of walks alongside beautiful lakes with dramatic scenery as a backdrop, but we had to abandon a plan to visit my sister and her husband in south-west Scotland as Eunice also brought snow making driving conditions even more hazardous.

Podcast appearance

March was Inspirational Women’s Month on QVC and I was delighted to be asked to chat to Will Gowing again for the QVC podcast, Inside QVC. If you’ve never listened, all previous episodes are available including the one from the week before mine where Will was interviewing the wonderful Tova Borgnine, not knowing that it would be the last time they would speak. For those of us who have worked at QVC for a long time and therefore known Tova the longest, it was particularly sad. She was always so gracious, and I will miss receiving a Christmas card from her this year with a handwritten personal message.

Chris and I were away in March. After all my considerable health issues of 2021, he decided we should return to Mauritius, where we went a year after my CML diagnosis and where we were married in August 2019. I’d be lying if I said we had wall-to-wall sunshine, in fact, some days we had torrential downpours – it was almost like being back in the Lake District but around twenty degrees warmer. And we did have some lovely weather like the day we reconstructed the photo that our daughter took of us on the day after our wedding which now graces the wall of our family room.

But even on the overcast days, we needed our Ultrasun SPF. I’ve been a massive fan for years of the once-a-day application and really love the new formulas that have tan activation ingredients in them. My favourite is the factor 30 which is appropriate as they celebrated their 30th anniversary in April. I’m pretty sure around half the weight in my suitcase was my Ultrasun and other beauty products – once all of them are packed there is precious little room for clothes and shoes!

So Ultrasun was celebrating its 30th anniversary in the same month that I was celebrating the tenth anniversary of my CML diagnosis. It might seem a little odd to you that I celebrate, but what I’m really doing is being grateful for another year of life. We always try to mark the date and often go to Brighton for a day trip because that was how we marked the first anniversary. This year we had an unexpected extra guest – Quin, our son’s dog joined us on our day out… I love this photo!

A summer of celebrations

May saw us on our travels again, this time an unexpected trip to Barbados. My best friend, Denise, who I first met when we worked on the Price is Right together back in 1984 had hinted that she and her long-time boyfriend, Steve, might tie the knot and that they would like us to be witnesses… how could we refuse? They didn’t get married in the end as they didn’t have all the necessary paperwork, but it was lovely to spend time with them away from the trials and tribulations of everyday life.

June this year was most memorable for the fabulous Platinum Jubilee celebrations. I was working for three of the four days but there was a lovely atmosphere at QVC even for those of us who had pulled ‘the short straw’! Big thanks to one of our newest presenters, Ophelia Dennis, who offered to cover one of my shifts or I would have been working on all four days. I’m glad the country was able to show Her Majesty the regard and affection with which she was held.

It was also my birthday in June – some of you probably entered the mega giveaway I did of some of my favourite QVC products – a BIG birthday this year as I turned sixty-six so am now technically a pensioner although I’ve opted to defer my pension for now as I’m not quite ready to retire!

In July we were off on our travels again with the whole family, this time to Javea in Spain which holds a special place in our hearts as we used to have a holiday home there.

I tend not to take annual leave in August as I remember only too well trying to plan things around the children’s school holidays. But we did have Chris’s mum and my mum to stay, and we had a lovely family gathering with not one, but two birthday cakes for my mum. It was also the month I got to do my first show with Dannii Minogue ‘in person’ rather than via video link. We repeated it on the QVC birthday on October 1st which is when I first laid eyes on this amazing sequin jacket of hers! I had to wait another six weeks or so before it was available to buy – I wonder how many of you went for it too?

Back to September though and what I thought was going to be the worst month of the year with the passing of Queen Elizabeth. I think it must have hit me really hard because she was born in 1926, the same year as my mum. To be honest, having to take the channel off air when the official announcement was made was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my twenty-nine years at QVC.

Speaking of which, we have now entered our 30th Birthday year and we have some fabulous things planned to celebrate from the start of 2023, including specially designed products, live audience events and BIG giveaways – I can’t say too much more at present, but watch this space.

Realising how much the monarch’s death had affected me, Chris organised for us to go back to Javea for a few days in October to unwind – just the two of us. Little did he know what was going to happen while we were there. Within hours of arriving at the villa we were renting, our son phoned to say that Chris’s mum, Audrey, had had a fall and was in hospital having broken her hip. We immediately changed our flights to return to the UK the following day, but sadly we were too late. She had taken a turn for the worse overnight and passed away with our children, Dan and Sophie holding her hands. At eighty-eight, we knew that the day wouldn’t be too far away but it was so sudden, and you are never prepared for it. She has spent every Christmas with us since the death of Chris’s dad twenty years ago so this one is not going to be easy. My heart goes out to you if you are in a similar situation.

The publication of my latest book, The Dilemma, my first for fourteen months, fell in the middle of the preparations for the funeral. I tried my best to feel enthusiastic as Audrey always read and gave feedback on my books, but sadly she never had the chance to read this one.

I also filmed my experience of menopause during this period, as part of QVC’s ‘Menopause Your Way’ initiative which was headed up by Jackie Kabler on air. If you are at this time of your life and struggling do go to the page on our website – sometimes a problem shared is a problem halved.

So, the past few months have not been the best for me personally, but we’ve had some amazing event days that I hope you’ve enjoyed and of course, as already mentioned there will be many more to come during our 30th birthday year. I have had one piece of good news though. The results of my latest CML blood tests are still showing only minute levels of the disease so I’m medication free at least for the first month of 2023.

Thank you so much for watching and shopping with us, for all your lovely comments on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (I’m now on TikTok too – don’t laugh) and hoping you have a wonderful Christmas.

Much love as always

Julia xx

The post The highs and lows of 2022 appeared first on Stories.

I’ve been asked to write the first little post since our presenter blogs went on a hiatus in early summer. Just to let you know, the occasional presenter blog will now return but in this format, rather than underneath individual headings, and I’m happy to say I’ve been asked to do the first one for you.

My weekly blog still continues, by the way, and has done all the way through the summer – all you need to do is search “Debbie Flint QVC blog” and you should find links to it on my social media!

For me, I’ve got most of my pressies sorted already, mainly because my two children, their four children, and their partners and I always celebrate our Christmas a little early.

Lauren came down from Wales with her beautiful boy and girl, and Brad hosted at his place in Fulham with his wonderful boy and girl Regulars of my social media will know that the girls are now four, and the boys are either side of one. Precious times, right? We enjoyed some wonderful times including a walk in the local park.

Have had lots of other get-togethers with friends, including an afternoon tea with family, some December birthdays to celebrate as well – poor them! At least it’s not on Christmas Day like my colleague, Dale Franklin!

Looking ahead to the new year, we were doing some very special filming behind-the-scenes with the production team recently – you will see the results when they are announced in the second week of January! It’s going to be an exciting year. This is what it looks like from my point of view. Hopefully you will love what you see when you view it from the other way round when the footage is released! Watch out for it.

In the meantime, my weekly blog still comes out on a Friday via my social media, and continues to include sneaky peeks at the next seven days on QVC!

Have fun and don’t forget to check out my last-minute gift picks on the QVCUK website this weekend.

Debs

P.S. follow me on my social media here – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok

The post Preparing for the big day and the end of another year! appeared first on Stories.

Please follow my updates – my blogs have moved to my social media during the summer break! Find out what I get up to on my month’s holiday in Somerset and more. Just search debbie flint QVC on all the platforms, including TikTok now! Or follow these links;

•  Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok

Have a great summer everybody and hopefully the blogs will be back later in the year

Best wishes – and keep in touch!

Xx

The post The blogs are on holiday! appeared first on Stories.

Then I went and got his two little terrors from nursery. We went to the coffee shop where they both have got used to turning their faces away when I take a selfie of us all, since they are not social media babies, bless! Had a lovely time but I was really tired by now!

Then, the next day, I returned as it was time for the Parsons Green fair. And they had so many stalls and displays as well. Talk about lucky with the weather. After Blake and I went on the high up ride (see main photo), she had a go on the donkey ride, Brad took both of them on the little car roundabout, and we all, including Kari, set to watch the dancing displays in the main tent. It was a wonderful day, and little Kaleb did a bit of dancing to the music himself. So sweet! Got to make the most of days like this; even though I was really tired I forced myself to go. And I’m glad I did

Snippets

Blowing Raspberries

On my flying trip to Devon on Tuesday for an evening meeting with my association executive, was followed up by a little bit of raspberry picking in the morning after. It had to be done! The bushes in the back garden are really prolific this year! It’s a joy to behold. Because I haven’t been there as much, I haven’t managed to keep away the greeblies from eating the lilies: about half of them have been munched, which is a real shame. But it’s a great year for wallflowers, don’t you think? Anyway I took this little container of raspberries to Wales and Phoebe loved them! She was well happy and had eaten about half of them by the time I took this picture! The little back garden plants are coming on well, and I took great delight in spending an evening and a very early morning with my grandkids and daughter and son-in-law, before driving back home to Surrey and an evening meeting with fellow residents/directors at my flats in Banstead! I collapsed into bed that night I can tell you!

Jasper Agog

Little grandson Jasper, he’s growing so quickly. Well they do at five months, don’t they? He just lays there looking deep into your eyes in wonder as if he’s trying to read your mind, so lovely. I played with him quite a lot when I went to Wales, even though it was a fleeting visit. Then just before his bedtime, he decided he was very interested in the television! Some Netflix thing with Melissa McCarthy that my daughter was watching. And he properly sat there watching it (bless him!) before he was whisked away for a feed and bed. I remember my lovely Daisy dog used to sit watching the television with me as well, whereas Gracie just didn’t even seem to realise there were pictures on the screen. I have just read Phoebe her bedtime stories too. She’s very much into the Tom Fletcher books at the moment and I’ve just ordered ‘There’s an elf in my book’! Had a lovely time with my babies. not long and I will be seeing them again on the weekend at the wedding!

Meet Ruth!

Thought I would give you a quick heads up that Ruth Langsford and QVC are getting together for a very special event! Details on this poster. If you remember our beauty bash events, I’m sure it will be along those lines and will feature some very famous faces as well from Ruth‘s TV world. It’s at the end of July so apply soon!

Watch

The Lincoln Lawyer, on Netflix, the TV series based on Michael Connelly‘s books. Yes, it was made into a film with Matthew McConaughey once, but I think this looks a much better option. I have loved his tales featuring these characters and I will definitely be looking this one up! To be honest there’s so much choice at the moment on the telly I don’t know where to start. Of course I was glued to all the developments mid-week when the political shenanigans were going on, and when I’m away I will definitely get back into watching something nightly. It will probably be this. Or Stranger Things, I keep hearing so much about it! Have you watched it? Why is it so popular?

Blooper

Proper one! Go here to see what happened during one of my shows with one of our fab new behind-the-scenes people – getting used to what the on-air camera-light meant. Bless her!

Vlog

Doorbell ding dong!! Hehe!! And don’t forget to follow my social media (listed below) for more funnies, updates, and behind-the-scenes insights. By the way I’m on TikTok now! Search debbie flint TV! I’m planning to do something every day during my retreat that starts… Next Tuesday! Haven’t mentioned it yet ?! he he !

Podcast

This week, Will talks to Margot Grant Witz, third generation family member of beauty brand Elizabeth Grant about her grandmother’s story and what we can expect to see from the skincare range in the coming months. Next week he’ll be talking to a familiar face in writer, presenter and journalist, Jackie Kabler. Jackie will be telling Will all about Menopause Your Way, an exciting initiative at QVC. You can listen to all the Inside Q podcasts here.

Book

One of the best books I have read all year! ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ by Bonnie Garmus. Bookshop tweeted asking what was your top book of the year, and this one got mentioned by so many responses I thought I’d get it. I’m so glad I did! You will absolutely love it. If you take one recommendation for me this year, make it this one. A feisty woman chemist who becomes a TV star in the 60s when women weren’t supposed to have an opinion, features a clever kid and a wise dog amongst others too. Absolutely loved every minute. Highly highly recommended!

QVC top deals for the next seven days

Friday (today) – go here to see and buy what’s left of the lovely Kelly Hoppen large indoor/outdoor Buddha statue.

Saturday – join me on Friday at 9pm and midnight, for the launch of the new Dyson V8 vacuum cleaner. I’m absolutely delighted you have another option from this range of incredible cordless Vacs. And the V8 is possibly the best lower-price multipurpose one. Big tip, please keep the filters clean. This one’s easier to empty as well. Check out my time-lapse video opening it, on my social media, and also what happened when I vacuumed a couch which had already been vacuumed, you won’t believe what came out of it. Go here to see more.

Sunday – already online it’s the Liz Earle Smooth and Firm four-piece Superskin collection, for skins that need more hydration or are more mature. go here to see and buy more

Big deals are available on air for usually a week, they may be longer online if stocks last. New ones every Sunday night!

Finery London Kira Multi Spot Print Tiered Midi Dress
SBC 3-Piece Resurfacing Acids Face & Body Collection
Easiyo 10-Piece Yoghurt Selection
KochBlume Set of 10 Assorted Extra Absorbent Microfibre Cloth
Nina Leonard Sleeveless Tiered Maxi Dress with Draw String
Tan-Luxe 2 Piece Anti-Age Hydrating Gradual Tan Set
Kim & Co Printed Brazil Jersey Short Sleeve with Shirring Dress
Cook’s Essentials 1.5L Compact Touch Screen Digital Air Fryer

Go here to see and shop them all

And here are the new Big Deals launching on Sunday 10th at midnight:

Carole Hochman Tropical Cheetah Luxe Jersey Kaftan Regular/Petite
Gatineau Complete Hand & Body 5 Piece Summer Collection
Home Reflections Indoor/ Outdoor Twinkling Festoon Light Strand
OPI 6 Piece Power of Hue Summer Collection

Now back to the Today’s Special Values for the rest of the week:

Monday – it’s fashion day and we are bringing you a Denim & Co. printed, jersey, smocked waist, pull-on trouser; sounds unusual! And join me the night before I go away on my long summer break, for the…

Tuesday – …Estee Lauder four-piece summer collection, already online, this will be an amazing success I’m sure, as so many of their sets have been in the past. Go here to see and buy more.

Wednesday – time for a new jumpsuit from Kim & Co, this time a wide-leg, twist-front version in different lengths! We love Kim‘s jumpsuits!

Thursday – my favourite range of footwear, for feet that are flat, Vionic, brings us the ‘Essence Mylie’ trainer. Really looking forward to this one and I will be getting a new pair!

Friday – please don’t miss a superb way of getting stronger, as my friend Fiona Summers returns with the Gym Magic fitness bar with wallchart and four DVDs for under £40. It’s a really good way of introducing resistance into an ordinary routine – you can do it seated as well. Please don’t miss out!

And a reminder that Jackie‘s chat show all about menopause is on at 4pm every Friday!

Friday 9pm – Tweak’d by Nature return with a Jatamansi Cleanse & Volumise Supersize haircare collection!

Next week, my niece Chloe gets married and it will be a big family weekend! Plus my first few days at my long summer holiday in Somerset! Fitness and health and writing my fifth novel at last! All waiting for me, can’t wait!

Best wishes,

Debs

PS – Keep in touch on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or TikTok

The post At the fair, Wales, and the new Dyson! appeared first on Stories.

On the subject of loyalty, I want to thank all of you who read and comment on my QVC blog on a regular basis. The presenter blogs (all of them, not just mine) will be taking a break for the summer so this will be my last one until September. If you do social media, I’ll still be keeping you updated on my Twitter @JuliaRobertsTV and I’ll be doing stories and posts on my Instagram at juliagroberts. I’m also planning on getting my head around ‘reels’, so watch that space! However, if you prefer to read a blog, I’ll still be writing a monthly blog about what is going on in my life on my author website, but it doesn’t very often include anything related to QVC, apart from some of the clothes I wear in the photos!

Speaking of which, I wore this Kim & Co dress, one of my favourites from her range to my publisher, Bookouture’s, summer party on Monday. I signed with them in October 2018 and am currently working on my sixth book for them. I usually take plenty of photos at these get togethers, but I was so busy chatting that I completely forgot to take any, apart from one of the 10th anniversary cake!

I also missed out on a slice of cake, but I’m trying to be good in that department to help keep the weight that I’ve lost off.

Another fashion love that I’ve bought recently are these Moda in Pelle shoes and it’s largely thanks to fashion guest, Katie Pemberton. She sent me a text message prior to a show she was co-presenting because she remembered that I liked them, and they’d previously been sold out in my size. They’re fairly similar to the Clarks ones I wear but a tiny bit higher in the heel and are nice and supportive for my left ankle post the surgery I had in January 2020. That all seems such a long time ago but thanks to a brilliant surgeon and the hours I spend each week on physiotherapy/exercise, my ankle is stronger now than it’s been since I was teaching fitness classes in the 1980s.

And while talking about my health, that was part of the reason that June was such a busy month for me. I had quite a few follow-up appointments on my medical issues from last year, starting with blood tests to check the function of my pituitary gland after the surgery last October. My endocrinologist was pleased to report that everything is functioning normally again now, so he doesn’t need to see me for a year.

The same is also true of my neurosurgeon who I saw after a brain scan last week. It showed no sign of any residual tumour, and all the post-surgery swelling has now gone which is a massive relief. Lastly, I paid a visit to the eye surgeon who performed my replacement lens surgeries last year following OCT scans and visual field tests on both eyes. Again, everything is looking really good. After all the worry of last year when I averaged more than one medical appointment per week this truly was GREAT news! Even my three yearly mammogram results came back clear. I can honestly say a weight has lifted from my shoulders, although I do still have to have my blood tested every two months to check on chronic myeloid leukaemia levels.

So, it was a very busy June with all these medical appointments alongside my full-time job at QVC and finishing the second draft of my next book, which is due out in October. I won’t now be able to share the cover and title on here when it goes on pre-order but of course it will be on my social media platforms, including my Facebook page @JuliaRobertsTV and you’ll be notified if you’re signed up to the newsletter on my author website.

Speaking of my latest book, the latest draft is now with my editor, and I have a few days off before the editing stage starts, which fortunately coincides with the two weeks’ holiday from QVC that starts tomorrow. We’ve rented a villa in Javea, Spain where we used to have a holiday home and where part of The Woman on the Beach, my most recently published book is set. Incidentally, that book has been selected for a reduced-price deal on the Kindle version for the whole of July if you’re after a summer read.

Back to the holiday, though. We’d planned to holiday in Javea together as a family two years ago. Everything was booked and then cancelled due to the pandemic and last year it wasn’t possible to go anywhere much, so we’re all really looking forward to introducing Katie, my son Dan’s fiancée, to Javea as it will always have a special place in our hearts… I’ll be posting some pictures on Instagram of me in some of my fave QVC outfits.

So, I’ll be off your screens for a couple of weeks which means that I’ll be missing some great offers including the Liz Earle Today’s Special Value, which launches on air tomorrow night but is already on presell. It’s the Superskin Smooth and Firm Collection, which along with old favourites like Cleanse & Polish and Instant Boost Skin Tonic (back to the original formula, thanks to customer demand), includes your choice of Superskin moisturiser and the new Superskin Microdermabrasion Polish for smoother, softer skin. Bought individually from us, it would be £107.50 plus all the individual P&Ps so at £46.96 it’s less than half price and a great way to stock up if you’re already a fan, or an affordable way to discover the brand with the confidence of the 60 day moneyback guarantee.

And if you’re a fan of beauty products, there is also an Estee Lauder Today’s Special Value on prelaunch on our website, which includes the Bronze Goddess fragrance.

Just before I sign off for the summer, I promised you a photo of my little vegetable patch, which is coming on nicely thanks to Richard Jackson and his fab range of gardening products.

We’ve had lots of lettuce already, one radish (quality over quantity on that one) and as you can see, the tomatoes and runner beans are coming on really well and should be about ready to start harvesting when we get back from Spain.

I’ll be protecting my skin out there with Ultrasun and as it’s going to be very hot here – I hope you’re well stocked up on it too.

Have a lovely summer and speak to you on here in the autumn!
Much love,
Julia xx

The post Sunny sunflowers appeared first on Stories.

I have had and trialed a number of Dyson vacuum cleaners and my favourite one is the V8. It has the best suction and features/price ratio in my opinion. No, it doesn’t have the longest battery life or LCD screen telling you all sorts of information but it seems to hit exactly the right balance when it comes to ‘bang for your Buck’!

I have had one for many years and the battery life is adequate for giving the main parts of the house a good clean. I use mine mostly on high power for the carpets (two dogs and two cats), and low power on the hard floors, and it gets round the whole place before I need to charge it again. TICK.

The dust container is not as big as some of the latest models but I only ever need to empty it when I’ve finished cleaning so it’s just right. TICK.

The cleaning attachments are pretty much the same as all the other models but I do find that the floor head gets better contact and a firmer suction than some of the other more expensive Animal models so – TICK.

The price – well it’s a good value option that doesn’t break the bank but does offer you all the basic functions that all the top-end Dyson vacs do but just without some of the whistles and bells. With our TSV price on Saturday 9th July and Easy Payments too, I’d say that’s another TICK.

Join us at the weekend and put one to the test.

Simon x
@simonbiagi

The post My favourite Dyson appeared first on Stories.

Hi everyone, thanks for taking the time to read my blog. Time is precious as we all know, and at the moment every minute seems to be filled. This year the juggle of both my daughters schools has reached peak chocka! I’ve never known it to be so filled with things. It’s for good reason though. Ivy moves on to the same school as Tilda this September so on top of the usual things we now have transition days, information evenings, leavers hoodies to order, school leavers disco’s and a million other things to sort on top of the usual summer term extras, like school fetes etc. We then have to make school choices this year for Tilda to move onto secondary school so we are also sandwiching in open evenings, grammar school exams and extra lessons for that and it’s all just, well a lot. All part and parcel of parenting, obviously, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a lot to juggle. It’s also exciting as the girls take their next steps in life, ‘time flies’ as they say. I think that may be an understatement. I can see the teenage years coming at us very quickly. I have been nostalgically looking through pictures and videos of when they were little and it’s hard to believe that those little squidgy faces and tiny hands are getting so big and grown up now.

While term time is still in full swing for us I am still trying to squeeze in my me time. I’ve spoken about this before, it’s important for us all to get that head space but it’s not always that easy to do so. I am lucky that I get some days off during the week which means that when the kids are at school I can go for a walk and have a little space. It’s time for me to get some exercise, get some fresh air and see the sea. It’s an hour that is invaluable to me physically and mentally. The beach is lovely and quiet first thing during the week so it’s extra lovely. In the midst of all the other things to get done it’s even more important too.

What’s Coming up – Today’s Special Value  – Homeworx Set of 3 Home Sanctuary 3 Wick Candles

This offer launches Wednesday 6th at 9pm and throughout Thursday 7th while stocks last. It includes Blue Highlands with notes of apple blossom, jasmine and vetiver. Pink Country Garden with notes of pink freesia, white peony and apricot. Lastly Peach Basiltini, my favourite with notes of peach, green basil, squeezed lemon and iced vodka! Perfect to stock up on your own candle collection or to split into lovely summer gifts.

Today’s Special Value – Liz Earle smooth and firm 4 Piece Superskin Collection

This launches on air Saturday 9th into Sunday but the pre launch will go live online from this Thursday. So you can get ahead of the game before the live shows or you can wait to hear more from Caroline when she talks us all through the kit. This includes  some firm favourites with cleanse and polish and superskin but it’s teh new launch which I really love. The new microdermabrasion polish. I am a fan of every day exfoliators like fruit acids but sometimes I like to feel and see that instant result from properly polishing the dead skin cells away with fine pumice crystals. This new treat has BOTH! What a win. It feels very satisfying and your skin is glowing after use. It’s a must try for Liz Earle fans.

• 1 x Cleanse & Polish (100ml) – this rich, indulgent cream deeply cleanses to instantly remove daily impurities and make-up to leave skin feeling smooth, balanced and exceptionally clean. Used with the pure cotton cloth, it gently exfoliates, lifting away dead skin cells to reveal a glowing complexion. Formulated with rosemary, eucalyptus, hops and chamomile extracts, plus cocoa butter and beeswax. Suitable for all skin types

• 1 x Instant Boost Skin Tonic (200ml) – a floral-scented, non-drying toner that works to instantly refresh, soothe and brighten the appearance of your skin, while adding a layer of lightweight moisture. Contains naturally derived ingredients such as aloe vera, calendula, chamomile, cucumber and vitamin E, and a fragrant blend of pure essential oils, including rose-scented geranium, lavender and sweet orange

• 1 x Superskin Microdermabrasion Polish (75ml) – an exciting new addition to the Liz Earle range, combining brightening fruit AHAs with gently refining particles of natural pumice to give you smoother, softer-looking skin. Suitable for all skin types.

• 1 x Superskin Moisturiser (50ml) – this rich, indulgent cream helps to smooth the appearance of your skin for a healthy and revitalised-looking complexion. Ideal for promoting the look of luminosity and softness in more mature skin types, it can be used either on its own or as a fantastic base for make-up. Contains pomegranate flower extract, cranberry, rosehip and borage seed oils, plus vitamin E and shea butter
• 1 x vanity bag
• 2 x pure cotton cloths – these kind-to-skin cloths provide a gentle and luxurious way to exfoliate skin and enhance daily cleansing, working to lift away dead skin cells and impurities to help leave your complexion feeling smooth, cleansed and refreshed. Made from double-woven pure cotton designed to get softer and softer with every wash.

Last Week’s ‘Morning Style with Katy’ was a fun show. I loved the line up and we had some really great pieces. It was extra special as I got to wear the Onjenu dress that I had a say in picking. Our buyers sent me three different patterns and a choice of all the favourite dress shapes and jumpsuits designed by Mena and the team at Onjenu. I had summer weddings in mind and also the explosion of colour that we have seen post lock down on the cat walks. So I chose the Gabriella Dress in this rather fabulous floral and animal print in a rainbow of colour. I know it’s quite a strong look but I say go big or go home! Lots of you seemed to agree wit ha number of sizes selling out but there are still a few left in 8, 10 and 12. Click here to see the whole of last weeks line up including the dress. 

That’s it from me for another week, but I leave you with a happy smiley picture of some of my fabulous presenting colleagues. I will always count myself very lucky to get to work with such a fanatastic bunch of women.

Lots of Love Katy xx

The post End of term madness appeared first on Stories.

The silhouette of a Buddha is a universal symbol for enlightenment. I love to harmonise my home with my own space that creates some me time. We all need that peaceful corner to evoke a sense of calm, even if it’s just for five minutes, I believe it makes a huge impact on how you feel. After all, our home is our sanctuary. There have been many changes over the last few years, and one we are seeing is people moving home or making big changes in their lives. What a great gift for someone you know who has possibly made one of these changes.

Here are a few ideas on where you may like to place your Buddha.

• Position facing your entrance, on a taller cabinet to welcome your guests
• Place outwards in a quiet reading corner of the room
• In your garden, to create a tranquil space near a flowering plant or near a water feature in your garden
• Style minimally with possibly a few Kelly Hoppen candies or your own
• Avoid a bathroom or above a toilet, as you don’t want to be flushing away your calmness

It’s a beautiful piece showing every feature of a beautiful poised Buddha. Join myself and Kelly for the launch at 9pm on 07th July.

Love, calm and peace.

Jill xxx

The post Creating peace and Zen in your home appeared first on Stories.