Elvis Costello sang ‘I don’t want to go to Chelsea’ but he doesn’t know what he was missing.  Not only did Chelsea Football Club pave the way for celebration by winning Sunday night’s Champion’s League, but the sun – at last – is shining.  Blue definitely is the colour, and it’s all over the catwalk too.

And no doubt there will be plenty of blue at Chelsea Flower Show which blossoms from today.  Open to RHS members from tomorrow, Tuesday, and the general public from Thursday,  this week marks the real start to our spring – or is it summer?  Nurserymen and designers from all over the world have shivered their way through the last few weeks creating stunning horticultural works of art,  encouraging tender young plants to brave the cold winds and bloom, and  planting drifts of colour to brighten up even the most hardened heart.  With such depressing global news , Chelsea gives us all permission to smile and drink in the wonders of nature.  I am always in awe of the hard landscaping and mature tree planting – all taking place in such a short space of time in the  Chelsea pensioner’s back garden.   Why don’t things happen that quickly and efficiently in the real world?

If you are looking for entertainment, look no further than SW3,  and if you aren’t in the position to experience such wonders for yourself, the BBC has wide coverage every day this week, 12.30 on BBC1  and again in the evening at 8.00pm on BBC2.  Set the record button now.

Greece may not be the word at the moment, but Chelsea certainly is.  Enjoy!

marigold xx

This is Heinz tomato soup weather.  The sort of weather when you look for the comfort in everything and forget fashion in favour of feeling warm and shunning chilblains.  I’ve put the bikini diet (though I hasten to add its been many, many years since I owned or even dared to own a bikini) on hold until the thermometer thaws out and last year’s sandals are still gathering dust in the back of the cupboard.  I’m still in mid March wardrobe  – boots (yes, always boots), as many pairs of socks as I can find and cashmere.  Well, it should be cashmere but the moths got there first, so today it’s something with a hint of cashmere and a rather higher percentage of something else.

Is it the fashion industry that tells us it’s going to be a BBQ summer to encourage us into gorgeous filmy fabrics and sparkly sandals?  Probably the same PR department who tell us we’re in for a very cold winter when it’s the season to buy a winter coat.  In this country one has no choice other than to throw seasons and forecasts to the wind (er, excuse the pun) dress in several layers and take a big enough bag to include clothes for every climate from Alaska to the Amazon.  And that’s just for 24 hours.

marigold x

OK, we get the message.  We need rain but this is ridiculous.

What’s a girl to wear?  I’ve been dying to slip my toes into some bejewelled flats but can’t bear to shed several pairs of socks and thick soled boots – can’t wait to feel the breeze in cool white linen but am still swathed in every sweater I own,  and am loathed to give up my default winter black whilst the grey skies are a permanent feature.  Each day my wardrobe tempts with glimpses of coral, pink and pistachio, but I’d be in danger of looking like the solitary deck chair on the beach – desperate and out of place.  A couple of months ago I bought some fab indigo jeans (loving all the coloured denim about), but they are still on the shelf complete with tags for fear of frightening the wildlife, and I could no more don a pair of loose linen trousers than turn down the central heating or drag the rusty BBQ out from the back of the garage.

I was heartened to read Lisa Armstrong this week extolling the virtues of white denim.  I’ve always been a fan and after a few mistakes learnt that the secret to wearing white is to buy a size larger and avoid the trying too hard look.  Apparently now designers are bringing out styles of white denim deliberately cut loose -  and in a more creamy colour than too stark a tone – perfect for this time of year with camel, chocolate and navy.  Bring ‘em on.

In the meantime you can’t beat wellies on the outside and a good book within.  And tonight is the last episode of this series of Homeland – let’s hope summer has arrived before the next!

marigold x

Is anyone else as obsessed as me with Homeland?  Sunday nights have changed gear from a gentle TV drama in third gear to full throttle spy/sex/whodunnit/thriller series with absolutely no chance of leaving you with a warm Sunday feeling, but thrusting you head first into the fast lane of Monday morning.   Homeland is fast and furious, racy and raunchy yet  with surprisingly gentle and tender moments which only serve to enhance the seriousness and frightening probability of the plot.

Confused?  Ok, we’re talking Washington DC, and an American hostage returned to his native shores after 8 years captivity.  Is he ‘turned’, ie now a terrorist?  Or is he just a mixed up man returning to his wife who for years thought him dead?  Damian Lewis is the closed and composed marine giving nothing away, and Clare Danes (remember Romeo and Juliet with Leo Cappucino?) the blonde and very game American agent who suspects his duplicity.  Naturally they have a relationship,  naturally it all gets very messy and naturally there are twists and turns.   Strong and convincing acting all round, from the family who thought their Dad was dead,  to Clare Dane’s fellow agents, this is definitely one to watch.   There are 5 more episodes to go and if you’ve missed them so far, try to catch up if you can.  If not, I have no hesitation in recommending the boxed set (bound to be released) be top of your Christmas list.

Don’t forget – Sunday, Channel 4 at 9.00pm.  It will definitely take your mind of that Easter egg beckoning to you from the kitchen

marigold x

It’s Sunday, the sun is shining  and spring is nearly here.

All I need is a comfy chair, a good book, a cup of tea and a hot cross bun.

Bliss.

marigold x

The hardest thing to get right with make up is foundation.  Too little and your skin looks smudgy and you look ill – too much and you can look tired,  old and desperate.  The dilemma of what to buy is never helped by the stark lighting in shops and extremely random colours on websites.  Toones change with texture – a matt foundation gives a duller look yet a fresh, satin finish can look greasy.  There is no easy answer and probably the only way to really get it right is to trust your instincts, ignore too much advertising and go with what feels right.  I’ve wasted more money on foundation over the years than any other type of beauty product, and after a recent ill advised experience – yes, I listened to the advertising and assistant on the counter – vowed I’d no longer wade my way through the  matt/satin/dewy/fresh/stick/compact/cream/mineral minefield.

When in doubt Bobbi Brown has always been my default make up setting.  Fabulous long wear cream eye shadow, great tone lipsticks and yes, good foundation.  The tones have a yellow base, more forgiving for pinkish skins than many brands and my all time favourite foundation stick has just been updated.  I stopped using it as it made my skin feel dry, but finding myself walking past the Bobbi Brown counter (funny, that)   I just had to have one.  They’ve updated the formula to make it more creamy and three days in I’m all aglow.  I couldn’t recommend it more and this time won’t look back.

marigold x

Last night I went to see The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.  I could hardly miss a film about a hotel named after me, could I?

With a stellar cast and wonderful shots of Jaipur and Udaipur, it could hardly disappoint.  The film was a tuk tuk ride of gentleness, humour and emotion – a group of elderly people looking for something in later life that opportunities and  finances would not allow in this country.  Fabulous performances by everyone, and I’m sure you’ve heard the cast list – Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Celia Imrie, Penelope Wilton, Tom Whittaker, Dev Patel, Ronald Pickup and I’m bound to have left out more……  but for me Dame Judi stole the show, along with Bill Nighy and Tom Whittaker.   There were some fabulous one liners and I’d pay anything for even half of Celia Imrie’s great delivery of flirtiness – I would certainly recommend it for the ultimate in feel good cinema.

It tailed off and seemed slow in parts about half way through, and I certainly wouldn’t call it a classic, but its the perfect antidote for today’s harsh economic times and general uncertainty.  We all want to feel warm inside and I’ll be first on the sofa in a couple of Christmasses time when it hits our TV screens.

Book now, it’s sure to be a great success.

marigold x

It was shocking to hear the tragic news yesterday of Marie Colvin, the Sunday Times journalist who was killed whilst reporting in Syria.

Marie was the most professional of women, brave and bold, always balanced and fair, utterly readable and one who always looked for the human side of a story to convey her message.   Whilst this is a tragic time for her family and friends, Marie’s death is a real loss to journalism which has of late received its share of very negative press.  We are so used to criticising the press for intrusion and blanket celebrity coverage we forget at times the vital role these very professional journalists play in bringing the most vital of stories to our door.  The press can be a vehicle bringing hope and comfort to many, informing and educating and starting campaigns which really can make a difference. If we are fed up with certain types of journalism, then lets not buy the papers – in so doing we are just fueling the situation.

Our thoughts are with Marie’s friends and family, and with all those other brave professionals who pay the ultimate price for a cause in which they passionately believe.

marigold x

Today is pancake day.  It’s lent tomorrow so all the more reason to bring on the maple syrup and let your soul sing.

Like sandwiches, pancakes are an excuse to let your imagination run riot and as Shrove Tuesday is but once a year, lets waive the diet and waistline and go for it. Anything goes, and go they usually do, however many you make.  And don’t forget the first two or three are always messed up in the pan (cooks perks, shame to throw them away…….)

Traditional I know, but I still rate lemon and sugar as my number one favourite.  This would have to be closely followed by apricot jam (my nod to France) and on a savoury note, cream cheese and smoked salmon.  Pancakes are the most forgiving of creatures – as long as they aren’t too thick and greasy, their silkiness is the perfect carrier of all toppings and mould well around any shape of filling.  Stack them with maple syrup and bacon, stuff them with mince or spinach and ricotta and lather them with chocolate spread.  Flip them, toss them or eat them straight from the pan.   Indulge to your heart’s content in the knowledge that not a moment’s guilt need cross your mind as you have a whole year to work them off!

Bon appetit!

marigold xx

Well said Cupcake on your thoughts re scurvy versus curvy on the catwalk.  We all know size mini minus isn’t a good look yet season after season it’s a look wheeled out like the wonky supermarket trolley.  We know it’s not right but we still have to go along with it.  Like you I just love that warm and wonderful Ralph Lauren look.  How can someone always get it so right?  However many designs I secretly covet, there is always a season where the designer seems to go off piste but with Ralph you always know where you are.  He always grabs the mood of the moment with manicured aplomb.  Now who wouldn’t want to win a supermarket sweep in his Bond Street store?

It was interesting to hear Vivienne Westwood’s comments this morning about women following fashion too much rather than create their own style.  She is right in that we shouldn’t become slaves to the glossies and the high street and have confidence in our own judgement, but where would the fashion industry be financially if we didn’t all want the latest new look?

Marigold xx

I love Valentine’s Day.  I can say that because I’m lucky enough to have the love of a good man, but I’m well aware of the pain that can befall those who are recently bereaved, separated, those who have just never found their soul mate or live alone due to circumsance rather than choice.  And the agony of loveless teenage years where Valentines Day’s come and go with no acknowledgement is immeasurable.   I lived through some of those years and vowed then to be kind to myself, rather than be miserable, and started my own Valentine’s ritual.  This is not a  desperate measure like sending yourself  blank cards, but treats to yourself  of  ‘me’  time or little luxuries.  We all need to be good to ourselves, as there’s no hope of ever being happy with anyone  if you are miserable inside.   In the past I’ve splurged on a fab new top, new boots, flowers, make up and in very lean times, been happy with a latte and a magazine.   Today I have sneaked an hour off for this year’s Valentine’s treat, a hot stone massage.  This will be my first time, but from what I’ve read am sure will soon become hooked. Can’t wait!

I’ll let you know…

marigold xx

Hearing about Amanda Holden’s traumatic experiences this week following her baby daughter’s birth is a stark reminder of the potential risks in childbirth.  There is a great assumption in today’s society that firstly we can all have children, and secondly, when it comes to the birth, we can choose to swim with dolphins whilst swinging from a crystal chandelier eating chocolate truffles, if that is what is going to make us happy and gives us a more meaningful experience.  The most important element is the health and safety of the mother and child.

Childbirth is a miraculous thing, but full of potential dangers that can not be ignored.  It’s good to know Amanda is on the mend, and that modern medicine can play such a vital role when in former times there might have been a very different outcome.

Get well soon Amanda, we send  you and baby Holly every good wish.

marigoldx

I’ve always been a fan of mirrors – not for reasons of vanity but for sheer beauty and versatility.  Whatever the style, age or size, they furnish a room like nothing else, creating the feeling of light and space yet warmth and richness.

Whereas once you would have to search high and low in designer furniture shops or sale rooms for something a little different, today it’s easy to find stylish mirrors to satisfy every taste and style at affordable prices.  My favourite one stop shop for ideas is Graham and Green – fabulous mirrors and quirky designes to suit every style and fantasy.  Look at the 36 Facet wall mirror – an investment at £600 but a real talking piece and you’d hardly need anything else in the room. As a complete contrast, the Black and Mother of Pearl inlay mirror is reminiscent of a Morrocan riad.  I’d love to find a home for either, or a corner for the Grey Acanthus leaf  or inset design which bring my dreams of Provence alive.  Probably most  useful  is the Bevelled edge mirror, sharp and clean and easy to fit into any interior.  It’s in my ‘basket’ at the moment but just how long it will stay there until I proceed to checkout I’m not sure.

Log on to www.grahamandgreen.co.uk now to see what I mean – and try not to get too distracted by the other treats in store!

marigold x

Great minds think alike Cupcake – I too have the exact same pair of black Ash trainers!

They are my second pair, the first being a super cool bronze pair which were my default setting last summer.  Warm and cosy with socks on a dull day yet cool with wide legged linen trousers when the temperature rose. And these trainers have edge, sorely lacking in your average high street pair.

Definitely a wardrobe staple and real investment – I too am an Ash fan!

marigold x

It may be winter outside, but in my heart it’s spring…  isn’t that a line in a song?  I’m telling my vintage now!  But honestly, its freezing, freezing, freezing outside and I’ve just taken this image – one perfectly bright and sunny camelia flower with its face turned towards the sun and not showing a single sign of frost, cold or mildew.  I’d love to say its my green fingers but I can’t take any credit at all – this beautiful flower blooming far earlier than expected is due to our extraordinarily mild winter to date.

I’ve just seen irises in full bloom in a neighbour’s garden and my daffodil bulbs look ready to burst into song.

I know we need the cold weather for all our plants, but we all need hope and optimism and nothing spells that more than our gardens opening up to the promise of spring.

marigold x