A Weekend With…. Natasha Phoenix

That has to be one of the coolest names ever! And even more appropriate if you consider that Natasha is a sculptor and ceramicist, so her work literally does go into the fire to be transformed into something beautiful! In the Hygge Nook, we have a shed load of creative people. Some create for joy, others do it as their jobs. One thing’s for sure, … Continue reading A Weekend With…. Natasha Phoenix

The Next Big Thing: Which country will we look at next? Why not a City?

It seems to me that words and ideas go in cycles and groups. We went through hygge, lagom and kalsarikannit within the last two years. I’ve got the hang of the first two, and I’m working on the last one as we speak…. Britain (whatever the results of the Brexit vote in 2016 have been presented as) has always been an outward-facing country. We’re an … Continue reading The Next Big Thing: Which country will we look at next? Why not a City?

Hygge Book: A Sense of Home Eat/Make/Sleep/Live by Helen James

It’s full-blown spring outside now. The daffodils in the pots by my front door are dancing, the sun wakes me in the morning (the joys of a window that faces North East!) and 6pm has hit me unaware several times this week, forcing me down from my stepladder of doom to make a hasty tea before grabbing the gloss brush and getting on with it. … Continue reading Hygge Book: A Sense of Home Eat/Make/Sleep/Live by Helen James

Happiness, Wisdom and Sadness. Farewell to two heroes.

It’s Wednesday 14th March and so far this week we have lost two great, clever, funny and totally human people. They seem so different from each other, and yet there is a common theme of humanity, love and happiness that runs through their work. Ken Dodd was born, lived and died no more than 3 miles from either my office or my home address. He … Continue reading Happiness, Wisdom and Sadness. Farewell to two heroes.

A Book That Takes Its Time by Flow Magazine

Hygge Book: A Book That Takes Its Time by Irene Smith and Astrid van der Hulst

Have you ever read Flow magazine? It’s a pricey little thing, at £46 for three editions via subscription, but they are beautiful magazines, with articles designed to inspire crafting, mindfulness and hyggely feelings. I have had a subscription (as a gift) but now I make do with buying an edition now and again when I can afford it, or something tickles my fancy. What started … Continue reading Hygge Book: A Book That Takes Its Time by Irene Smith and Astrid van der Hulst

Hibernation Week 5: Emma Mitchell on Countryfile? Don’t mind if I do.

Emma Mitchell (Silver Pebble) appeared on BBC’s Countryfile last night (4.2.18) talking about dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder through getting outside and creating, especially by creating an Instagram community of creators all together. If it’s available in your area, you can see her interview on the programme at about 45 minutes in. I am still inspired by her Making Winter book, and desperate to play … Continue reading Hibernation Week 5: Emma Mitchell on Countryfile? Don’t mind if I do.