FINDING BEAUTY EVERY DAY...

On a daily basis, I like to feel inspired!

Inspired in particular by something beautiful….whether through my design work, creating beautiful schemes that match my clients' needs and taste….through to something as simple as appreciating beauty in the nature that surrounds me when I walk my dogs each day.  It could be a beautiful basket of vegetables freshly picked from the garden, through  to a simple but beautiful table setting for an everyday but deliciously cooked midweek supper.  Taking ten minutes out of a busy working day to have that relaxing morning cup of coffee. Flowers from the garden, or picked up in my weekly farmer's market.  I love finding beauty and inspiration from travel, but equally, there is so much beauty all around us in our own environment, whether we live in a country or urban setting.  Not always the obvious things either, as it is often the small and least unexpected things and aspects of our lives that can be the most beautiful and rewarding. We just have to be open to seeing it,  and we will find it. 

Beautiful books are my great weakness….a package from Amazon once in a while is always a treat.  Design books in particular.  For me there is nothing nicer and more indulgent than to curl up on the sofa with a glass of wine and a fabulous new coffee table book, and I would love to share with you today, a couple of new additions to my ever growing collection!

'Beauty at Home' by Aerin Lauder... 

Aerin is the granddaughter of legendary beauty empire entrepreneur Estée Lauder, and now at the helm of this iconic brand.  This beautiful book gives an insight in to Aerin's home life, both in her New York apartment, and at Estée's former home in the Hamptons which she and her family have inherited.  With stunning photography throughout, it depicts beautifully how these uber glamorous and luxurious homes still combine the comforts and simple pleasures for family life.   A stunning visual feast of beauty, which I have so enjoyed...

… 'Living Life Beautifully' by Christina Strutt of 'Cabbages and Roses'…

Using the core values originally created by Christine for her 'Cabbages and Roses' lifestyle brand of 'beauty, simplicity, longevity, integrity and sustainability', this lovely book shows how Christina has put all of these values into practice in her own home and work spaces, and those of a number of artists who share a love of Cabbages & Roses, to create beautiful places where life and work mingle.  From a country house to an urban apartment, Christina shows how easy it is to 'live life beautifully'.  With her wonderfully eclectic and pretty, pale vintage interiors, this is a charming and gorgeous book which I am sure you will love too.

Both conveying a completely different style to each other, but both women with a design and home life ethos after my own heart…our homes should be our sanctuaries, and with a little thought, imagination and planning, we can all have 'Beauty' in our day to day lives.

Have you come across any particularly inspiring design reads recently?  I would love to hear your recommendations!

Happy Thursday…

Sophia xx

www.sophiawadsworthinteriors.co.uk

AGING WITH STYLE AND ATTITUDE….

PHOTO: SOPHIA HOME

Ageing……mmm….well it's inevitable isn't it?

It is not a subject that I have given a great deal of thought to over the years, but now in my late 40's, and with my children having now left home, I am very aware that I am now in a new era…..the 'third stage' as I am hearing it referred to….and although I have gone through the usual sadness of my chicks having flown the nest, I am appreciating their love, fun and friendship as fellow adults, and also now embracing the extra freedom that this stage has to offer.  The time to spend more time on the work and hobbies that I have always enjoyed, to travel more, and to pursue new goals and aspirations.  

Gone are the days of our grandmothers' generation, when this stage marked the official start of 'middle age' and a time to start slowing down, and taking things easy.  I appreciate that this doesn't include all women of their generation…indeed, I had some pretty strong and adventurous women in my family who have gone before me, as I am sure many of you have too?  However, on the whole many more women today are enjoying and achieving remarkable things, loving fashion and beauty, enjoying their fitness regimes and embracing all the adventures that the world has to offer…..well in to their 80's and 90's….how fantastic is that!  

My own lovely mother (who I am sure won't mind me mentioning, is 70) rang me last night to tell me about her morning at the gym and new exercise class, so she certainly isn't slowing down!  Indeed, my mother in law at 91 goes to a weekly exercise class too, which is beyond inspirational!

Suffice to say, it is still a little disconcerting for many of us girls to suddenly look in the mirror and find those first few lines and wrinkles that can suddenly appear overnight.  I like to tell myself that I am fortunate that those little lines around the eyes are from a happy and laughter filled life so far….although I have also found myself addressing my own skin care regime with a few new pots and potions promising great things!  I have also stepped up the 'Spinning' and 'Body Combat' classes…...but more of that another time!

At the end of the day though, I like to think that it is a woman's style and attitude that people notice as they age, and their love of life.

No one knows this better than French women, who have a wonderful attitude to ageing.  This ethos has been captured beautifully in a lovely little book that I have been enjoying this week…..'French Women Don't Get Facelifts', written by Mireille Guiliano, author of international bestseller 'French Women Don't Get Fat'.  A former chief executive at Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, Mireille is a true ambassador of the art of French living, and living well.  I love her attitude to finding joy in life's simple everyday pleasures and especially her attitude to the idea of never depriving oneself and eating well but in moderation and balance.  

PHOTO: SOPHIA HOME

Whether your attitude to ageing is a positive one, or perhaps you are finding the process a little daunting, I would urge you to read this delightful, lighthearted read….and discover the French woman's secret to doing so with great style and 

'joie de vivre'!

PHOTO: SOPHIA HOME

Whatever your age and stage in life, what are your thoughts and attitude to ageing?  I would so love to hear form you!

***

Wishing you a very happy weekend…..

Sophia xx

 A PORTUGUESE ROAD TRIP......Part II

Following on from my previous post......the next stage of our road trip took us on to Lisbon.  My husband was born in Lisbon and brought up for the first few years in Estoril further along the coast, and had not been back since....for me it was a first visit to a City that I had heard so much about and had so looked forward to visiting.

We were staying in the 'Alfama' which is the oldest district of Lisbon, spread out on steep cobbled hills between the Castle, down to the Tejo River.  Rich with history, fantastic restaurants and Fado bars.....it is the most authentic part of Lisbon.

Fantastic views in every direction from the top....down towards 'Down Town' where there was fabulous shopping.....and towards the water......stunning architecture everywhere one looked.  One of the oldest cities in the world, pre dating Roman times, it is a fascinating and visually rewarding place to visit.  They say it is a 'photographer's' dream to visit and they are not wrong.....I took several hundred photos, too many to share!

 For our two nights in Lisbon, we decided to rent an apartment in the historical Alfama.  With very few hotels in this fabulous historic area, it was the perfect choice.  More than just the apartment we were expecting, it turned out to be the most stylish small 18th Century 'coach house' on two levels,  set down a quiet cobbled back street.  

Casa das Merceeiras is one of two beautifully and lovingly restored properties owned by the charming Teresa.....meticulous attention to every detail was evident throughout.  Kept strictly true to its original features, with a stunning vaulted brick ceiling in both the bedroom and downstairs.....Teresa had styled it throughout in a very cool, contemporary 'Moorish' style and it worked so beautifully.  My photos don't quite do this gorgeous building justice....but it really was a very comfortable base for the two days.  An open plan sitting area, kitchen and dining room downstairs, and a cosy bedroom and bathroom upstairs.  Each day, a delicious breakfast was brought to us and we were touched by the little unexpected details such finding a lovely bottle of wine and olives waiting for us when we got back from a long day of site seeing!  Teresa was one of the most interesting and lovely people we met on our trip.....so passionate about her City (where she is also a tour guide) and someone who truly cared about the comfort and quality of our stay.  We shall definitely return and stay in one of her coach house apartments next time we are in Lisbon....it was a real 'home away from home' and as much as a hotel is always a treat, there are times when living like a 'local' gives a more authentic travel experience!

Narrow passageways....leading to a new view or surprise
round every corner.

One of Lisbon's famous trams.

Looking down from St. George's Castle.....

Stunning views in every direction.......

One of the most important aspects of travel....at least for us.....is the food.  Lisbon did not disappoint! Fabulous restaurants everywhere, especially good for fresh seafood and delicious tapas.....it was just as well we did a lot of walking each day to burn all those extra calories!

We were sad to leave Lisbon, but excited for the next stage of our trip which took us west along the coast to Estoril where Andrew had lived as a child....and then to the seaside town of Cascais, where we sat in the first warm sunshine of our trip down in the marina and ate a delicious traditional prawn curry dish, watching the 

yachts come in.

After lunch, we headed north to the stunning town of Sintra for the afternoon, with its beautiful palace and breathtaking views.

Our destination that evening was at the Pousada in the historic hilltop town of Obidos.  Situated in a Castle within the old fortified walls

of this pretty white washed ancient town.

A perfect view......the table where we sat for our delicious dinner that night.

Now on the final stage of our tour.....we travelled the next day up the spectacular Atlantic coast, taking in miles of unspoilt beaches and countryside.  

Our last stay was just south of Porto, on a very beautiful estuary at Torrera.  Right on the water in the cool, contemporary Pousada they have there.....the water literally lapping our balcony.

Traditional fishing boats coming in, at Torreira......

After yet another delicious dinner, and a good night's rest having fallen asleep listening to the sound of the water gently lapping beneath us.....we woke to enjoy our last day before flying 

home that evening.

At the hotel's suggestion, we made the hour's walk that took us through the tranquil pine forest of the nature reserve....that led us to one of the most spectacular, empty, unspoilt beaches I have ever seen.  Not another person in sight.......immaculately clean golden sand......the thunderous Atlantic waves crashing in........this really was the perfect end to the most perfect 'Portuguese road trip'.........

Happy Friday and wishing you all a 

wonderful weekend!

Sophia xx

A BLUEBELL WALK....

Good morning, and hope you all had a lovely weekend, and that your Monday is going well?

A busy day today and tomorrow, getting ready for our trip to Portugal on Wednesday.....clearing my desk, laundry and packing, leaving the house prepared for our house sitter.....I really shouldn't find it stressful to get ready to go away.....but it is always a relief to get on that plane and be on our way!  My husband and I have planned a seven day 'road trip', staying in a series of 'Pousadas' and small hotels......two inland up in the mountains, one in Lisbon and then a couple of stops travelling up the Atlantic coast back up to Porto.....should be a wonderful few days of culture, beautiful scenery, warmer weather, and of course...

great food and wine!

Photos: Sophia Home

Out walking the dogs yesterday in the woods by our house,  we were met with the stunning site of Bluebells in full bloom.

A sea of amethyst blue......and the distinct sweet smell of their Spring extravaganza.

Rocco our Labrador ran off as usual, tempted with the smell of foxes and rabbits.....whilst Kiki our Cocker Spaniel was happy to take her time, and admire the stunning woodland show 

as much as we did.....

Photos: Sophia Home

Vibrant new green mosses covering bark.....

Fresh new foliage on the trees.....

Back home now.....

Is there a more beautiful time of year?

Sophia xx

SUMMER SKIN....

It's that time of year again when, at the first glimpse of sunshine and warmth, our thoughts turn to days outside.....summer wardrobes.....lighter footwear.....and oh my goodness....
bared pale flesh!

Photos: Sophia Home

I am on countdown to a much anticipated week away in Portugal in less than three weeks time.  A week of sight seeing, good food and wine and relaxation with my husband, before a busy summer of work for the two of

us.  The thought of discarding cosy winter layers and boots, for summer dresses, flipflops and dare I say it...a bikini.....requires a deep breath and a seasonal leap of confidence!

So, what is a girl to do to embrace the body beautiful and dare to bare a winter hybernated bod?

Well, for starters I think a good body 'exfoliate' followed by an upmarket self tanner is a must, and does wonders for our new summer look and confidence!

Shunning an overpriced, chemical loaded exfoliator.... I thought I would try my hand at creating what looks like a deliciously scented, effective and good enough to eat 'Sugar body scrub' from the lovely book 'Gifts from the Garden', written by Debora Robertson....which I have blogged about previously.

Described as enormously luxurious to use, like something you might find in a smart spa rather than your kitchen cabinets....it has to be worth a try!

Sugar body scrub...

150g caster sugar
50g demerara sugar
15g dried rose petals
15g dried lavender flowers
8-10 drops rose essential oil
8-10 drops lavender essential oil
120ml sweet almond or jojoba oil
1 tablespoon glycerine

1 x 250g jar

In a bowl, whisk together the sugars, rose petals and dried lavender.  Sprinkle on the essential oils and mix.  Trickle over the almond or jojoba oil and glycerine and stir until well mixed.  You may want to add slightly more almond oil until you get the texture you want.  Scrape into a cold, sterilised jar with a spatula and seal.

The scrub can be used all over the body, but is particularly effective on hand, feet and dry patches such as elbows and knees.  Massage in for a minute or two, then rinse off.

The scrub will keep, sealed, for up to a year....

*****

Here's to summer skin and also.... 

wishing you all a very happy weekend!

Sophia xx