Catch up with all our latest news & views
We’re Wishing…
A happy birthday to our very favourite Spanish actress, Penélope Cruz, who turns 50 on April 28. Her career began when she was just 16 with the Spanish film Jamón Jamón, which also starred Javier Bardem, who became her husband almost 20 years later. Penelope now performs mainly in English-language films, and won an Oscar for her role in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, also alongside Javier. Bravo, Penélope!
We’re Buzzing…
About this delightful bee house from Oxfam. It’s designed to provide nest cells for solitary bees, of which there are 240 species in the UK, as they like to nest in tubes or tunnels. You can encourage these busy pollinators by providing artificial nest sites such as this house – like a B&B for bees. A Bee ‘n’ Bee, if you will! £14.99 from Oxfam.
We’re Binning Plastic…
There’s no time like the present to step away from single-use and other plastics. The easiest place to start is in the home, and cookware specialist Stellar has come up with some great items. Its Form range is crafted from recycled and compacted paper fibres to give a naturally stylish wood effect that not only looks great, but is built to last. The nine-piece range of eco-friendly cookware tools won’t scratch non-stick pans and are dishwasher-safe. Even better, they’re covered by Stellar’s lifetime guarantee. Prices from £12 at stellar.co.uk
We’re Smoothing…
Out creases in our clothes, but without the faff of dragging the big ironing board out!
Sometimes you just need something to wear to work. Hey “press”to!
This nifty portable ironing board from laundry specialists Beldray is only 73 x 31cm (29 x 12in) and is easy-peasy to whip out and use on a table-top.
It has a cute dog pattern and a handy hook for hanging up. Anything that makes ironing easier gets our vote! Just £17.99 from Beldray.
We Lists…
April 23 marks the birth and death of Shakespeare. Did you know these well known phrases came from his plays?
A wild goose chase (Romeo and Juliet)
Cruel only to be kind (Hamlet)
Neither here nor there (Othello)
Mum’s the word (Henry VI, Part II)
Eaten out of house and home
(Henry IV, Part II)
Too much of a good thing (As You Like It)
Break the ice (Taming Of The Shrew)
Neither rhyme nor reason (The Comedy Of Errors)
We’re Dancing…
