added 24th May 2012

By Fiona,

Many people dream of being a writer but here is one person I have recently discovered who turned that dream into reality.  I’ve just been introduced to Bristol based author Emylia Hall and her debut novel ‘The book of Summers’. Up until a year ago Emylia was a work colleague of my husband’s before making the leap from ad agency to fully fledged writer and it has been fascinating to follow the story of her writing career and first novel almost as an insider. With interviews in Elle magazine and highlights in Grazia the national interest in ‘The Book of Summers’ has been gathering momentum. So once the hardback was out in Waterstones I bought it, devoured it and started working on some Q&A’s for Emylia which she has very kindly answered for us.
 
Unable to put it down, I found ‘The Book of Summers’ a totally enchanting novel and a perfect summer read.  It is a story of discovery that takes you not only on an emotional journey but also an idyllic one.  With feastworthy food,  captivating colours and the sweetest childhood dreams all wrapped up in glorious memories of rural Hungary.

A Q&A with Emylia Hall

One of the first things that drew me into The Book of Summers was the beautiful descriptions you use. Throughout the book this lyrical combination of words creates an immense diversity of atmospheres and emotions. How do you create these magical descriptions and where do you draw your inspirations?
 
"I've always enjoyed writing descriptively, but it's hard to pinpoint quite where this inclination comes from. I grew up in a very creative household and we were always encouraged to be imaginative, to notice the world around us and to find wonder in it. I guess even from an early age my eye was drawn to detail, and finding ways to bring that detail to the attention of others is one of the joys of writing, for me. I guess I like to see poetry in everything."
 
The intricate detail that is woven around the characters and the narrative has a real depth of emotion that really brings them to life. How much do you immerse yourself in each individual and is it easy to detach yourself at the end of the day?
 
"I spent a long time figuring out the emotional journeys of each of the characters, trying to see events from their point of view, and understand why they might each react as they do. I did a lot of scribbling in notebooks (very little of which appeared in the book) as I figured out their back stories. Understanding the depths of my characters and trying to portray them with tenderness was a real focus for me. As to detaching, throughout the writing of the novel their voices were always up inside my head - but I wouldn't have had it any other way."
 
When you are creating the narrative do you have a structure in mind or does it unfold naturally and develop with the characters?

"The structure of The Book of Summers unfolded quite organically, in that I was working on the novel for a long time - about three and a half years - and throughout that period it changed a lot. I guess it's the same with a lot of first novels - you learn as you go, you make mistakes, you back-track, and - finally - you figure out the heart of the story and how best to tell it. I'm working on my second novel and have approached it rather more systematically. Only time will tell what works best for me..."

Do you have a particular writing routine, cup of coffee, music that sort of thing?
 
"I start the day with coffee - that's probably my only real constant. Coffee that's always strong, fresh, and lots of it. Generally I write in the mornings and then edit and do adminy bits in the afternoons, but that can change. I'm not sure I've entirely worked out when I'm at my most productive... for me, more important than the time of day is the presence/ absence of distractions... when I'm not expecting any emails, or - even better - when I'm away from the internet altogether, I can really get my head down and lose myself in my work. I've taken myself off on mini retreats in the past, - to the Devon coast and the Scottish Highlands - seeking the kind of solitude that really works for me and my writing. As to music, I pretty much always like to have something playing - but I'm always fiddling with the volume so that it's inspiring without being intruding."
 
There is a lot of creativity in the book and colour comes across very strongly as does Art. Is this something you are interested in?
 
"Very much so. My father's an artist and was an art teacher for years, my mum makes hand-sewn beautiful patchwork quilts, and my sister lectures in art education at Exeter University. We grew up in a house that was full of paintings, books and colour. Meanwhile my husband and his brother are comic book creators (The Etherington Brothers), and my mother-in-law is an artist too, so there's no shortage of creative inspiration in our family."
 
Have you ever made a book of memories, like The Book of Summers?
 
"The Book of Summers is inspired by childhood holidays in Hungary, and my dad always put together meticulous photo albums after these trips. I still love going through these albums now, whenever I go home. The closest I've probably come to creating a book like Marika's Book of Summers is the album I made after I spent a year living in Lausanne, Switzerland, as a student. There are photographs, postcards, tickets from parties, ski passes, and corny captions all written in French - I thought I was so clever at the time! But it's not romantic like The Book of Summers, there's no hand-painting or faded parchment or pressed flowers..."

I love the foodie element that is introduced throughout the story. For me the two things that stand out most are honey cake and paprika. By coincidence I found that I was using a recipe card for Honey, Almond and Banana cake as a bookmark (Inspired, I've since made it and it's delicious). Do you have any Hungarian Paprika laden dished that you make?
 
"I love making goulash. It's such a classic Hungarian dish and so easy to make. It also has very few ingredients in it, so it's pretty cheap. The vital components are good quality beef, fresh paprika and... if you can cope with using it... lard. The longer you cook it the better, and it's delicious served with gnocchi and lashings of sour cream. Food was always such a part of those childhood holidays, as a family we're all greedy and enthusiastic eaters, so meals were a real highlight. Your honey, almond and banana cake sounds delicious - I want the recipe!"

 Your descriptions of Hungary, the genuine spirit of freedom and sense of adventure, discovery and innocence are all inspiring and evoke wonderful memories of childhood. What do you think you have learnt from travel as a child?

"If you can take pleasure in the simplest things in life - a patch of sunshine, a perfect cup of coffee, a fine view - you'll always find happiness. These things are easy to enjoy on holiday, but taking that same appreciation into daily life back home means every day is full of pleasure. I'm grateful to my parents that we did travel as children as it's given me a lust for all things foreign and an appreciation of new experiences, which will never leave me."

For someone visiting Hungary for the first time, could you tell us some of your favourite things and places to visit?
 
"Lake Balaton is a must. It's dubbed the 'Hungarian Sea' - fifty miles long and ten miles wide - it's just stunning, a mix of unpretentious beach resorts and wild-feeling countryside. I spent a couple of weeks learning to windsurf there a few summers ago, motor boats are banned on the lake so it's a haven for relaxing.

Szentendre - another destination which features in The Book of Summers - is a gorgeous small town on the banks of the Danube. You can catch a boat there from Budapest, which makes for a lovely day-trip. It's a real art town, chock-full of galleries, and there's a folksy fairytale feel to it, with twisting narrow streets and historic buildings.
 
And of course Budapest is a beautiful capital city... The 'castle district' is wonderful to walk around especially at night, with amazing views over the river and its seven bridges."
 
The Book of Summers is full of childhood memories and a sense of adventure. Which books inspired you as a child?
 
"As a child I was a real tom-boy, and I loved tales of adventure; I was obsessed with Arthur Ransome's Swallows & Amazons books for years, and the Walter Farley Black Stallion books. I also grew up on Enid Blyton - I loved the Famous Five although I always found Anne and Julian annoying - it was all about Dick and George and Timmy for me! I read voraciously and loved it more than anything else - it was my way of exploring other worlds."
 
...and as an Adult?
 
"Too many books to mention! But Eve Green by Susan Fletcher, Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood and Donna Tartt's The Secret History are among my favourite contemporary novels. I'm also a big fan of Anne Tyler - I think she writes the minutiae of daily life and the foibles of people better than almost anyone."

I understand you are writing your second novel, could you give us a hint and will we have to wait long to see it on the shelves of Waterstones?

"My second novel's set on the glamorous shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, in the city of Lausanne (a place I spent a year in while at university). It follows a British student as she negotiates the world of ex-pats and other international students, falling in love and into trouble, along the way. I recently described it as a love story but with a slightly darker heart. It's due to be published in 2013..."

added 17th May 2012

By Fiona,

The V&A is celebrating the opening of the newly renovated Fashion Galleries with an exhibition of beautiful ballgowns, red carpet evening dresses and catwalk showstoppers. Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950, covers over sixty years of a strong British design tradition that continues to flourish. A selection of royal ballgowns are on display, including a Norman Hartnell gown designed for Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Princess Diana’s ‘Elvis Dress’ designed by Catherine Walker and gowns worn by today’s young royals.

All great ballgowns need fabulous accessories and diamonds are certainly one girl’s best friend this year. For Queen Elizabeth II, who is in the 60th year of her reign, there are Jubilee parties and pageants galore planned all across the country this summer. Looking back six decades to 1953 the young Queen Elizabeth (aged only 27) was an English rose and already a style icon of her time.  The shape of fashion was changing with the times, becoming more feminine and glamorous. The fifties look is still much loved today, it seems some styles just never go out of fashion.
 
Feeling nostalgic for the fifties ourselves, we have taken a look through our collections to find vintage styles that are fit for royalty. The peep toes, platforms, t-bars and thicker heels of Pas De Rouge are all evocative of this bygone era and perfect to add a little fifties charm to your posh frocks.

I took the liberty of asking my parents who were (just about…) around in the those days for a few insights into what it was like growing up in the post-war optimism of fifties Britain.  Here are some of their highlights:
 
1953 “Coronation” on black and white 6” or 9” screen TV’s
 
The radio (or wireless) provided hours of entertainment with shows like The Goons and The Archers.
 
There were cinemas in every town, generally each known as ‘the flea pit’.  Saturday morning serial shows including cowboys and Indians, pirates, action adventures, always ending at the most crucial point to ensure you came back the following week.  They were often in black and white with the main feature film sometimes in glorious 'Technicolor'.
 
Pounds, shillings and pence, farthings, threepenny bits, sixpence, shillings, florin, half-crown, 10 bob, pound note, white fiver.

 
The sweet shops were popular for penny gob-stoppers and sherbet dips.
 
At home there were fabulous feathery ice patterns on the INSIDE of bedroom windows in the winter.
 
Motorbikes and side cars - BSA, Vincent, Norton were some the famous names.
Steam trains and coaches commonly called ‘charabanc’.
 
Rock and Roll brought with it the rebellious teens and influences from the American forces still based in UK, along with Elvis Presley.
 
Fashions for the boys…teddy boy styles, hair DA , drainpipe trousers, winkle-picker shoes.  And for the girls….flat shoes and socks, rag curls, blonde streaks, flared skirts with net underskirts were the ‘new look’: feminine and glamorous.

added 10th May 2012

By Fiona,

Heat up your summer wardrobe with this season's hot and wild tribal trend. Whether you want to step out of Africa, hit the Inca trail or feel the sultry heat of Mexico, there is an outfit out there for you.  You can choose to stand out from the tribe or be part of the indigenous fashion crowd by combining some of the kaleidoscopic patterns and prints; batik, tie dye or animal to name but a few.

For a truly global and travel inspired look, mix up the prints and mismatch strong colours and design giving you a bold and brave super clash statement. Or maybe pair a standout piece, like a dip-dye skirt, with a simple white T. Add a heavily beaded feature necklace, or a wrist full of bangles and throw an animal print scarf into your tassel bag to combat the unpredictable weather on cool summer evenings. The focus on footwear is in the detailing. Authentic materials, intricate leather work, embellishments and colours. Look out for elaborate weaves in flats, the homespun feel of rope wedges, and strappy detailing in sandals. Rich, antiqued leathers and fabric uppers in sun bleached hues complete the look. 

So get ready for a tribal gathering of the fashionable kind and you are set for any number of meetings, dances or exotic adventures. And as sure as the sun rises every morning on the plains of the Serengeti, this summer will be a glorious one!

I've put together a little collection of Womens and Mens tribal themed shoes which you can view via the links below:

Womens Tribal

Mens Tribal

added 3rd May 2012

By Fiona,

The humble shed, not just rustic, wooden buildings and no longer just for the boys. Hideaway huts at the bottom of the garden are definitely ‘de rigeur’. Rather than take on the upheaval of moving house, finding ways to get the best out of our outdoor space seems like a great idea.
 
The reasoning behind our 10x8 shed was to house a certain 9ft something surfboard along with a multitude of other sporting equipment and tools. Not the picturesque retreat I had in mind (I was thinking more along the lines of Barbara Hepworth’s artists haven in her garden in St. Ives, or maybe Roald Dahl’s writing hut).  I have taken a picture of its best feature; the Crusty Crab sign, a momento from a good camping party.  Unperturbed, I do have secret plans, maybe a splash of exterior paint, some reclaimed roof tiles…
 
So whether it’s creating a work space, re-creating a beach hut, or just finding a way to store things outside we think sheds are the way forward. Personally I sit on the rustic, shabby chic side of the whitewashed fence. However to test the theory properly, we asked John (Director) and Sharon (Retail Support Manager) - two proud ‘shed’ owners - what their shed’s mean to them…
 
What was the main inspiration for getting your shed(s)?
John: Part necessity for storage/part Monty Python (Arthur “two sheds” Jackson)
Sharon: ‘Country Living’ A place away from wireless internet.
 
What are the main functions of your shed?
John: Shed number 1: Bikes/Old white spirit/Useful bits of wood/Sledges
Shed number 2: “The wood shed”
Shed number 3: Lawn mower/Kids stuff/Skateboards
Sharon: A place where all my hearts made from twigs live happily.

 
Does it have any special features?
John: Shed number 3 was delivered without the central joist so I fashioned a new one with some useful bits of wood (see Shed number 1).
Sharon: Nice double doors that let the sunshine or moonlight in.
 
What is the best thing about having a shed?
John: The feeling of pride.
Sharon: A lovely place to sit and read and enjoy the sunshine. But equally as nice when it rains and I can close the doors and be cosy.
 
What are your shed essentials?
John: Spare felt, tacks, nails and useful bits of wood (see Shed number 1) for repairs/upkeep.
Sharon: Lots of books. Lots of lovely candles, nice chairs, many many cushions.

 
Any future plans for expansion or decoration?
John: No, that would be ridiculous.
Sharon: As installing an AGA is out of the question. I would love to add some twinkle lights and maybe some lovely curtains with fabric from 'Cabbages and Roses'. Oh yes I would also love to add a book shelf, painted cream and green of course.
 
How would you spend the perfect afternoon with/in/by your shed?
John: In a comfortable chair by Shed number 3 reading Q magazine.
Sharon: With girlfriends enjoying a good catch up and a nice glass of cold wine. We sit and chat for hours in my potting shed.

added 26th April 2012

By Fiona,

Soft, floral scents of elderflower and nettle, a hint of fresh peaches, essence of honey and spice, the light aroma of rose petals, a smattering of pea-pods and apples. These are descriptions that take your imagination on a trip to the English countryside but are also words chosen to describe some of the flavours you would find drinking a very fine glass of English wine.
 
For those of us who enjoy a glass of wine now and again, sampling something grown on home ground is a refreshingly down to earth experience. Whether it’s the chalky downlands of Sussex or the sunny slopes of the Camel Valley.
 
My interest in English wine started with a glass of Bacchus from The Three Choirs Vineyard, in Gloucestershire. To the untrained but nevertheless well travelled palette, it was light and refreshing (and as I now understand, reminiscent of a Sauvignon Blanc).

Waitrose is doing a superb job of supporting English wines at the moment where you can find Three Choirs and many other English (& Welsh) wines.  There is also a useful introduction to each wine/vineyard/producer.

The world of wine is all about tasting, buying, learning, sharing and having fun.  Visits to some of our great vineyards can be combined with cycling (The Camel Trail) or walking in some of England’s most beautiful countryside, discovering historic towns, unspoilt villages as well as indulging in the simple pleasures of local fine foods.

According to Bob Lindo, co founder of the Camel Valley Vineyard in Cornwall our climate is an asset as we get a long cool growing season.  Grapes like Pinot Noir, Seyval Blanc, Bacchus, Rondo, Dornfelder, Chardonnay and Reichensteiner are all used successfully in their English wines.

A bit like a magpie, I love anything that sparkles so I asked Mr. Lindo what he would recommend, he suggested the 2010 Camel Valley Pinot Noir Rose as it came 1st in the biggest ever blind tasting of English Sparkling wines, including some Champagnes.  The judges were Jancis Robinson, Steven Spurrier, 4 other masters of wine and M&S.