Lady katherine sims

Grey dress, by Isabella Oliver. Sunglasses, from Noa Noa. Pink scarf, from Hoopers. Top, from Jigsaw. Bag, by Mulberry. Peach sweater, from French Connection. We all love our pets, but often they are not the little angels we would like them to be. If you have a pet to name and shame, email a photograph and details to editorial badbettymedia. At the other end of the phone line, Ed Speleers is distracted. Instead, here he is joking about his dog and doing some seriously un-celeby dirty work.

Can this really be the same man who was catapulted from schoolboy to international blockbuster star and teen heartthrob at the impressionable age of 17? It all happened so quickly. One minute I was at school and getting ready for the holidays, and the next moment I was whisked off to Eastern Europe to begin filming Eragon. I still find it strange even now. He was a self-confessed trouble-maker, and his teachers soon realised that the only way to keep him out of mischief was to channel all that surplus energy into acting.

Based on a popular fantasy series and featuring an all-star cast — including Rachel Weisz, John Malkovich and Robert Carlyle — it was set to be one of the most popular films of With no drama school.

Not only was the young Ed a naturally talented actor, with none of that over-polished, drama-school style that characterised many of his trained contemporaries, but he was — and still is — enviably good-looking.

With cheekbones that could have been chiselled by Michelangelo and a mop of windswept blonde hair, here was a lead actor virtually guaranteed to attract an obsessive teen fan base. Echo Beach soon after filming Eragon, and then starred in a series of low-budget independent movies before taking some time out to travel the world.

He was in danger of sinking into relative obscurity when the role of footman Jimmy Kent in Downton Abbey came along. For Speleers, Eragon was a life-changer. My parents were pretty scared. Since its premier in , the show has won a Golden Globe Award and a Primetime Emmy, as well as becoming one of the most widely watched television series in the world. It must have been exciting to be offered a role in such an international sensation, I suggest to him.

It was a setback that the young actor dealt with philosophically. He managed to net a leading role in British prime-time series. They thought about it for a bit, and then said that they really needed him to be a Yorkshireman. So I had to go away and stay with my Grandpa, who lives in Yorkshire, and do some work on it up there. So, who can we expect him to end up with? If they wanted to do it, I think he could end up as quite a dark character.

Instead, he spends most of his working hours in a London studio alongside the. The cast of the series is liberally sprinkled with prestigious names, and Speleers says that many of them are happy to share tips with their younger co-workers. As professional actors, they just want to help you and see you grow. Despite having the security of a part in a popular series, he still worries about the future and feels that he has to keep getting.

Timeline Born in Chichester, West Sussex. While at school, he also co-authors a play, Retribution, which explores the subjects of child abuse and paedophilia. And he likes testing himself — not just at work, but in his personal life, too. I did a lot of training up at Highclere in breaks between filming; and my dog was there, too, running along with me. He chuckles. I grew up in the area and lots of my mates from school are based in and around Tunbridge Wells, though, as is my dad.

So… well, you never know. More marathons are on the cards, as is a desert run, where all the participants wear bin liners to make the whole thing harder and more torturing.

He also hints at a few interesting. I just want to find out ways of testing myself more. Treat yourself or why not drop a hint to the man in your life? Happy shopping and happy Christmas!

He wears: See previous page. Kitchen by Rencraft. If you are interested in being part of our fabulous fashion, please email a recent picture with relevant details to editor badbettymedia.

The Hotel du Vin in Tunbridge Wells www. Our passion is to create a community website. You can also view the online version of the magazine. If you are local and love fashion, then we want to hear from you! Our photographer Matt Harquail is often out and about in the area looking for trendy people to snap.

We all love our pets, well, most of the time! But even the most lovable pet has a dark side, a naughty streak. If you think your pet deserves to be named and shamed, then get that camera out and send the evidence to: website badbettymedia. So, the website is about sharing as much with you as possible.

All the events we hear about are on there. Just email the details and, if possible, a great image to website badbettymedia. Simples, you might say…. This is where we all keep in touch! Are you looking for advice on something?

Perhaps a recommendation? Maybe you just want to tell the community something? By now you should know what to do, but just in case: website badbettymedia. We all love food and drink. They are the most important parts of any culture, at the heart of any great dinner party or night out. Do you have any delectable recipes you want to share? You know what to do: website badbettymedia.

If you are a local group, then tell us a bit about yourselves. Simply email the details to website badbettymedia. Cut a strip of paper at the scale of Make sure that the card or paper is strong enough to keep its shape, but flexible enough to fold easily.

For the smaller ones 1cm x 20cm , I usually use a thin card gsm , and for the larger ones a slightly thicker card gsm. This is enough to make you 15 stars.

Start at the bottom of the strip. While your left hand is holding the strip, use your right to pull the rest of the strip through the loop. Tuck the small end into the small fold behind. Using your left hand to keep hold of the main knotted end, use your right hand to tightly wind the rest of the strip around it. Fold the end of the strip into the fold. You should now have a strong, sturdy pentagon.

Finally, pinch down the centre of each side of the pentagon. And there you have it! These stars are really easy to personalise at very little cost! You can add washi tape do this after step two , or simply use different coloured card! Place strips of washi tape onto the card for your background, leaving a space on the left and right for one strip of tape on each end.

Measure two lengths of string, one at 14cm, and the other at Choose a second washi tape design which will stand out from your background design. Cut off 6cm of tape and place it halfway down the length of string, with the string at the halfway point of the tape.

Fold over so that you make a little tab and cut to the banner shape. Continue until you make a total of five on the smaller length, and nine on the longer length of string. Position the banners onto your card I use sticky dots from Hobbycraft to keep every other part of the banner in place, and the ends of the banners together.

All you need is one blank card and four types of washi tape. Start off with your main tape, placing it in the middle of the card horizontally. Build the tapes up around it, alternating the background tapes. Then, complete the card by alternating the background tapes vertically.

First, stick the two types of tape onto the spare sheet of card. Use your inked-up stamp to put your message in the centre of the card. Place your cut-out card and washi tape pieces around your stamp. Floristry artist Cheryl Harvey, from Tunbridge Wells, shows you how to make the perfect Christmas wreath. Our wreath is much easier to make than you might think. You can hang it on the door or use it as a centrepiece for your dining table with a bowl of floating candles in the centre for a magical effect.

Materials needed:. Place single pieces of foliage around the outside of the wreath to mark an outline to work to. Make bunches of foliage to the same size and height, with enough stem showing to secure into the foam.

Cut the holly to show off the berries and place the cut leaves under the berries to make a bunch. Attach florist wire to the decorations and place into the wreath, making sure the wires are secure in the foam. Loop the narrow ribbon over the foliage and ease it between the materials to make it tight against the foam. Pull the ends through the loop, making sure they are long enough to attach to a door or fixings. Take the large decorative ribbon, preferably with wired edges, and double-loop to make a bow.

Place florist wire over centre of the bow and squeeze then twist the wire to make the bow stand proud. If you need a floral design for a special occasion — for instance a wedding, party or gift — email Cheryl at: floralsbycheryl gmail.

Darren brings a wealth of experience, having spent many years with Handpicked Hotels, and lives locally. He left to hone his skills in Michelinstarred restaurants, before returning as Head Chef. Method: 1. Place the two whole lobsters in a pan of boiling water and boil for 6 minutes, then plunge into ice-cold water. Remove from the fridge and add g of the smoked salmon and blend to a smooth paste. Then, slowly add the double cream to form a mousse.

Add the zest of one lemon and season with white pepper, but no salt as the smoked salmon is already salty, then place the mousse in the fridge. Break open the lobster, removing all meat. Set aside the white meat to use later on. Whilst the shells are roasting, roughly chop the carrot, leek, celery and onion and cut the garlic in half. Once dry roasted, place the shells in a pan on the stove with the chopped vegetables and garlic. Next, add the fish stock and tomato juice along with the dill and peppercorns and simmer for 2.

Add the double cream and blitz using an electric blender. Pass through a chinois, or fine sieve, and season. Cut the white lobster meat into small pieces and add to the mixture. Add some chopped coriander if so desired.

Take your scallop meat and dice into 1cm pieces and cook off in butter and olive oil. This will only take minutes, then allow to go cold.

Place a square of smoked salmon down on some cling film and pipe some of the salmon mousse at one end. Drop on a few of the cooked pieces of scallop, top with a litte extra mousse. Roll into a cylinder shape and set in the fridge until you are ready to use. Put the lemons into cold water with a teaspoon of salt, poach for one hour and leave to go cold. Remove the lemons from the water and cut in half. Remove the pips and flesh, place the skin into a blender and add the pickling syrup.

Blend until smooth and place in the fridge. Butter the g loaf tin. In a large mixing bowl put in the flour, then crumble in the fresh yeast, add the sugar and salt, and mix well. Ingredients Serves 6 : 3 duck legs g pork fat g shoulder of pork 2 bay leaves 2 cloves 1 whole nutmeg 25g soft butter Salt and pepper For the topping: g clarified butter Method: 1.

Cut the pork and pork fat into 2cm cubes. Put them and the duck legs into a heavy casserole with ml water and the rest of the ingredients. Bring it to the boil on top of the stove, cover, then put the casserole in the oven at C and cook for 3 hours approx, or until falling off the bone, stirring from time to time and adding a little more water if it is drying out. It is important not to have too much liquid in it. Drain what liquid there is into a bowl then, in another bowl, shred the meat with your hands.

Add all the pork fat squished into the meat and remove the bay leaves and cloves. Now mix in the butter well. Put into the fridge. This can be done a couple of days in advance. Note: The other way is to make a long sausage in cling wrap and roll up tightly, then you can cut rounds, or however you want to serve it.

You can also cover with egg and breadcrumbs twice and put it in the deep fat fryer. Simmer the cranberries in the orange juice for one minute. Stir in sugar, orange zest and sherry, then simmer gently for 6 to 7 minutes until tender and mushy. The sauce will thicken as it cools. This makes quite a lot, but you can use it in turkey sandwiches, or serve with ham or any cold meats. Now add the eggs one by one, mixing all the time this is good to do with a dough hook.

Beat for at least five minutes, then add the very soft butter bit by bit; do not add it too quickly otherwise it could become a cake batter. Make sure each time you add the butter it is well incorporated. This will take up to 10 minutes, so be patient. Remove the dough from the bowl, put onto a lightly floured surface and shape, then put into the loaf tin. Put into the fridge overnight, then remove in the morning.

Brush the top with egg and put the loaf in the oven for 45 minutes at C, then for 20 to 25 minutes at C. Cook off the sprouts in boiling salted water for two minutes until tender, then drain and refresh.

Cut into quarters and set to one side. Boil the julienned orange peel in boiling water for 20 seconds, take out, refresh, and repeat two more times. Heat some butter in a pan. Add Brussels sprouts, orange peel and half the almonds.

Toss until hot. Heat through and season with salt and black pepper. Garnish with toasted slivered almonds. Ingredients: 3. Preheat oven to C. Heat the rapeseed oil in a large roasting tray, add all the vegetables carefully and roast for five minutes to create a vegetable trivet. Hmm, interesting one. The idea of going were there are less people seems great to me.

I ignored LinkedIn for a long time. It has directly led to multiple clients. Where are you answering questions Joel? Or did they get rid of the latter? I here you loud and clear Mr. I found this completely backwards.

That is what makes it incredible. Nice article Mark Clear and concise with a good overview of the service. I like how it can help with search rankings and ctr by splashing your picture up there. Very cool. Helpful information. I bookmarked it. The 21st Century Creative Foundation Course. How so? Of course Harry goes in, and of course it changes his life.

Communities Communities are places where groups congregate to discuss and share information about specific topics — a bit like groups on Facebook or LinkedIn. So how exactly does this work? Fundamentally you need to focus on doing two things: Creating and publishing outstanding media content that will appeal to your target audience, both on your own websites and on other sites that are popular with the audience you want to reach.

Where do I start? Comments I started out reading each word, to see why you were saying something so odd. My pleasure Melissa. Great, thanks for this Mark. Does the Authorship thing work on results from my Tumblr page? What do you think? Were do you stand on LinkedIn by the way? Some of the writing groups are particularly helpful and inspiring. Nice summary. That may be so, but its double meaning makes it perfect for my purpose here. Just read this article and loved it!

Thanks Mark! Tell me more. I consent to receive the 21st Century Creative Foundation Course, podcast, articles, and product and service offers from Mark McGuinness. It will keep in the fridge for a few days.

This simple-to-make exfoliant will slough off dead skin cells, then cleanse and and moisturise, leaving hands soft and smooth. Directions: Mix all ingredients together into a thick paste. Rub a heaped teaspoon over your hands for two to three minutes and rinse off. Use whenever your hands need some extra TLC.

Apples have been used in beauty products for centuries. And thanks to a high concentration of vitamins A and C and potassium, when applied as a facial toner, apple pectin can soothe and refresh all skin types. Please note: if you have especially dry or sensitive skin, reduce the amount of witch hazel in the toner. Directions: Mash the avocado flesh in a bowl and spread it onto clean skin. Relax for 15 minutes before washing off.

Directions: Put the apple pieces in a small saucepan with the water. Bring to a boil and remove from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool completely, then strain out the apple. Stir in the witch hazel and pour into a clean container. To use, apply to skin using a clean cotton wool ball.

Nutmeg can be used in this gorgeous-smelling DIY face mask that will calm stressed-out skin. It acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, reducing any redness whilst exfoliating. This fruity face saver has antioxidants from the berries, and vitamin C and natural enzymes in the lemon to brighten skin.

The honey gently exfoliates and seals in moisture. Ingredients: 2 tbsp plain yoghurt 2 tbsp honey 50g mixed fresh berries — blueberries, blackberries, raspberries etc 1 tbsp lemon juice Directions: In a blender, combine the yoghurt and honey and pulse until fully combined. Add the mixed berries, pureeing until smooth, then add the lemon juice. Apply mixture to a clean, dry face and leave for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse your face thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.

Use this sugary scrub to exfoliate your body in the shower. Ingredients: 1 tsp nutmeg 1 tsp cinnamon 2 tbsp honey Directions: Mix the ingredients together and apply to your face. Relax for half an hour, then wash off. Stir well to combine. Dampen your face and neck with warm water and apply the cleanser, massaging gently. Leave for a few minutes before rinsing off.

Directions: In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together to form a paste. Store the body scrub in a sealed container in your shower and massage into your skin as needed. Directions: Combine the banana, egg white, and vinegar. Blend to form a smooth paste. Apply the mask to your face with a cotton wool ball, avoiding the eye area. Leave the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Finally, splash your face with cool water. Discard any leftovers.

Avocado is high in vitamins E and C and will leave your skin feeling softer and more nourished. Is that how everyone looks after cosmetic surgery? There are so many public figures who have given non-surgical treatments a bad name.

The truth is, wrinkle-relaxing injections and dermal fillers can be used subtly, and that is certainly the look I aim for. Big lips or cheeks do suit some people, but each person should be assessed individually before deciding what is right for them.

Are fillers safe? This is such an important question — thanks for asking it! Compared with wrinkle-relaxing injections, dermal fillers are very unregulated. There are nearly fillers available in the UK, compared with less than 10 in the USA, where regulations are tighter. My reply? The same can be applied to other areas of the body, and to other procedures.

The goal of most cosmetic procedures is to freshen and brighten, or enhance and lift. And in my opinion, the more natural-appearing the result, the better. Whatever area of the body you might consider altering, make sure you see someone reputable, ensure they are properly qualified, and insist on seeing a variety of examples of their work before making a decision.

It might be more expensive than going elsewhere — there are cheaper alternatives for everything — but at what cost to your final result? Suitable for all skin types, it includes daily cleansing balm, facial toner, facial oil and daily night care. This unscented, handmade, pure soap by Mijubeauty contains olive oil and coconut oil, which gives a good lather and is a softening emollient.

Legend says that scones are named after the Stone scone of Destiny, a stone upon which Scottish kings once sat when they were crowned. Ingredients: g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing g caster sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 4 medium eggs g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting About 6 tbsp raspberry jam ml double cream, whipped Icing sugar, for dusting Method: 1.

Grease and flour 2 x 20cm sandwich tins. Place the butter, sugar and vanilla extract into a bowl and beat well to a creamy consistency. Slowly beat in the eggs, one by one, then fold in the flour and mix well. Divide the mix between the cake tins, place in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes until risen and golden brown. The cakes should spring back when gently pushed in the middle. When ready, remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes in the tin, before turning out onto a wire rack and cooling completely.

Spread the jam onto one cake and top with the cream. Sandwich the cakes together and dust with icing sugar. Tip the flour into a large bowl with the salt and baking powder, then mix. Add the butter, then rub in with your fingers until the mix looks like fine crumbs.

Stir in the sugar. Put the milk into a jug and heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds until warm, but not hot. Add the vanilla and lemon juice, then set aside for a moment. Put a baking sheet in the oven. Make a well in the dry mix, then add the liquid and combine it quickly with a knife — it will seem quite wet at first. Scatter some flour onto the work surface and tip the dough out.

Pat into a round about 4cm deep. Take a 5cm cutter or use a cup and dip it into some flour. Plunge into the dough, then repeat until you have four scones. Brush the tops with beaten egg, then place onto the hot baking tray. Bake for 10 minutes until risen and golden on the top. Serve warm with jam and clotted cream. A favourite childhood pudding. Ingredients: 50g salted butter, cold and cut into chunks, plus extra for greasing g self-raising flour, plus extra for rolling 1 vanilla pod, seeds scraped out 50g shredded suet ml milk, plus a drop more if needed g raspberry or plum jam, or a mixture Custard, to serve Method: 1.

Put a deep roasting tin onto the bottom shelf of the oven and fill two-thirds with boiling water from the kettle. Place a second shelf above this one. Take a large sheet of foil and greaseproof paper about 30 x 40cm. Sit the greaseproof on top of the foil and butter it. Tip the butter, flour and vanilla seeds into a mixing bowl and mix thoroughly until the butter has disappeared.

Stir through the suet, pour in the milk, and work together with a knife until you get a sticky dough. Add a drop more milk if necessary. Tip the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat together to smooth, then roll out to a square roughly 25 x 25cm. Spread the jam all over, leaving a gap along one edge, then roll up from the opposite edge.

Pinch the jam-free edge into the dough where it meets, then pinch the ends roughly. Lift onto the greased paper, join-side down, and loosely bring up the paper and foil around it.

Scrunch the foil together along the edges and ends to seal. Place the parcel directly onto the rack above the tin and cook for 1 hour. Let the pudding sit for 5 minutes before unwrapping. Thickly slice and serve with custard. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan, then soften the onion and carrots for a few minutes.

When soft, turn up the heat, crumble in the lamb and brown, tipping off any excess fat. Pour over the stock, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 40 minutes, uncovering halfway. Boil the potatoes in salted water for minutes until tender. Drain, then mash with the butter and milk. Put the mince into an ovenproof dish, top with the mash and ruffle with a fork. Bake for minutes until the top is starting to colour and the mince is bubbling through at the edges.

Leave to stand for 5 minutes before serving. This dish was probably created in the first half of the 18th century, when batter puddings first became popular. Ours is served with onion gravy. Tip the flour into a large mixing bowl and stir in the mustard powder with a good pinch of salt.

Make a well in the centre, crack in the egg, then pour in a dribble of milk. Stir with a wooden spoon, gradually incorporating some of the flour, until you have a smooth batter in the well.

Add more milk slowly and continue stirring until all the milk and flour has been mixed together. You should now have a smooth, lump-free batter that is the consistency of double cream. Tip it into a jug for easier pouring later, then stir in the thyme. Put the sausages into a 20 x 30cm roasting tin.

Add 1 tbsp of the oil, tossing the sausages to thoroughly coat them, then roast in the oven for 15 minutes. Take the tray from the oven and quickly pour in the batter. Put it back into the oven, then bake for 40 minutes until the batter is cooked through, well risen and crisp. Insert the tip of a knife into the centre of the batter: it should be set, not sticky or runny. To make the gravy, soften the onions with the remaining oil in a large non-stick frying pan for about 20 minutes, stirring often, until they are golden brown.

Sprinkle in the sugar for the final 5 minutes. Add a spoonful of flour, then cook, constantly stirring for 2 minutes, so it coats the onions and there is no dry flour left. Gradually pour in the stock, stirring well to make a smooth sauce. Allow to bubble for minutes to thicken, then season. Cut the toad in the hole into large wedges and serve with the gravy spooned over. Ingredients: For the Fish: 55g plain flour 55g cornflour 1 tsp baking powder Sea salt and pepper 75ml cup dark beer 75ml cup sparkling water 4 x g thick white fish fillets preferably sustainable cod, pollock or haddock For the Chips: 1kg potatoes, peeled 1 litre vegetable oil or lard to cook Method: 1.

In a large bowl mix together all but 2 tbsp of the flour, cornflour and baking powder. Season lightly with a tiny pinch of salt and pepper. Using a fork and whisking continuously, add the beer and the water to the flour mixture and continue mixing until you have a thick, smooth batter. Place the batter in the fridge to rest for between 30 minutes and an hour. Cut the potatoes into 1cm slices then slice these into 1cm-wide chips. Place the chips into a colander and rinse under cold running water.

Place the washed chips into a pan of cold water, bring to a gentle boil and simmer for minutes. Drain carefully through a colander then dry with kitchen paper.

Keep in the fridge covered with kitchen paper until needed. Meanwhile, lay the fish fillets on a sheet of kitchen paper and pat dry. Season very lightly with a little sea salt. Blanch the chips a few handfuls at a time in the fat for a couple of minutes without browning them.

Once they seem drier and slightly cooked, remove from the fat and drain. Keep to one side. Place the 2 tbsp of flour reserved from the batter mix into a shallow bowl. Toss each fish fillet in the flour, shake off any excess, dip into the batter then carefully lower each fillet into the hot oil. Fry for approximately 8 minutes or until the batter is crisp and golden, turning the fillets from time to time with a large slotted spoon.

Using the same slotted spoon, once cooked remove the fillets from the hot oil, drain on kitchen paper, cover with greaseproof paper and keep hot. Serve immediately. Cut the cherry tomatoes into quarters. Chop the garlic and sprigs of basil. Mix with the remaining ingredients. Place somewhere warm for an hour or so to macerate. Crush the tomatoes into the oil mix and place in fridge until needed. To make the Heirloom tomatoes: 1.

Cut the tomatoes into chunky pieces, depending on each individual size. Gently toss with the remaining ingredients and slowly dry in the oven. To make the parmesan crisps: 1. Finely grate the Parmesan and spread a thin layer on a sheet of greaseproof paper, cook in the oven until evenly coloured.

Remove and allow to cool. Method: 1. Cook the pasta and place together with the tomatoes and other ingredients, as well as the grated Parmesan. Gently mix together and place in a small bowl. Build the pasta dish up by placing some of the tomato pieces delicately so they can be seen. Garnish with the micro basil and Parmesan crisps.

Their award-winning gourmet yoghurt is paired with a sweet pumpkin compote, spiced ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and orange zest. Available from major supermarkets from 18th September and throughout October. Laverstoke organic and biodynamic farm is launching a Christmas Pudding Sausage in Ocado. This meaty pork sausage is seasoned with finely-chopped fruits associated with Christmas pudding, such as dates, apricots, currants, prunes, lemon and orange peel, seasoned with mixed spices and a hint of brandy.

Look out for it soon! As well as a great flavour, they have a distinctive shape, designed for snacking, scooping or dipping, and texture, using super grains such as red and white quinoa for added depth and bite.

The bars come wrapped in jewel colours of dark purple and pink, decorated with gold symbols, making them a very attractive gift for Christmas. Sweetpea Pantry makes a range of healthy, delicious, all-in-one baking kits that you can cook with your children. To advertise in Kudos email sales badbettymedia. Ed Chivers loved his Tunbridge Wells house, but it was an impressive kitchen extension that made it perfect for him and his girlfriend Sophie.

I grew up around here. I used to live on Queens Road and I went to school in Tonbridge. That had always been at the back of my mind and I decided to go for it when I had the money. I redecorated the whole house and put in a new bathroom and new carpets, but the main change has been the extension.

They say you should have a work triangle of hob, sink and fridge, but in my kitchen they were all over the place. The biggest delay was waiting for planning approval, which took about 12 weeks. So we adjusted that.

Clockwise from top left: the windows were resized from the original plans; the extension has an unusual zinc roof; the dining room can now be accessed from the kitchen; brick steps lead from the kitchen to the dining room. It works perfectly now. Even the neighbours are impressed. I like a modern twist on old things. There was a chance there were drainpipes running under the kitchen which could have caused problems with the extension, so there was a provision for that when the quote came through, just in case.

In the end, the drain did run where they thought it did, but they charged me half of the provision they had allowed, which I think was very honest of them.

That gave me a lot of confidence in Hemsted. I felt I could leave them in the house and know that they were honest, good builders. If ever there was a slight issue, they would explain exactly what the problem was, or take pictures of it and email me so that I could see it. Everyone was really tidy, and at the end of the day everything would be stacked neatly and they would clean up after themselves, which is quite rare for builders.

I got them from a reclamation yard, but what was really hard was matching the original bricks down the side of the house to the. Along with the rustic-wooden floor, red-brick steps to the dining room, which is off the kitchen, and the traditional radiators, it will look modern yet quite traditional, in keeping with the rest of the house.

So what does Ed think of the finished result? And then it all started to come together and it looks much better than I ever imagined. It feels bigger than I thought and it blends in really well with the rest of the kitchen. Rustic wooden six-section pigeon-hole wall storage with metal label holders from Live Laugh Love.

Easy to hang with two strong fixings on reverse. A really useful piece with lots of vintage charm. They have a lovely weathered look that you would expect from a well-used piece. Use them for storage — they also look fabulous lined with fabric. Styles may vary slightly from the picture. Sweet pink floral wall clock from Live Laugh Love in the shape of a bird hanging from a white ribbon in a bow. The vintage script and pretty flowers make this an eye-catching piece for your home.

Production of mason jars started in America in the late s and ceased in the s. The wording and design on each jar is subtly different depending on the period that it was manufactured. Limited availability. Classic blue and white enamel-style ceramic canister.

It has a vintage-glazed effect to look like antique enamelware, with a nautical sailor anchor detail on one side. Use it for storage in the kitchen or bathroom. Superbly-crafted cutlery trays will keep your kitchen utensils neat and tidy — the beauty of a bespoke kitchen.

Rencraft offer a range of practical solutions for your kitchen, from traditional to contemporary. Boheme is a new range of porcelain floor tiles from Italianstile.

To add that contemporary look to your home, porcelain is the natural choice. Practical and hard-wearing, it is available in five colours from Bellegrove Ceramics. For a beautiful bathroom, head to The Bathroom Shop. The Samuel Heath Antique range includes a concealed dual-control shower in chrome, polished nickel, stainless steel and antique gold. The elegant New Yorker tile has a slightly-textured surface, giving it a hand-made look and creating a beautiful effect that will work perfectly in both traditional and contemporary settings.

What does it take to create 35 acres of themed gardens, and an award-winning garden ornaments business? We find out Sixty-one years ago, Michael Dibben was employed making fibreglass moulds for car parts when he had an idea.

Why not create moulds for something completely different: garden ornaments. After extensive research into garden decoration and a material to closely resemble natural antique stone, Chilstone began its long history at Great Linford Manor in Buckinghamshire.

When Michael died in the late s, Gaynor Gilbert took over the running of the business. By this time they were also branching out into architectural stone and in moved to their current site just outside Langton Green. The show gardens were created in the winter of and opened by Alan Titchmarsh. We also have various different items of sculpture, which we regularly change — lions, deer, wild boar and abstract pieces. If Chilstone inspires you to create your own show garden, where should you start?

In a very large garden, you might have a six-metre temple. Our stone is suitable for a traditional garden, but we are doing more and more contemporary work now. Is it going to be on the edge of the patio or 80 metres down at the end of the garden? When you are standing next to something it looks fairly large; however, when you step further away from it, it will get smaller and smaller. So trying to judge the size is quite important.