LittleHouseDays

Spring time marks new beginnings!

2017-03-13T04:52:00.000-07:00

It has been a little while since I last wrote to you and a lot has happened.

In the last two years, I've renovated property, launched a floral design business and moved house!

Sad to leave the 'original' Little House shed behind, my life is now fully settled in a picturesque village in the heart of North Hertfordshire and I'm loving it.

My dream of life in the country is alive and kicking!

My office, for now, is my kitchen table and I thought my first post should be of the inspiring light pouring in through my kitchen window! It's really helping me to write a PR proposal for a potential new and exciting client.

I hope to be able to write more frequently now as I focus on discovering and promoting new businesses again and would love to hear what you've been up to recently too.

Have a wonderful day and enjoy the sunshine!

A perfect night in...

2015-06-03T03:15:00.000-07:00

... making Elderflower Cordial and Rhubarb & Elderflower Jam.

A Georgian Italianate palace in an idyllic English landscape

2015-05-05T06:04:00.001-07:00

I'm always in awe of the Rotunda at Ickworth House in Suffolk. Magnificent inside and out, it really does show off Georgian architecture at its best, especially in the Spring sunshine.

As seen in The Independent...

2014-08-11T10:54:00.001-07:00

The Tenshi Cast Iron Tetsubin Teapot from The Exotic Teapot has been voted one of the '10 Best Teapots' in today's 'i' from The Independent.

Officially a 'must-have' teapot!

2014-08-10T03:25:00.001-07:00

Check out the Kasumi Teapot from The Exotic Teapot in today's S Magazine with the Sunday Express! Also available in Blue or Black from The Exotic Teapot.

Flavours to Inspire: Tea

2014-07-02T06:35:00.000-07:00

This month, I am inspired to try the delicious 'Tea' recipes as suggested by Alison Walker, Food & Drink Editor of Country Living magazine.

From Tea-Smoked Duck to Jasmine Shortbread, Tea-Soaked Prune Clafoutis to Green Tea Sorbet, I will be using my teas from The Exotic Teapot to make these interesting delights.

Why not pick up a copy from your local newsagent and visit The Exotic Teapot's online shop http://www.theexoticteapot.co.uk to buy your Imperial Jasmine Pearls Green Tea, Flowering Jasmine, Jasmine Silver Needle White Tea and Earl Grey and then try these tempting recipes.

Tea is about to 'wow' the senses!

2014-05-21T02:16:00.000-07:00

See it, smell it, taste it – tea is refreshing, low in caffeine and is believed to benefit our health, but get ready as it’s about to ‘wow’ your senses! Artisanal tea company, The Exotic Teapot is passionate about providing only the highest quality, premium teas and has just re-launched its website and product range.

The Exotic Teapot’s new website is designed to tantalise your senses and encourages you to enter the world of exotic tea. Everything sold by The Exotic Teapot enhances the tea experience. The range of evocative flowering teas are handcrafted by tea masters in small, high altitude tea farms in China. Fresh flowers like Jasmine and tender Green Tea buds are skillfully woven together into a ball shaped bloom. When steeped in one of the latest exquisite glass teapots filled with hot water, the bloom delicately unfurls to provide a stunning floral display and the wow factor!

The Exotic Teapot also has a new range of Tea Steeples, which are little, biodegradable bags of gourmet whole leaf tea, each designed to ‘wow’ your senses when you’re on the go. Simply choose from 15 premium, much-loved teas and infusions, including Assam, Chamomile, Raspberry, Earl Grey, Jasmine, Moroccan Mint, Darjeeling, Oolong, Chai Green, Cherry Sencha and Rooibos.

If you’re looking to create a truly bespoke gift, The Exotic Tea company allows you to simply choose a glass or cast iron teapot, add cups and up to three different teas and accessories. Your gift is then beautifully wrapped and delivered with a personalized note to the lucky recipient. Discovery and Gourmet sets are also available depending on your budget and offer a choice of teapots, tea and cups. Or for a smaller gift, simply choose a Tea Basket filled with your choice of tea.

The Exotic Teapot was founded in 2007 after founders Paul and Nadia Iliffe first discovered flowering tea during a trip to China. The small, artisanal company works closely with partners in China and around the world to seek out the finest teas, teaware and gifts. Its tea suppliers and blenders are some of the most knowledgeable experts in the world, and its Chinese glass and cast iron teaware is made by small, family run businesses that employ traditional techniques, and share The Exotic Teapot’s commitment to quality.

To discover more about tea and to wow your senses visit www.exoticteapot.co.uk or follow @exoticteapot on Twitter.

For further press information, photography and sample requests, please contact: Nina Lancaster Little House PR T: 07810 438028 E: nina@littlehousepr.co.uk

The New Country Look - Modern Rustic

2014-05-13T03:26:00.001-07:00

I'm loving the new 'Country Living Modern Rustic' book for inspiration. It's a brilliant celebration of the artisan: knowing the provenance and meeting the makers of hand-crafted furnishings. Deemed the source of 'new country' style it's full of stunning interiors and products.

Why we should handle your PR!

2014-05-06T04:12:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Anne Bannell at Breeze in Cambridge for your kind endorsement.

"I had the pleasure of working with Nina a couple of years ago when I asked her to help with Breeze's PR. Over the period of about a year she secured numerous product placements for us in both local and national magazines; assisted with our seasonal newsletters and got our social media links up and running. I enjoyed our time together and would recommend her to any small business, especially of the gift or clothing variety."

Pic caption: As seen in Country Home & Interiors

Beautiful Cliveden

2014-05-06T02:03:00.001-07:00

I was so lucky to enjoy the sunshine this Bank Holiday weekend with a family picnic and a wander around the beautiful gardens at Cliveden. Stunning architecture and gardens.

New client - The Exotic Teapot!

2014-04-03T03:27:00.001-07:00

Little House PR is to join the team at The Exotic Teapot - an artisanal company that specialises in exotic teas!

Chosen to help raise their brand awareness and promote their entire product range, we were delighted to receive a welcome gift box from The Exotic Teapot yesterday, which included a range of teas and a stunning glass teapot - a must if you are to enjoy a flowering tea's full effect.

Thank you and it's great to be part of the team!

Scents from an English country garden

2014-02-11T03:49:00.000-08:00

After grabbing a quick coffee before work today, I discovered these deliciously scented candles made by The Country Candle Company.

Each candle is hand-crafted in Wiltshire and the collection captures scents reminiscent of the British countryside and English country gardens.

They smell amazing, and are perfect for lifting the spirits on another cold, wet and blustery day.

Lazy mornings

2014-02-10T02:25:00.001-08:00

If you're feeling a little lazy this morning, you will no doubt wish you were wearing a pair of luxurious, 100% cotton sateen pyjamas from Yawn.

I've recently discovered this gorgeous, lovingly created collection of pyjamas made from the most luxurious, high quality fabrics and have fallen in love with their 'Cotton Classic' design - the perfect gift for Valentine's Day?

Indulge yourself and take a look at their beautiful website http://www.loveyawn.com

Phone off. Kettle on. Pyjama time.

Visit us on Pinterest!

2014-02-03T05:39:00.001-08:00

Discover why we love what we do and what inspires us - look up LITTLE HOUSE LOVES on Pinterest.

Little House PR - passionate about promoting Britain's designers, makers and artisans!

2014-01-27T07:36:00.001-08:00

A New Year, a new, updated Little House PR website and a new mailer on its way to new clients! If you'd like to hear more about how we can boost your business, please get in touch - oh and the coffee will be on us!

Beautifully bespoke lampshades

2013-09-25T05:38:00.000-07:00

Bay Design makes a unique collection of ribbon wrapped and hand finished lampshades.

Inspired by the elegant lines of French and Scandinavian design, each of these pretty lampshades offers a simple way to make lighting a focal point throughout your home.

Let's nest!

2013-09-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

It doesn't take too many autumnal days before I'm starting to feel the need to nest. The promise of a new season and lots of inspiration within magazines, shops and even in nature, will fill any consumer with a little excitement.

So let's have some fun and enjoy all of the wonderful things that talented people in the UK design, make and sell. Take a look at From Britain With Love for just some of the very best!

But let's not also forget to pick the blackberries, make some jam, stock up on squashes, apples, pears and plums and fill up the log basket before lighting the first of many cosy fires.

It's the little things that count

2013-06-24T03:36:00.000-07:00

I don't think anyone can ever underestimate the big impact that the little things can have, especially when they're unexpected. Take for instance a day last week when a small parcel arrived from Plum & Ashby. Beautifully wrapped and tied up with string, the addition of a gift label which read "Your Piece Of P&A" brought a smile to my face and gave me a warm feeling inside. If ever there was a simple, cost-effective way of making me feel special and encouraging me to become a repeat customer that's it. And my new bistro-style water glasses are rather good too. Thank you Plum & Ashby, I'll definitely be back!

Simple Things

2013-06-12T03:38:00.000-07:00

The relatively new magazine, The Simple Things is fast becoming one of my favourite monthly reads.

Full of encouraging features about how you can live and love the simple life, whether it's food, interiors, gardening, travel or wellbeing, I would challenge anyone not to feel inspired and relaxed after reading it from cover to cover.

One of my favourite articles this month is about 'Tomatoes' with expert, Paul Thomas sharing his knowledge of how to take this ripe fruit from vine to plate.

Simply delicious!

Lovely Lavender

2012-06-18T02:11:00.002-07:00

Lavender is one of my favourite plants. It evokes happy childhood memories of, what seemed like, a huge bush in our garden as my sister and I played, but it also seems to be the one scent that helps me to unwind. Needless to say, I have rather a lot of Lavender dotted around my garden, including a mass of purple flowers scenting the air outside the shed. Perfect for inspiring you on a Monday morning!

This is Your Kingdom - Back Britain!

2012-01-23T03:43:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for fabulous things to do close to home or indeed around the UK, I recommend taking a look at www.thisisyourkingdom.co.uk

TiYK is an insider's guide to lovely local things to see and do in the UK and as if that's not enough their 'Back Britain' campaign is set to herald all of those things we love about our country!

So why not take a look and don't forget to tell them why you love your kingdom!

The smell of Christmas...

2011-11-16T02:49:00.000-08:00

...has filled my kitchen as I've just made my mincemeat! It's filled with apples, cranberries and lots of other fruits, and it smells (and tastes) delicious. It's a shame that the majority of it will be given away as gifts - what lucky people they are!

Pear picking!

2011-08-16T03:34:00.000-07:00

I've just picked my first basket full of pears. I think I'll try making some Pear & Ginger Cordial this year! Wish me luck!

Luna Lighting

2011-07-19T07:02:00.000-07:00

I first discovered Luna Lighting at the Country Living Spring Fair a few months ago. Designer, Anna Perring creates a wide range of beautiful tea light holders each with their own intricate, yet so simple design.

My little 'Tug Boat' candle holder sits perfectly on my mantle piece and just looks magical. The 'Little House' version is a favourite of mine too.

Anyone for tea & cake?

2011-07-14T02:02:00.000-07:00

I've just bought this very convincing set of hand-knitted cakes to sit happily on my cake stand (for display purposes only in my dresser!). I just couldn't resist them on eBay.

Simply delicious to look at - if only they were real!