Inspired: Scilly

           Island Hopping... St Martins - first stop, the bakery! ...followed by a picnic on the beach and a little sunbathing. I get a bit closer to my goal of actual swimming in the sea and manage a few seconds of doggy paddle before the cold is just too much... So I settle for paddling and a spontaneous fish pedicure, instead. Later that evening... warming up with Spanish tapas at Dibs! Keeping on the food theme... a trip to Tresco and a lovely lunch at Ruin Beach Cafe. Exploring Tresco Abbey Gardens... Another day, another island... This time the beautiful rugged coastline of St Agnes.   A quick stop at The Bulb Shop to say hello to Mandy and drop off some more of my jewellery. It's been selling well so I'll have earned my glass of wine at the Turks later!  Admiring the beautful stained glass windows at St Agnes church by the very talented Oriel Hicks. On to th...

Anyone who knows me well will tell you how much I adore the Isles of Scilly ever since my first family holiday to those remote islands as a daydreaming teenager. It is little wonder that such a magical place caught my imagination and has drawn me back, year after year. So now that I've fulfilled my ambition to become a penniless 'something creative', what could possibly be better than to finally have my work on sale at one of the islands' best loved gift shops, The Bulb Shop on the tiny island of St Agnes. Once a stable for milking cows, The Bulb Shop later evolved to include a cold store for cooling precious scented narcissi blooms prior to packing for market, before becoming the treasure trove of crafts and creations that it is today. The Bulb Shop has something for everyone, including a variety of jewellery to suit all tastes and styles, from stunning silver to brightly coloured beach plastic and now, I'm delighted to say, my own quirky mix of Swarovski...

This Chinese New Year is the Year of the Horse (which happens to be one of my favourite animals) so to celebrate I've collated a few Scilly links concerning all things horsey! Accommodation - With it's privileged position, atop the Garrison on St Mary's,  White Horses  boasts sea and island views and an attractive terraced area for al fresco dining. For more information, see www.sibleysonscilly.co.uk Seahorse , one of the Sea Garden self-catering cottages on Tresco boasts a wood-burning stove, master bedroom ensuite, barbeque, balcony and sea views. See more at www.tresco.co.uk/accommodation Things to Do - St Mary's Riding Centre for lessons, hacks and carriage rides -  www.scillyonline.co.uk/stables/home.php Scilly Carriages provides leisurely carriage rides around St Mary's -  www.scillycarriages.co.uk Take a trip to an off island aboard the tripper boat, Seahorse. Built locally on St Mary's, it's one of a fleet of tripper boats that form t...