Just back from getting some much need inspiration and coffee in London at the Design Junction 2013 !
It's better than last year with some gorgeous textiles, furniture, glassware, ceramics, etc.

We also had time for a visit to the Pitfield Shop and Cafe in Shoreditch for a much needed coffee. Discovering wonderful independent shops and cafes was just as interesting as visiting the design shows. Fantastic!

We recently went to Athens for a few weeks to do some more improvements to our flat in the suburb of Faliro as we have started to rent it out for short term rentals. This is great way to have an affordable stay in this wonderful ancient (and modern city) and at the same time get a flavour of life as lived by Athenians.
Apart from the usual attractions Athens has fantastic cafe's , bakeries and street markets. The local town beaches aren't bad either and there are many beach bars and beach clubs along the coastline from Faliro down to Vougliameni.
Faliro itself is well placed for visiting the City Centre, the main port of Piraeus where the ferries take travellers to the islands, the local beaches and marina. 

 If you are interested in staying at the Apartment please click on the link:
https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/1219922

 Dia Noche Bar at Faliro Marina where you can have a meal, a cocktail or simply a refreshing Freddocino.

 The Marina at Faliro which is packed with luxurious yachts ! This is just 10 or 15 minutes walk from the apartment.

 One of the local free beaches. There are charges for sunbeds and umbrellas though.

 Palet - a nearby cake shop which sells fresh pastries, cakes, sweets and homemade ice cream.
There are bakeries and patisseries in all of Athens suburbs selling goodies -usually all baked in house.

 A lovely taverna -right on the beach at Faliro.

 One of the many cafe's in Athens City Centre where you can cool off and take a break from all that sight seeing !
You MUST visit the Acropolis Museum.

The apartment's terrace which has a shaded area where you can eat your meals or just enjoy a drink. (Do use mosquito repellant in the summer though!) 

 The apartment's kitchen which is spacious and has plenty of storage space.

The lovely free beach at Vougliameni where the water is super-clear. Great for snorkelling. 
There is a charge for parking and sunbeds though.

The beach cafe where you can enjoy a cool drink, snack or meal.

Its feeling a bit Autumnal so we thought we would add some more 'seasonal' items to the Dezigne shop starting with this luxurious purple velvet purse by Gorgeous Little Bag.

Perfect as an evening bag or to go with that special party outfit.
Check it out on the Online shop together with loads of other lovely stuff!

I have just completed another bead embroidered cuff bracelet indelicate metallic shades of green, pewter and gold featuring Swarovski and glass crystals. It catches the light as you move so has sparkle without being too bling. I hope you like it!

It is inspired by the fabulous designs of Andrea Gutierrez

This bracelet is now available from Dezigne..

For the summer and holiday season Dezigne has some gorgeous little bags perfect for weddings, parties and holidays. 

Here are just a few.....

These lovely clutch bags are all individually designed and are large enough to hold all your essentials such as mobile, make up, keys, sunglasses etc. but also neat enough to hold or tuck under your arm.

Just visit Dezigne to see more!

I am now slightly addicted to making bead embroidered cuff bracelets and now have two more available on the Dezigne online shop.

Abstract design hand embroidered in black, gold, silver, copper and diamante

 Hand embroidered cuff in gold, bronze and pewter with swirl design.

Both bracelets have a suede lining and an elastic piece instead of a clasp so that they will fit almost any size wrist. They are comfortable to wear and strong, although I wouldn't recommend getting them wet!

Just finished my second beaded bracelet - freshwater pearls, abalone nuggets and metallic seed beads -all in very organic arrangment. All beads are hand sewn. The cuff is lined with suede and there is a strong black elastic piece which allows for a comfortable fitting around the wrist.