Here on Weekend Breakfast, we love having guests who can have a laugh, educate us, and in doing so - open up our minds.
We had all of the above over the weekend as author, fashion designer, and knower-of-all-things-home-related, Helen James joined us in studio.
Helen popped in to tell us primarily about her new book, "A SENSE OF HOME - Eat - Make - Sleep - Live", (which was nominated for 'Best Irish Book Of The Year' at the Bord Gáis Book Awards 2017), and from the title alone, you can tell it covers a multitude of the essentials. Let's call it a lifestyle bible.
Alison wanted to learn more about what really makes a home 'a home', so who better to ask than the Creative Director of Homewares at Dunnes Stores. That title doesn't just happen by chance, so we asked Helen a bit about her background, and how she went from fashion in NYC, to where she is today.
Considered is the name of her range in Dunnes (we're sure you've some of the items in your home), and since it's launch in 2014 it has really taken off. Helen's premise is all to do with the senses, and to "look at what they (the customer) really, really loved". She also advises people to be realistic in their choices.
This ethos is what spawned the idea for her book, and is what she hopes will help readers form a better understanding of their own living space, without breaking the bank (which is music to our ears).
Seeing how Santa isn't too far away, Alison asked Helen for some tips around the house, to help heighten the feeling of festiveness, and keep stress to a minimum. Then when it comes to the turkey, she has a simple phrase to ease your fears "It's just a bigger bird".
Her suggestions of things like: pillow sprays ("pillow whats??" I hear you mutter), scent bowls, buying some ready-made courses, and a focal dinner party menu (wait until you hear the perks of this concept), were all excellent, and we're definitely gonna steal them as our owns ideas. They work all year round too - which we love.
This lady is an oracle, so we advise picking up a copy of her book, and then you can fall in love with your home even more.
