Virginia Woolf once wrote that if a woman is to write fiction she must have ‘a room of her own’. I’ve often thought about having a room of my own, some sort of ‘creative space’ and what I would fill it with. This fabulous 1950s style chair by Aiveen Daly would be top of the list.

Named after James Bond’s Miss Moneypenny, the tweed fabric and button detailing exude sophistication and no-nonsense chic, whilst the frills and curves suggest a coy femininity.

Aiveen Daly’s showroom is full of contemporary furniture, combining traditional techniques with an array of inviting upholstery from vintage fabrics to woolly blankets. All have intriguing names such as ‘Spank’, ‘Woo Woo’ and ‘Bubblegum’.

To view the Aiveen Daly online showroom, visit www.aiveendaly.com.

What would you fill your room with?

I think I mentioned that I’ve recently taken up knitting. With this new past time comes a new found fascination with patterns, knitting needles, knitting bags, knitting needle cases, and particularly with yarn. (I’ve recently learned to refer to it as yarn and not wool!) It was therefore with some glee that I discovered Hello Mango. Not only do they sell merino wool but they spin it themselves on a Louet (spinning wheel).

Zoe from Hello Mango has a degree in Theatre Design and has a passion for ‘all things dramatic and the colourful’. This is reflected in her vibrant choice of colourways. She also sells a range of hand crocheted items including hats, flittens (see above), bags and brooches.

Hello Mango can be found at craft fairs across the north of England. And for a quick fix you can visit www.hellomango.co.uk.

According to Anita Grant, ‘curly, coily and Afro hair requires special treatment.’ And I should know. For years I’ve battled with beating frizz, soothing knots and taming wild, crazy curls. The high profile, high cost, high street products which claim they will transform the most chaotic locks, just don’t live up to expectations. I’ve tried most of them.

Anita Grant’s products are different. Made from the finest, freshest and purest ingredients and hand blended and packaged, they do exactly what they say on their immaculately presented labels.

Last week I decided to treat myself and purchased one of the Goodie Box Samplers. The parcel arrived promptly, with a big organza bow. Inside was a Creamy Caf? Latte, Whipped Butter, two Rhassoul Cubes and a Lippy Pucker. I used one of the Rhassoul Cubes on Saturday morning. They look and smell exactly like chocolate. You melt down the cube with boiling water, let it cool and then apply it to your hair as a deep conditioning treatment. You leave it for about 20 minutes and then rinse. And the results? Soft, glossy, easy to manage tresses that smell good enough to eat. And I’m not easy to please!

Of course, Anita Grant’s products are not just for curly girls and she also has a range of skincare products. All are mixed by hand and are beautifully packaged and presented. The majority of ingredients have been purchased from worldwide Fair Trade suppliers. All ingredients are clearly marked on the label and if there is anything you’re not sure of, you can always ask the ‘grand mixtress’!

To buy Anita Grant products go to www.anitagrant.com. You won’t be disappointed.