Achica

Group-buying sites such as Living Social or Group On may be de rigeur at the moment, but how many bikini waxes, falconry days, or pilates courses can a girl really use? Although I feel compelled to keep looking at the offers emails that come through each day, I've never actually taken the plunge to purchase.

How refreshing then, to find Achica. This members-only discount site revolves around all-things-home, featuring designer names, boutique shops, and iconic design - all at a meaty discount of up to 70%, with the deals lasting a couple of days at a time. I've been signed up for just over a month, and reading the email has become a daily morning ritual, with rarely a day going by without something that tempts me to reach for my credit card.

Brands featured on the site have included Jan Constantine, Innermost, Anglepoise, and Tefal, amongst others.

A recent purchase from the site for Dixies was some lovely vintage-inspired lighting from Garden Trading. I've been looking for some contemporary wall lights to replace the pair currently in our hallway since we moved in, but finding wall lights that don't look like something your Gran would choose has proven quite difficult, so as soon as I saw the Asthall Lamps, discounted from £60 to £39, I snapped them up. Also perfect timing for Dixies was the Belfast Lamp, discounted from £75 to £49.

Asthall Lamp - Clay, Garden Trading

Belfast Lamp - Clay, Garden Trading

Lavender

Everywhere I look at the moment I'm seeing lavender. I think it must be harvesting season at the moment, but all the magazines I'm reading and shops I'm going to seem to be featuring it in abundance. I've always loved it - the colour, the way it moves in the breeze, but most of all the smell - and the irresistible way its flower stems call out to be crushed into your hand to reveal their scent as you walk past.

Lavender Fields, taken at Young Living Lavender Farms in Mona, Utah, courtesy of Tom Kelly 

I've seen it used formally and informally in gardens, and I'm hankering after some for the front garden at Dixies for next year. I'd love to line a few plants along the front path to frame the walkway, and add their perfume to the air as people pass by.

Basket of Lavender, courtesy of Scot2342

Gallery Bobbin

The perfect way to support up-and-coming contemporary artists, and find more unusual home accessories,  Gallery Bobbin features a wide array of art, accessories, and textiles with a contemporary feel. The site specialises in sourcing new artists to showcase their personal work and make it easier to available to purchase.


The site and products on it have a home-spun, authentic feel, without being too Etsy, and although the overall feel is re-worked mid-century, there's something to suit all tastes. 


I love the Emerald Whale Cushion, by Maria Hatling; quirky, colourful, and playful.

Emerald Whale Cushion, £55, Gallery Bobbin

I've also got the perfect place at Dixies for these three prints - each a limited edition run of 300 - also by artist Maria Hatling - firmly added to my 'to buy' list!

The Way I See The World, Maria Hatling, £125

Paper Clips, Maria Hatling, £125

Swan, Maria Hatling, £125