Weather's turned, thoughts turn to Christmas

Pouring with rain out there, aren't I glad I'm taking the afternoon off to spend with my children later! I guess that's it, summer's over and it's time to start thinking about Christmas presents so that I'm not rushing round like a mad thing at the end of December. If you're looking for something for the man who has everything, then take a look at Gearbox Gifts - it's got some great stocking fillers for anyone who loves their car and some rather more substantial gifts too if you're feeling generous! This one's my favourite, take a look at this video http://www.youtube.com/user/Videoteq#p/u/5/iwhqStIVXa4

Cape Westerly Clothing website is live!

A busy start to October with things hotting up for the launch of Cape Westerly Clothing. We've worked on the brand identity, the labelling, website, and marketing and it's all starting to come to fruition. The website went live today http://www.capewesterly.co.uk/ - have a look. It's men's leisurewear with a sporty heritage, so launch concentrates on rugby shirts, but soon to be added will be hoodies, duffle bags, joggers and more. The first order came in ten minutes after the initial emailshot, so we must be doing something right!

There are some perks!

There are some perks to this job, and last night's was great! I took a group of international journalists to the Viva Elvis show at the Aria Hotel in Las Vegas. We're all over in the States for the Las Vegas Market (furniture and furnishings) and after a long day's work our treat last night was a show. Spectacular didn't cover it - the amazing Cirque du Soleil production was a fabulous mix of acrobatics, dancing, incredible sets and of course Elvis music - I thoroughly recommend it to anyone coming over to Las Vegas!

New classified ads website

Take a look at the latest free classified ads website www.YourSalesAd.com - it's really easy to use and you get 14 days free advertising including 25 words and a photo if you're Joe Public (different packages if you're a trade advertiser). Official launch is 1st August, it's UK based - worth having a go I reckon!

World Market Center Las Vegas

Things are hotting up in the run-up to the Summer Las Vegas Market and what an exciting one it will be, the launch of VegasKids, Gift+Home as well as a fabulous expansion outdoors into the central plaza at World Market Center Las Vegas for Alfresco Spaces. With less than two weeks to go I'm busy planning for the international marketing and PR side of things - we have a number of international journalists coming over for Market from countries as far away as Australia, Thailand, Mexico, Germany and of course the UK, each looking for their own particular perspective on how Las Vegas Market would work for their readers. I'm flying BA this time, just heard on the news that Unite cabin staff have voted not to accept the latest offer on the table, so fingers crossed there won't be any strike action whilst I'm trying to travel - selfish I know!

Hoby Open Gardens weekend raises lots of money!

Hoby Open Gardens weekend which I blogged about last month raised £7,700 - a fantastic achievement, thanks to everyone who helped, visited and spent their money!

Hoby Open Gardens Weekend

It's busy busy busy in the village of Hoby, Leicestershire this weekend - it's Open Gardens weekend on both Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th and villagers can be spotted tending their plants until late every evening! Hoby Open Gardens weekend is held every two years, this time there are 13 gardens open, the village hall is home to craft stalls, fabulous lunches and crepes, there are cream teas, ice creams and a Pimms Bar in one garden. It's a real, traditional English village event, turn a corner and you'll come across the plant stall, turn another and there are cups of tea and scones. The Church is home to a produce stall, an art exhibition and War Memorial exhibition and the Methodist Chapel will see lots of lovely home-made cakes for sale. So, if you fancy a day out, or want to treat Dad to lunch or a cream tea in a lovely location on Father's Day, look no further than Hoby near Melton Mowbray!