This is me.
Now, I've been going by the name 'Redlilocks' on the web since the Internet began, long long ago in 1997 (ok, I know that's not when it came out but it feels like it). Lately, I'm starting to realise that I don't generally get paparazzi following me about on any given day so figure it's okay to let you know my real name. It's Kimberly Hughes. Nice to meet you.
I'm a Yank but have lived in the UK since 2001 which means my accent is sort of all over the place. I've thoroughly picked up the British vernacular however which makes both Brits and Americans laugh. FYI, saying 'bollocks' or 'bloody hell' with an American accent is apparently hilarious.
I'm pretty much obsessed with interiors and eat, sleep and breathe it. I describe my style as 'Eclectic Boho Glam'. I believe everyone has the right to a beautiful home no matter what your budget. In fact, when you have a limited budget, I think it makes you more creative and allows you to think outside the box. I'm hoping this blog will inspire you to feel the same.
For my day job, I am the Lifestyle Blog Editor for Appliances Online at Home. I don't talk about dishwashers and fridge freezers over there, I promise. Actually, it's pretty much an extension of this blog. So if you want to join me there as well, that's cool.
Right, on with the rest of the cast...
He's my partner in crime, also referred to on this blog as W. He's my best friend and my absolute rock. He does all the dirty work because he's the kind of guy who is not afraid of dirt. Which is surprising as he has really nice hands. He's shy but doesn't take any shit. He's also quietly hilarious. He is really quite awesome.
This is Senna. Our gorgeous scaredy cat.
She's also known as Fat Kitty, Fatty, the Fat Ginger One and Senna Ben. If you breathe too hard, she will run away. I replace words in songs with variations on her name because for some reason, it always works. My favourite is singing 'Pretty Woman' but replacing it with 'Senna Benna'. Try it. Senna doesn't seem to appreciate it for whatever reason. She's beautiful but a bit of a diva. We love her anyway.
And this is Pablo. Also known as P, the Little Black One, Little Man and Little Shit (when he's naughty).
He always demands cuddles when he goes outside and comes back in, even if it's just for 10 minutes as though he's been on some long journey and needs to tell you about it. He misses us when we're gone. He always sleeps in our bed. If you sit down on the floor with him, he will immediately start purring.
So now that you've met everyone, I just want to welcome you to our first home together in Cheadle Heath, about 10 minutes outside of Manchester, England.
It was truly love at first sight and we turned the key on 4th June 2010. It's an Edwardian property, we believe built in 1906 with high ceilings and lovely room sizes and big windows. We are the latest of probably a very long line of people who have lived here and we believe in making it the very best place for ourselves (& any future spawn if we so decide to procreate) for the time that we live here. Oh we have no intention of going anywhere anytime soon - it's plenty big enough for 2 people. It's just that I think of our home as almost being 'lent' to us for a time period. This wonderful house has stood here for over 100 years and the likelihood is that it could still be standing for another 100. This is our time now and the time the house has given us. And during the time we have been given, we want to make it beautiful and functional and to reflect ourselves as people - who we are now and what we will become... and this house will change and grow and develop with us.
Welcome to the journey, my new friend. I hope you enjoy your stay.
