contains gifted items
There are so many things in our (finally!) finished garden that bring me joy.
There’s the terraced area where we light the fire pit and toast marshmallows, the outdoor kitchen where OH reigns supreme on our fancy new BBQ. The oven where we make the tastiest, cheesy-drippiest wood-fired pizzas, and the outdoor sofa where I love to stretch out and read a book.
But there’s one thing I love more than ALL the others, a place that literally makes me sigh exhale with happiness; the hanging egg chair. This was a bit of an impulse purchase, as I hadn’t initially planned to buy one, until I looked over at the sunken lounge and realised a hanging chair was EXACTLY what that space needed.
Initially, I was thinking from an aesthetic point of view, as I thought the chair would add some height and be a focal point. I knew the kids would love it, but what I didn’t realise was how much I’d love it too.
During summer it became my little oasis. Each morning, while the girls were still asleep, I’d take my coffee and nestle myself into the soft cushions. Frankie, our mini-dachshund, would pad over and harrumph until I lifted him on to my lap, then curl up with a contented sigh.
I don’t know if it was the gentle swaying of the seat, or the Mediterranean-style summer, or that precious hour of tranquility before the rest of the world woke up, but that little chunk of me-time set me up for the rest of the day.
In the evening I’d head out again with a glass of white wine and stare up at the stars. Stripped back, simple pleasures.
Now the temperatures are cooling and the nights are drawing back in, but I’ve realised I don’t have to give up my little swinging sanctuary. At the end of last summer the team at Fine Bedding Company got in touch to ask if I wanted to try out their new Night Owl Sherpa Fleece Outside Duvet. Unfortunately, its arrival was delayed; by the time I got it the weather had turned and we’d packed up the garden for the winter.
Which actually turned out to be a good thing, as earlier this year OH and I decided to abandon our plans of an overseas summer holiday (we didn’t trust the chaos of Heathrow) and concentrate on getting the garden finished instead. The Night Owl outdoor duvet is the perfect egg chair body (and sausage dog) warmer, with snuggly sherpa fleece on the inside, and a water-repellant exterior, courtesy of Teflon EcoElite technology.
Don’t be fooled by its lightweight feel and the fact it can be packed down to a small carry bag, this waterproof outdoor blanket has a 7-tog rating, meaning it will keep you nice and cosy through spring, summer and autumn. It’s ideal for picnics, camping or toasting marshmallows by the fire pit. Chuck it in the washing machine afterwards, followed by a quick tumble dry, and it’ll come up as soft and fresh as new.
The problem now isn’t where can I use it, it’s how to get to it before anyone else does…
• the Night Owl waterproof outdoor blanket was provided for the purpose of review
