Cocoa Bath Treat Is So Sweet

Feb 3 2008 John Amabile

Q Can you suggest a nice gift for my brother? He works outdoors and is always freezing at this time of year, so I wanted to get him a pampering treat to soothe his chapped skin. Any ideas?

A Treat him to Purdies' Cocoa Butter Balls. These are great for soothing eczema and dry skin conditions. They don't contain any chemicals, just 100 per cent cocoa butter which melts in the bath for ultra-moisturised skin. They are just £2.95 each from Purdies Scottish Soap Company.

Call 01369 860196 to order or log on to www.thescottishsoapcompany.co.uk

Q Where can I get a tall, slim storage tower to hold all my son's CDs and games?

A Head for the ever reliable IKEA. Their Benno CD tower is a real bargain at just £15.99 and it comes in a wood, black, red, white or a funky patterned finish. It's just 20cm wide and holds up to 180 CDs. Log on to www.ikea.co.uk for more details or to buy online.

Q I want to transform my bedroom into a sexy boudoir this Valentine's Day. Any ideas?

A Between The Sheets have a fabulous range of romantic and sexy silk bedding. I reckon their burgundy velvet comforter will add sultry charm to your bedroom. It comes with matching cushions and prices start from £145. The firm also have fabulous matching silk sheets and cushions if you want to go the whole hog. Ooh la la! For more details, call 01380 739234 or log on to www.betweenthesheets.co.uk

Q Where can I get a bright, colourful bench for my hallway? It is painted plain white so makes a very unexciting entrance into my house. Do you have any funky ideas?

A Bright colours are always more welcoming in a hall. Give yours some life with the Charles Eames-inspired bench from Mojo Interiors. As well as boasting a stunning, modern design, it comes in a gorgeous lime green shade. It's 165cm wide, 55cm tall and 72cm deep and costs £399 from www.mojointeriors.co.uk or by calling 0845 370 1711.

Q Where can I get funky, unique cushions? I haven't seen anything in the shops.

A Echo Interiors specialise in products from fresh and funky designers. Their cushion selection boasts something to suit every taste but I love the Birdie range by British textile designer Selina Rose. Made from a luxurious wool felt, the cushions feature hand-applied flying birds. They come in sage green with turquoise and gold with turquoise and cost £45 each. Each one is made to order so they take four weeks to be delivered. For more info, visit www.echointeriors.co.uk or call 0207 371 1603.

Q My undies drawer is overflowing and I can never find anything. Where can I get an organiser?

A MFI have a great storage solution. You get a collection of little square, lidless boxes that fit into your drawer and each little compartment is ideal for storing socks or knickers - saving you a lot of time every morning searching through them. The storage dividers are £25 from stores or at www.mfi.co.uk

Q I'm looking for a fun clock for my son's bedroom. He is a bit of a bookworm so is there a literary themed timepiece?

A I reckon he'll love this unusual clock that looks like a set of three books. It's fun yet practical and the bright colours are ideal for a child's bedroom. It costs just £17.99 from Drink Stuff. Call 0870 428 0958 to order or shop online at www.drinkstuff.com

Q My kitchen is painted a distressed white colour. I love it but I would like to add some colour with accessories. What do you suggest?

A Your distressed colour will look great with coastal accessories for a beach hut theme. Nautical Living have a fantastic range of goodies. Their Beach Hut Money Boxes come in a range of colours and a few of these on a shelf would brighten your room. They are £9.99 each from www.nautical-living.co.uk or call 0845 603 1966.

Q I am decorating my little boy's bedroom in bright colours and am looking for a fun lightshade. He is only three. Any ideas?

A Asco Lights have a fantastic selection for kids. I like the multi-coloured Pilot Light which has three bright aircraft - a hit with any wee boy. It's £43.31 from www.ascolights.co.uk

Q I want a slim, glass table for my hall but the only ones I've seen are clear and I'd prefer a smoky effect. Have you seen any?

A I like Dwell's Curved Edge Console Table, which has a smoked glass finish.

This is a really sleek design that will look stunning in any contemporary scheme. It's £145 from www.dwell.co.uk or in store at Princes Square, Glasgow (0870 241 8653).