Aaah, the Ideal Home Show. This is the only exhibition that I’m really committed to. I was won over when I was younger and they had a giant Direct Line car insurance telephone as well as a huge door. I felt like I was an extra in Jack and the Beanstalk and that was it, a forever fan. 

Since we bought our first home four years ago, we’ve made an effort to go every year. My husband normally takes notes and we geek out a little over all sorts of hopes for our dream home. I love having a good old nosey, grabbing a free goodie bag and looking at the latest gadgets. We are quite good, but usually end up buying something, pillows, candles… This year we have ordered a seated planter for the garden. We are now quite excited about its arrival in a couple of weeks!

  
I’ve also had my heart stolen by a Smeg kettle, toaster and mixer. My life currently now feels incomplete and I genuinely believe that it can be rectified by these red kitchen appliances. 

Usually I try and get free tickets online. Martin Lewis normally has an offer code on his site, but this year I was too slow and they had all gone. Just when I was thinking that I probably won’t go, up popped British Gas with some free tickets – hurrah! It’s usually around £20 entry, which can work out to be quite an expensive day if there’s a few of you going and you land up buying stuff. 

The show is on until the 3rd of April at London’s Olympia (it moved from Earl’s Court a couple years back), and I think it is well worth a visit. If you do get to go, look out for the special guest talks and pick up a goodie bag – they are quite good this year!

  
Seeing as we just moved house and are looking forward to putting our own stamp on this place, it was rather fitting that we went to the show and collected some ideas. We all had a lovely day and I’m already looking forward to next year!

Have you visited the Ideal Home Show this year?
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