The Very Real Ups And Downs Of Life As An Author, As Told By Christobel Kent
Christobel Kent was born in London and educated at Cambridge. She has lived variously in Essex, London and Italy.
Her childhood included several years spent on a Thames sailing barge in Maldon, Essex with her father, stepmother, three siblings and four step-siblings.
10 Good Gift Ideas For Christmas 2021
I love Christmas. It’s called the most wonderful time of the year for a reason. And I hope this love never leaves me.
So, whilst this may feel early to some, what’s the harm in getting ahead of yourself and saving the Amazon Prime panic on December 23rd? We can do better than that.
Here are 10 good things to consider for the ones you love this year, and yes, there is some shameless self-promotion present…
10 Reasons Why Summer Camp Was Perfect
It's been a few days since we said our fond farewells to our final Summer Camp guests, so today we're taking stock of a month of hard work, fun and new friendships.
My Month In The Country
In 1989 Charlie & Caroline Gladstone, SGI co-founders, upped sticks in London and moved to Glen Dye, Kincardineshire to raise their family.
They would go on to quite literally write the book on The Great Outdoors, and have always championed and befriended those who carve a life out for themselves in the countryside.
With a great exodus now taking place in our cities, these are the stories of those who call the countryside their home.
We asked them to speak about their favourite month in the country.
The Benefit Of Walking And Then Standing Still
Charlie is here to talk to us about what he sees as the personal benefits of walking and then standing still.
As a retired (for now) runner and an incredibly active (in mind and body) person, we’re excited to hear Charlie speak on these subjects.
Does Made In Britain Matter?
When we set out to create a new product for our small range, transparency is key. From the traceability of the fabric in our jackets to the wood in our pencils.
And also in terms of the true cost in British manufacturing.
Over a series of interviews with great manufacturers, growers and designers we hope to show you behind the curtain of British making so that you might make more informed decisions when you’re next at the checkout.
Stuff I Love: From Religion to Books to Places
We love those pages in magazines or newspapers where a special guest answers a series of set questions.
They can be intense, silly, personal, insightful… But they’re always a great read and a snappy means to get to know someone in a new light.
So, we’ve made our own!
In Praise of: Pets
For many years (about nine, in fact) we ran a weekly feature titled Pedlars Dog of the Week.
Many of you will probably remember it. It was simple and lots of fun. And frequently it was our most viewed thing that week.
Now we want to open it up. Dogs are welcome, of course, but so are cats, horses, rabbits, hamsters, goldfish, rats, snakes, goats, budgies, hens and anything else that you can -legally- own as a pet.
Charlie Recommends… May 2021
My cultural round up of the last month or two. Some books, records, podcasts and television that has kept me happy. From Hockney to Floating Points, axes to herbs…
My Mentor: A Collection of Personal Essays From People We Know, Love and Respect
Small business, people, friendship, kindness, even love; these are at the root of what we do at Some Good Ideas and My Mentor will investigate the complex relationships between mentors and their mentees.
My Top Independent Food Shops In Britain
I’m thrilled to present you with a list very close to my heart. Some, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting and relishing their beauty. Others, I’ve simply come across on Instagram and imagined myself there, amongst their four walls, adding delicious items to my basket.
My Life In 10 Really Good Objects: Part Two - Late Morning to Early Afternoon
In part two of this series, Charlie Gladstone (a self-proclaimed voracious consumer and enthusiast for things) talks us through the 10 things that make his day better, specifically, the bit around lunchtime.
Things I Know For Certain: Lessons From My Workplace
These are the notes and learnings of real people in great businesses. Some small, some large. We asked each person 13 simple questions. Their answers are honest, enlightening and encouraging.
My Life In 10 Really Good Objects: Part One - Morning
Charlie Gladstone is a voracious consumer, an enthusiast for things. He is someone who loves finding new stuff, who has a passion for wonderful design and a deep interest in provenance. He can’t help myself.
Asparagus: Why We Love It
Asparagus season is here! There’s so much that I love about these alien-like green spears that wind their way up through the soil when the sun shines. At Hawarden, their arrival is a true celebration of spring.
A Day Out to St Cyrus Beach, Stonehaven and Dunnottar Castle
Join Charlie, Caroline and Flash on one of their favourite days out, near Glen Dye, Scotland.
6 Chefs Answer: What’s Your Most Used Kitchen Item?
Discover the kitchen equipment chefs Tom Hunt, Gill Meller, Trine Hahnemann, Chris Roberts, Honey & Co’s Sarit and Itamar and Xanthe Gladstone can’t live with out.