Monica Horridge

1 month ago | theguardian.com | Monica Horridge

The year always seems to pick up pace in spring, with the big house and garden tidy-up becoming all-consuming. The early spring sunshine has been wonderful (for those of us lucky enough to have seen some), though it does accelerate the pressure to ready your garden for the summer ahead. The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more.

2 months ago | theguardian.com | Monica Horridge

Never has the term “fool’s spring” been more fitting. When the sun came out early in the month, many of us began to prepare for the summer that felt just around the corner. Hundreds of you, like me, bought the most genius overnight bag for the weekends away that were surely about to happen, and the perfect nail colour for the new season. The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more.

2 months ago | theguardian.com | Monica Horridge

When we asked new mums about the best gifts they’d received, there was one answer we heard over and over again: FOOD. Taking care of dinner in those first topsy-turvy weeks and months with a newborn will always go down well – as will any emergency breastfeeding snacks. The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more.

2 months ago | theguardian.com | Anita Bhagwandas |Lily Smith |Ellie Bramley |Hannah Booth |Monica Horridge

Whether you’re 16 or 60, shopping for your own mum or someone else’s, Mother’s Day gifts needn’t be formulaic. In fact, we’d argue that they should be thoughtful, fun or useful (but possibly not too useful), or provide a moment of escape. There’s no worse gift than one bought out of obligation, unconsidered and, therefore, underused. We hope this carefully curated guide of 68 presents will spark some ideas for the mothers in your life.