Lynn O’Rourke: Baby toy clear-out

IN my ongoing battle to clear the clutter at home, I undertake a covert mission to remove the old baby toys from our attic.

Lynne O'Rourke. Picture: TSPL

It’s tricky, because I need a bit of daylight to see what I’m doing, but daylight generally means kids are around to pounce on old toys. I get most of the stuff out during extended viewing of Tiny Pop before youngest appears, “What are you doing with that Mummy?”

“Er...”

“Is it a present for me?”

“Emm...”

“Yay, a present! I LOVE that car game!”

I suggest that if she wants it she has to get rid of something else. Hands on hips she surveys her room, “Well....” she ponders, before hesitantly pointing to a packed shelf, “I don’t think I need those sunglasses just now...”

Not quite what I had in mind.

This week we take a look at a Perthshire home that was taken back to the bare walls and transformed into a fantastic family space on page 4. Take contemporary inspiration from a converted steading in Lesmahagow on page 8. And on page 12, the creative florists behind Pyrus have some fabulous tips on foraging and styling your home for Christmas.

This is the last atHome this year. The next issue will be January 5, 2014, so we would like to wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year when it comes.