Interiors sale left me feeling in the pink

I’m fed up with Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. I have “heard” enough of those two. Why on earth their court case is so fascinating for everyone, I have no idea.

I don’t want to hear about Rebekah Vardy and Coleen Rooney either. And as for the Kardashians, one of whom has apparently got married this week... Enough already!

Why do we care in these hard times about these vacuous celebrities flaunting their wealth? Maybe I’m just getting grumpy in my old age, but I have a feeling a lot of you are fed up with them too.

Then, of course, Partygate has reared its head again now that Sue Gray’s report is out.

We are all fed up hearing about that, but that’s probably what Boris Johnson wants. He will be hoping we are so fed up hearing about it that the story will disappear again, but now there is photographic evidence of parties – which he categorically said didn’t happen – it’s hard to deny.

This story seems to be running for as long as a series of The Kardashians and it’s even more unbelievable.

I did, however, read one article recently which was interesting. Andy Cooke, the new chief inspector of constabulary, has said that officers should use their discretion when dealing with people who have stolen in order to eat. I personally agree with that wholeheartedly.

We hear of people who make sure their children are fed but go without food themselves, or who are struggling to choose between heating and eating. If an officer can see that someone is desperate and steals a loaf of bread, surely they can be given a warning and not treated like a criminal stealing a mobile phone. Of course, you can’t just say it’s fine to steal if you are hungry. The key word that Andy Cooke used was discretion.

It’s a bit like the “jobsworth” traffic wardens who sit waiting for you to return to your car so they can fine you if you are one minute late.

Treating each individual case with compassion is all that is necessary and I’m glad Mr Cooke has made that suggestion.

I’m sure if any of us saw someone who was obviously struggling to pay for necessities, we would help pay their shopping. There but for the grace of God go all of us.

Those of us who never have to struggle to eat just don’t really understand how that must feel.

In other news, I had so much fun the other day. My favourite home and interiors shop had a warehouse sale.

Warehouse sales are popular in America, where shops get rid of excess stock for low prices. I’d never heard of one here and was so excited for a rummage.

I absolutely love interior design, although I would say our house is a bit eclectic rather than designed.

Like most people, we have a combination of furniture from every house we have lived in and bits and pieces from family and a few new things. I’ve gone through many changes in taste over the years. At one stage I was obsessed with Laura Ashley and I’ve only recently managed to get rid of the last trace of that.

Then there was the pink stage where everything was pink, even the kitchen table. I still have pink sofas, but more subtle now.

Anyway, what a wonderful time I had at the sale, picking up little bargains.

I’ve seen interior designers on TV saying that you can cheaply transform a room by buying new throws or cushions.

It’s true. Without the huge expense of new sofas. I totally spruced up the lounge with a new rug, chucking out the existing cushions and draping throws in strategic positions.

My best bargain was a new dressing table, as mine has been in need of replacing for a very long time.

The only problem was that I had to put it in my convertible with the roof down and drive two hours home. Thankfully it didn’t rain and I got home safely.

I did get a few funny looks, and somehow lorry drivers always beep their horn if you have blonde hair and drive a sports car – and they get even more vocal if you have a table sticking out of the back seat!

I’m a true canny Scot of course. I wasn’t going to get a big bargain and then spend the savings having it delivered if I could bring it home myself, despite the beeping of horns.

Have a good week,