There was a time when a cell phone was a status symbol in itself, but those days are long gone now. So how do you differentiate yourself from the crowd?

Well try to think of it like any other accessory, your Rolex watch or Mont Blanc pen. What you need is a brand that speaks quality and exclusivity and when it comes to mobile phones there’s only one such brand, Vertu.

Vertu phones unique design is instantly recognisable and the quality is second to none. Each Vertu phone is hand made in England from the finest available materials like gold and sapphire for the screen and ruby’s for the hinges.

But you get something else too. On the side of every phone there’s a little button called the “Concierge key” this mini butler gives you access to many top restaurants which you would otherwise have to wait months for a table. Even if you find yourself unable to locate a room in Las Vegas on a busy convention weekend or need a last minute flight home for Thanksgiving, Vertu Concierge can help.

Each new Vertu phone comes with this service free for the fist year, after which you’ll have to pay a small subscription charge. But once you’ve tried it out for yourself there’ll be no going back.

This level of exclusivity comes at a price though, you’ll need to find $5000 for the entry level constellation model and you can spend up to $88000 for a diamond encrusted version. But hey quality doesn’t come cheap.

Your kitchen is probably the most used room in your home; it’s also probably one of the most expensive to fit out. But the trouble with a lot of modern kitchens is they lack certain individuality. 

Well here’s a great way to add some much needed personality to your kitchen. Why not add some beautifully crafted Spanish pottery. Available in some amazing bright and dazzling colours, a nice collection of tapas plate on the wall creates a wonderful focal point.

You could also treat yourself to a Sangria Pitcher, of course you don’t have to use it for Sangria, you can use it for anything, they make great water or milk jugs, but they too are available in those beautifully vibrant Spanish colours.

 And if you’re a lover of Spanish or Mexican food there’s no better way to serve Tapas or Salsas than on Spanish Pottery, they were after all made for the job. 

So go on brighten up your Kitchen with the vibrant colours of Spain with some stunning Spanish Pottery.

Why should your pets have to make do, there seems to be a distinct lack of originality when it comes to accessorizing your cat or dog. Yes you can buy those funky jackets and sweaters to keep them warm in the winter. But what about their pet beds and food bowls. Well don’t worry I’ve found just the thing.

Your dog will think he’s won the lottery when you see what I’ve got in store for him. Why shouldn’t your pet live like royalty, you love him like the rest of your family don’t you.

All cats and dogs love their beds, so why not treat them to a glorious regency style bed frame with a pillow to match. Raised a little off the floor like any good bed should, this wonderful design is sure to grace any traditional interior, not that your dog will notice, he will notice the lovely soft warm pillow though.

And if you really want to spoil him you can even get a food bowl stand to match. Your pets will soon be the envy of the neighbourhood, and they’ll love you even more than before.

If diamonds are a girl’s best friend then shoes must come a close second. And there’s no finer pair of shoes than Jimmy Choo’s.

His mix of eclectic design and classic shapes has defined a whole generation of shoe design. Shoes were so boring and staid before Jimmy Choo arrived. 

Started from a tiny workshop in London’s East End in 1986 with money he saved from working in restaurants and as a cleaner, he started to turn out his beautifully crafted designs. 

Just two years later his shoes were featured on a record eight pages in Vogue magazine. Patronage from Princess Diana soon followed and the rest as they say is history.

They of course don’t come cheap, great design never does, you’ll need to spend over a $1000 to get a pair, but get a pair you must. NO self respecting girl’s wardrobe is complete without a pair of Jimmy Choo’s

If I said to you what’s the most romantic city in the world? Paris would surely be top of the list and Venice would be there too, but there’s one city that should also be on your list, Florence.

Often overlooked by those looking for a romantic weekend, Florence is without a doubt one of the most romantic and fascinating cities on earth.

Set in the beautiful rolling hills of Tuscany, Florence is the home of Renaissance. There is quite simply some of the most beautiful medieval and renaissance architecture seen anywhere in the world, along with some of the finest hotels and restaurants.

Take a tour around the historic centre; declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1982. The glorious facade of the Cathedral “il Duomo” will take your breath away, it’s quite unlike anything you’ll find in America or Europe for that matter.

If you like history and art then you’re going to be spoilt for choice in Florence, the place is simply dripping with art treasures and every building tells a story.

You can’t visit Florence without crossing the Ponte Vecchio meaning “little bridge”. This medieval bridge crosses the Arno River, but it’s unlike any other bridge in that it’s lined with glorious little jewellery and art shops. Once most major bridges in Europe were constructed this way, but Ponte Vecchio is one of the last remaining.

If foods your thing, then I have to recommend Enoteca Pinchiorri, this 3 star Michelin restaurant is one of the top five restaurants in the world. The food and the surroundings are quite simply exceptional, but beware its very expensive and you’d better book before you leave because it gets very busy.

Now I could go on listing the places to visit in Florence, but I could literally write a book on it. The best thing to do is go there and experience this wonderful and exciting city yourself. It’s quite simply one of the greatest cities in the world.

Oh what to buy the man in your life? You bought him a new robe last year and just how many golf balls does a man need. You need to find him something truly unique and I’ve got just the thing.

All men love a chimney, trust me they do. So what better way to liven up this rather boring architectural feature than a top quality copper weathervane?

They’re available in many different designs from golf to aircraft, so you’re sure to find one that suits his interests.  

A good quality weather vane is an excellent accessory for any home; it doesn’t matter if you live in a traditional colonial style house or a converted barn they’re sure to add a touch of class to your chimney.

So forget about socks and ties and robes, get him something truly unique, something that you both can enjoy and buy him a beautiful copper weathervane.

The trouble with buying gifts for babies is, everyone buys the same kind of thing. Leggings, romper suits, rattles and vests are all very well, but that’s what everyone else buys. So what do you buy if you want to be different?

Well what about a nice lamb’s wool rug designed especially for babies. Truly unique and original, no one else will buy one. But they are much more fun and highly practical. What baby wouldn’t want to roll around on nice soft colourful lamb’s wool rug?

They’re available in a number of great colourful designs from footballs to rainbows, from ABC to 123. There’s bound to be one to suit.

Or perhaps for that special treat what about a sheepskin stroller fleece, perfect for the baby about town. Lovely and warm, perfect for snuggling down on those cold winter mornings.

So don’t settle for the same as everyone else, be different and buy a gift that’s sure to be a hit with both mother and baby.