Lovely Things

Brass dragonfly lights

These dragonfly lights are just so pretty! Perfect for outdoor entertaining, they're made of brass and are extra-safe low-voltage so you can string them through trees or around a patio. Length is 15 metres and they're on sale now at Debenhams at £14 (were £20). The only bugs you'll want at your barbecue.

John Lewis clearance sale

The John Lewis clearance sale also starts today with some great bargains on a large range of products. Here's a few of my top picks:

The Ella Doran Oriental Blossom collection is a brightly coloured, dishwasher-safe melamine range perfect for outdoor dining this summer. We've featured Ella's products here before and I love her Asian-inspired patterns. The square bowl shown here is just £3, down from £4.50 and the rest of the range starts at just £2, going up to £6 for the large square plate.

For funky storage, check out the Totem range of brushed stainless steel with coloured lids. Called Totem because of its easy stackability, there's 200ml, 500ml and 1 litre sizes in the collection. Shown here is the 200ml size with a green transparent lid. Was £9, now half price at £4.50.

This Zen bedspread faux suede, silk-edged bedspread in mineral is now £90 for the double, down from £150, and the kingsize is £100, down from £175. Be quick, at the time of publishing there's only a few left.

Designer's Guild sale

The Designer's Guild sale starts today and they're offering up to 75% off selected bedlinen and throws in their UK online store and a range of products in their King's Road store in London.

Online the best discounts are in the blankets and throws department where you can find items like this dubar peony throw for 23% off at £104.58, down from £135, and the lamorran lime throw for a whopping 62% off, bringing it to £18.80 from £49.

In-store there's particular bargains to be had on fabric and wallpaper with all sale wallpaper at just £2 per roll.

The sale runs until 16th July.

Cheap & (shabby) chic mantel clocks

While their site is a little lacking in information (and style), there are some great bargains to be found at  Synergy Styles furniture. Like these two shabby chic clocks for the mantelpiece. The clock with the lead finish is only £15, and the white painted clock, just a tenner! Also check out Synergy's clearance sale of ex-display furniture where you can snap up leather dining chairs that were £199, for just £45 each, among other things.

Period Features discount

Period Features is a fab store in Leek offering decorating products and accessories for the period home. Their online shop is currently offering 10% off all purchases until the end of June. Just enter "10% Summer Discount" in the comments box when making a purchase and they'll deduct it from your total (though it won't show on the page).

As well as the discount, they have a competition running until the end of July to win a copy of the Victorian House Book that retails at £30. Visit the Period Features competition page for more details.

Shabby chic at ebay

There's lots of lovely shabby chic items at ebay both originals and reproductions, here's a few top picks:

ORNATE Cream Ivory Framed Mirror Large 5 FT

Lovely Shabby Chic Glazed cabinet with drawers/toile

FRENCH SHABBY WHITE CHIC CAST IRON BIRD BATH & FEEDER

Large Victorian Painted Pine 'Shabby Chic' Cupboard

~Shabby Chic~ Vintage French style mirror

Shabby Chic chair white painted red gingham

CUTE LITTLE SHABBY CHIC 19th CENTURY PINE DOME TOP BOX

Ruby-coloured bargain quilt

When the weather starts to warm up, the last thing you want is a heavy duvet to sleep under and usually make do with just a sheet. The problem I have is that during the night, I end up getting cold when the air cools, but the duvet is still too hot.

Enter the quilt. I've always been a fan of the taffeta bedspread. Not only do they usually come in gorgeous jewel colours, but they're very lightweight and perfect for summer. You can pay a lot for a quilt in satin or silk, but with a taffeta mix, bargains can be found like this ruby-coloured double bedspread from Argos at just £39.99 including two pillow shams.

Free insideout magazine

Visit iSubscribe to receive a free issue of insideout magazine, the new monthly homes mag from the Sunday Times. You'll also go into the draw to win one of ten subscriptions.

Issue 4 of insideout is out now and each month covers interiors trends, decorating, gardening, home improvement, making your home greener, plus inspirational homes and how you can get the look.

The cover price is £3.20, or you can subscribe at iSubscribe or directly through the insideout site. Both sites offer a 12 month subscription at the discounted price of £26.88, but the insideout site also offers a free gift to subscribers - this month it's a Korres gift set including shampoos and shower gels.

Special offer: steamer garden loungers

Fancy lounging around in the sun? There's something about steamer chairs that means you can lay back and imagine you're on an elegant cruise ship.

Argos is offering a great deal on their Steamer Relaxer garden loungers. The steamer chairs come with a cushion and are £69.99 each, but buy two and you'll pay only £99.99, a saving of thirty quid. Meaning you'll have plenty left over for sun lotion and daquiris.

Steel frame from Ikea

If you're anything like me you have loads of inexpensive art prints stored away awaiting framing. I get very enthusiastic about putting art up on my walls, and forget how expensive frames can be, leaving fabulous pictures languishing in a cupboard.

Enter the Metall Dynas laquered stainless steel frame from Ikea.  At only £29.90, it's a great price for a frame that holds a picture of 50 x 50cms, and it's handmade.