Another year has gone by so quickly! I suppose it's a good thing as it means things are fast paced, and busy!

You probably won't have seen me on TV too much this year, but sadly that doesn't mean I've been sitting around with my feet up, waiting for the phone to ring.

I'm happy to say that my mail order business, Really Linda Barker (RLB), which launched almost three years ago, is going from strength to strength and I have been kept busy buying and designing new products for it. I can't wait for you to see the new accessories,

I think we've sourced some incredibly beautiful items, and there's even a chance for you to buy some of the products in this issue.

I still come across people who think that my mail order business must be something I just put my name to, or is run as part of a huge conglomerate, but I can assure you that it really is a family-run affair. My husband is the MD, and a dear friend of ours, Keith, is operations manager. Apart from Kim in PR, that's it! Not exactly a cast of thousands, which probably goes a long way to explaining where this year has gone! Of course we have a telephone call centre and a warehouse full of product, but it's still the same 'family business' that I always wanted.

This autumn will see our first appearance on the high street. By the end of September 2006 we will be opening a debut concession in Jarrolds, the most famous department store in Norwich. I cant' wait.

No one actually believes me when I tell them I want to be on the shop floor, but I'll be more than happy to prove them wrong.

My other increasing love is product design, and I'm happy to say it remains an important part of my everyday working routine. Bedlinen, wallpaper, china, glassware, kitchen accessories, mirrors, home fragrances and, of course, my range of designer furniture for DFS means there never seems to be time for a sneaky cappuccino in the office, and if everything goes to plan by this time next year I should also be involved in a new interior design business too. But more of that in the next issue!

I hope this magazine helps you find time for your cappuccino moment, and I hope it puts you in the mood for few design changes around your home once that cup is empty!