Author Archives: fortewinks

About fortewinks

A secretary at 19 and self employed at 26, Giovanna has become a British healthcare entrepreneur. She is also a bon vivant and mother of two clever and accomplished daughters. Youngest-of-All is a talented Patisserie Chef living and working in Melbourne Australia (if you are there, visit All Are Welcome in Northcote). FirstBorn is a, adventuresse, published author and documentary journalist who lives wherever her mood or investigations require. Happily she is currently in the UK.

Landlords, tenants and an uneven playing field.

Posted on October 22, 2018

“Remember, tenants should be aware that at any time, in the periodical phase of their tenancy, they can be evicted by landlords – tenants should bear this in mind when standing up for their rights.”  This telling phrase appears in … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Consumer rights, Design and architecture, Family, Home, Landlords, Life and romance, London, property, Property agents, Property rental, Tenant rights, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Moving house, Spandangled, Spain … and the joy of magic pants.

Posted on September 18, 2018

Fortewinks’ May post was delivered with little insight as to the Very Difficult Time that was unfolding. Because every now and then the outcome of precipitous events does not become clear until later: this was such an episode. Shortly after … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Design and architecture, Entertaining, Family, Food and wine, Friends, holiday, Home, Life and romance, London, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Hello to half a century (and then some).

Posted on May 7, 2018

Fifty-five is not an insubstantial age but not as old as I hope to be one day – assuming I will remain in fine fettle of course. This year’s birthday celebrations extended to before and beyond the day itself and … Continue reading →

Posted in Entertaining, Family, Food and wine, Friends, Health, holiday, Home, Life and romance, London, Motherhood, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Highs and lows: London by scooter

Posted on March 18, 2018

Look up and see spires, finials and pinnacles that make up London’s skyline. Look down, and you will find grit and glory, the hurried and harried steps of strangers, pigeons, dogs, grilles and gutters. Both above and below: all of … Continue reading →

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Magic Hands: the marvel of massage

Posted on February 2, 2018

Hurly burly: life is busy. Rest and relaxation can be hard to come by as one’s mind keeps the plates of work, domestics, love and wellbeing spinning. Meanwhile, against the odds, somehow the body keeps going. Under the skin, below … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Saying the unsayable: high five to self.

Posted on December 31, 2017

22 December 2017: from Ex-Boyfriend and minor shareholder, by e-mail Dear Friends, Romans, Countrymen, ex boyfriends, boyfriends who have inherited cash recently, and any of their poor unsuspecting mates, please lend me your ears. We, ahem, haven’t actually flogged anything … Continue reading →

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Brighton: a weekend away with the Boss

Posted on November 19, 2017

He proposed the idea with such excitement and enthusiasm that I felt guilty saying no. It just didn’t feel right, didn’t strike the right chord. No brought dismay and disappointment to his face and for several days he tried to … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Entertaining, Family, Friends, holiday, Life and romance, London, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment