A Coffee with Toddy

I get totally absorbed when I am conjuring up schemes, I forget the outside world and time stops

Toddy Fleming – Fiona Fleming Interiors

With her impeccable taste in colour and textural combinations, Toddy is an interior designer who is passionate about creating functional yet stunningly beautiful interiors. Based in Northumberland but working on projects for clients all over the UK, Toddy invited us into her beautiful home to talk all things interiors (and mummy-life!). Bringing her love of family life and her experience of working in houses of all sizes and styles, Toddy’s projects are always completed with immaculate attention to detail. Her love of interiors began at an early age when she created a mural on her bedroom wall inspired by leaves found in the garden. From this point onwards, Toddy has always wanted to create rooms that will be timeless and inspirational.

“WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST EXCITING ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE?”

I think I would have to say changing careers whilst having three children, navigating covid and feeling like it has been a success. I really enjoy my work and I have been so lucky to have been kept busy with lovely clients who recommend me to others!

“WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AS AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?”

Without doubt the creative process.  I get totally absorbed when I am conjuring up schemes, I forget the outside world and time stops. I was a physiotherapist for 10 years and my work could not be more different now. I always thought I would miss working with other people on an intense day to day basis but with a busy family life and the pressures that go with that I would almost say that it’s a form of mindfulness! Then when everything comes together and the client is happy there is definitely a good buzz from it all!

“WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT ON AN INTERIORS PROJECT?”

Right at the start, when you are about to be bogged down with plans, endless decisions and finding hidden problems buy something you really really love for the house. If you wait until the end, you won’t be able to justify the expense! Try not to be led by trends, Instagram is great for inspiration but what looks good on a little square might not adapt to real life so well. 

“WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT WORKING WITH COTTON & COMPANY?”

I have so enjoyed meeting and working with Sophie and Tracy, they are part of a very caring, family run, hugely talented team. Sophie and I have had great fun designing some bed linen for a client of mine who has put her trust in us completely. It has been a very smooth process and gaining a friend along the way is a great bonus! 

“WHAT ARE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF OUR NEW BARE TOWELS?”

The towels are beautiful. Really excellent quality as you would expect and they look really cool in a bathroom – not just a mundane essential. I would love to swap all of mine for them at home! 

Ultimate Mug Cake Recipe

Chocolate Heaven

This is a no egg recipe!

Extremely delicious, warming and very quick, we have the perfect recipe for you.  Our ultimate mug cake recipe is moist and moreish, using one of Cotton and Company’s beautiful bone china mugs. The best excuse for a super speedy breakfast in bed with a twist!

PLEASE BE CAREFUL WHEN REMOVING THE COOKED CAKE FROM THE MICROWAVE AS IT WILL BE EXTREMELY HOT

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 tablespoons  plain flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (if you have a really, really sweet tooth, you can add a little more sugar)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 tablespoons  of milk
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon of chocolate hazelnut spread or mini chocolate chips (or just grated chocolate, or peanut butter etc.)

METHOD

  • In a bowl whisk dry ingredients together. 
  • Add milk and vegetable oil and whisk until no lumps
  • Pour mixture into a mug (you need a couple of inches space at the top for the cake to rise – we recommend our fine bone china mugs which are dishwasher and microwave safe – as well as being the perfect size)  
  • Drop chocolate hazelnut spread (or whatever you choose) to the middle of the mug
  • Place some kitchen role in the microwave to catch any overspill and place the mug on top
  • Microwave on High for 70 seconds (Please see note in red above)

NOTE: We used an 800 Watt microwave on full power for 70 seconds. You may need to adjust your cooking time to suit your microwave.