Wedding bliss

This past weekend my other brother got hitched to his lovely lady Frankie on Hayling Island. What a fun day! As keen sailors they had a nautical themed wedding, with the ceremony at The Langstone Hotel then ending against a background of a beautiful sunset over the island at the Yacht club. Congratulations to the newly-weds, I wish much happiness to you both!

(Also - If you are ever in the area and wish to find a lovely and personal place to stay, check out our B&B for the weekend, Waratah Lodge, run by a friendly and fun couple)

Pics - Nicki grainger

Mood Boards

I have recently come across lots of articles, books and blogs mentioning mood boards, or 'inspiration boards'. They are a good way of collecting images you like, whether its fashion, fabrics, places, food, animals or people. They also help you project what you want in life and how you hope they will appear or what makes you happy, putting a positive spin on your aspirations and inner desires.

As someone who religiously tears up old magazines and saves bits n' pieces I set about making a couple myself, and put them somewhere I can see them everyday. They are very inspirational and I recommend making one!

(P.S If cork pin boards bore you, try this new gold framed memo-board from paperchase as seen here!)

A Rose by any other name

I love roses. Pink, red, yellow, I don't care - I love them! I often buy myself roses (who says you have to wait for a man to buy them for you?!) and any doodle of mine usually contains them. They make me smile whenever I see them, or smell them, so I intend on filling my life with them!

These pics are a few of the recent flowers to grace my living room! Other things to feed my rose habit are;

* Pretty Rose dressing gown from Oasis

* Disney Couture Rose necklace

* Delicious Valentino 'Rock & Rose' Parfum

* Relaxing Rose Tea - don't knock it 'til you try it!

Center Parcs Weekend

Last weekend I attended the Hen weekend of soon to be sister Frankie, at the glorious Center Parcs, the Longleat location. Great time had by all, inlcuding a treasure hunt, plunge pool & Rapids, crazy golf and Spanish Tapas...(and lots and lots of wine!)

Being my first time ever at a center parcs, would love to go again, is great for groups, families and couples who enjoy activity and nature. Next week Frankie marries my bro.....woop woop!

A FABULOUS Find

I came across designer Meghan Fabulous whilst drooling over this gorgeous silk tunic dress on ASOS and delved deeper when I Visited her Website.

My absolute fave is from the Couture section, This 'Marie Antoinette' floor length gown, only $1,600.00?! (I'm allowed to dream).It has a crystal bodice with butterfly pendant in the centre and jewelled straps, I adore it!

Other faves include:

Salmon coloured beaded 'Gwen' top and the 'Joanna Vest' silk tailored waistcoat

2 of my favourite things

Following on the subject of tea, my recent trip to Paris led me to the incredible food halls where I discovered this gem....my two favourite flavours combined...a 52% dark Dolfin chocolate bar with just a hint of earl grey tea!

The result? a yummy and fragrant, bitter-sweet medley. You can order it from The Chocolate Trading Co - who have a whole host of choc-inspired christmas ideas, and offer many other flavoured bars including ginger, Masala, chili pepper, hazlenut, pistachio and fruit.Go on - indulge!

Time for Tea

Last weekend brought best buds birthday and a trip to The Mandeville Hotel in London (W1U 2BE). The hotel offers a delightful Fashion Afternoon Tea set in the girliest of decor, perfect for a birthday treat! The menu offers a delicious selection of homemade scones, deep filled sandwiches, pink meringues and designer cupcakes, beautifully presented on Royal Doulton china designed by Zandra Rhodes and accompanied by an extensive choice of teas or champagnes (from a very reasonable £22.50).

And for the gents? Men's Afternoon Tea is available (the only Afternoon Tea for men in London) and promises to be a 'relaxing and masculine affair'. Offering a range of fine whiskies, tea and champagne, tea for the boys is available with a selection of games - such as backgammon, and a feast of roast sirloin sandwiches, chicken satays and hearty chocolate brownies, all served on Tiffany blue china. Everyones a winner!