I bought myself a present

  “I bought myself a present.” By the look on my partner’s face I could tell she knew what I ‘d done. It’s an old discussion isn’t it? How do you describe who you’re in a relationship with? We’re not married, so wife doesn’t fit. Some use ‘other half’ but it kinda means you’re not a whole person if you’re by yourself. Actually, that’s kinda true: I’m rubbish by myself. I could use other terms, I guess. Lover, but that seems too French. “Hello Father O’Flaherty, I want you to meet my lover…” Girlfriend seems inappropriate too. We’re in our…

What would go in your Room 101?

Last time I wrote about how much I hate being in pain, and it’s safe to say it’s something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. I recently thought how that has to go into my own Room 101 right? What else would I put in there? Of course, Room 101 in the Orwellian sense, in the book 1984 is the room used by the secret service to intimidate and torture people to conform or give information. It’s a room filled with that prisoner’s worst fears. But, in a perhaps more commonly known sense, in the sense of the BBC…

Festive Party Wear With Great Plains

Now I don’t know about you, But as I approach my 37th Christmas, I’m a bit board of traditional festive party wear. I’ve worn all the little black sparkly, shimmering dresses, and the red spangled tops a girl can muster; I’ve procured more sets of matching bejewelled clutch bags and twinkling shoes than should be legal, and over the years I’ve curated a monstrous collection of faux fur collared coats … Nowadays, I just sort of crave edgier things I suppose. Perhaps this is what happens when people approach their mid-life crisis? Y’know what I mean – as we approach our 40’s we have a tendency…

My La Redoute Black Friday 40% Off Wishlist

Picture tonight’s evening scene if you will – Everyone has had dinner; all homework and reading is done, and the kitchen is tidy(ish). Finally, its time for me to sit down next to the fire with my Chai Latte when it hits me: The email to change the course of anyone’s evening – 40% EVERYTHING at La Redoute. Oh Hell!!! The inevitably quick and excitable shop was promptly followed by this blog, hastily cobbled together for the purposes of public service –  I know most of you will know about this amazing offer, but my concern is that some of…

Baby Got Back

Thinking back, it’s been a shit few months. Actually, that’s not true. By and large everything is great. There’s just one thing that isn’t, and this one thing is overarching, affecting everything and everyone around me. You see, I’m waiting to have surgery, as some part of my old and decrepit spine is pushing on somewhere it shouldn’t, and often my arm or hands become useless. Usually my left. Which is splendid as I’m left-handed. If I don’t have surgery I could become quadriplegic. Actually, that’s also a side-effect of the surgery so it’s safe to say I’ve been bricking it…

Mind The Gap. By January Carmalt

  Guest post: January Carmalt examines how mums can leap back into the workforce with confidence after the school-run sabbatical.   Gap years. What do we think of them? No, no—think less setting sail to artificially inseminate indigenous blue-footed boobies of the Galapagos– more pram-pushing, nappy changing, food pureeing and later– forging ever more inventive means to entertain restless children during rain-soaked school holidays. Cast aside self-indulgent naval gazing and imagine instead those career-sacrificing years spent at Tumble Tots, play dates and bake sales.  Ah yes, those gap years. These past decades women have made pioneering strides combining families with…

The Best Hair Appointment Ever: Hair Filler @ Daniel Hersheson

Yesterday I visited the Daniel Hersheson salon on the 4th floor of Harvey Nichols, and honestly, it was one of the best and most satisfying hairdressing appointments OF MY LIFE. I went in with a technically dodgy haircut, and came out with an entirely re-booted barnet, all thanks to a pioneering ‘Hair filler’ treatment, followed by the most considered hair cut and finish I think I’ve ever experienced …   Allow me to give you a little hair history: Guys, I’ve had a string of awful and unflattering haircuts, and have been left with what felt like virtually no hair what-so-ever; terrible layers (which I…

Easy Smart From Hush Homewear & Topshop

Granny-chic shoes. Your thang? It wasn’t mine … until I walked past these beauts – Now lets look at their credentials, shall we: Animal print? Check. Velvet? Check. Metallic block heel? Check. Khaki representation? Yes check. Guys, these shoes have every ‘on-trend’ detail for this season crammed into one design. Its all here; they are literally ticking all of the trendy little boxes. And for that reason, they came home with me. (Because I am without a shadow of a doubt, the biggest fashion victim ever and If Instagram tells me to wear old lady shoes made from velvety animal print,…

Blue Cheese, Fig and Parma Ham Tear ‘n’ Share Bread

Blue Cheese, Fig, Parma Ham Tear ‘n’ Share Bread This super easy to make, yet mind-blowingly good tear ‘n’ share bread makes a perfect addition to any party buffet, and it’s also just the ticket for a cosy Friday night-in with a good bottle of red wine, some pizza, and your favourite box-set. Now whilst I’ve gone for my favourite fillings of blue cheese, fig and Parma ham, you could use whatever you like. Just ensure to pick one ‘melting’ ingredient. To begin with, just slice up a tiger loaf in criss-cross cuts (cutting only halfway down).   Next, stuff your loaf to the…

FridayStylefinder: The Pinafore Dress and Weekend Picks.

Hello! And a very happy Friday to you all 🙂 Now then. This week I want to share with you one of my wardrobes new firm favourites. As in, Its my favourite, not my actual wardrobes …. although I’m pretty sure that if those shelves and cubbyholes could talk, they would definitely congratulate me on my purchase and throw a party to welcome this little baby in. Check it: I give you – THE PINAFORE! Paired with my current favourite colour combo: Grey and Burgundy (see last fashion post for more on this) And not forgetting the all important shape-streamlining magicality of…