Guest Post: Tips for Having an Alfresco Wedding

The traditional wedding may well take place in a church or other similarly swanky venue but there’s a lot to be said be doing something a little different. One way of thinking outside the box when it comes to a wedding is to have it outside. Obviously the British weather puts pay to most alfresco plans but even if the weather isn’t the best, you can still hold at least some of the wedding outside.

Here are a few tips on how to have an outdoor wedding…

Have it in summer
Let’s get the most obvious thing out of the way first. If you want the nicer weather, hold your wedding in the summer. A wedding on a sunny winter’s day can still be very nice, but by holding it on summer there’s less chance of it being a wash out or catching hypothermia.

Have a marquee
This is essentially the contingency plan in case the weather isn’t as nice as you hoped. You can hold as much or as little of the wedding in the marquee, including the ceremony, reception and night do, and it still provides the light and airy feel of being outside.

Provide accessories for people
If you’re going to be holding the wedding outside then make sure you provide people with everything they need to protect themselves against the weather. If it’s a hot day then have a box of sunglasses for people to take, whilst if it’s cold or rainy then provide umbrellas and maybe a shawl for the ladies. Flip flops are also a good thing to provide for the ladies so they don’t have to dance in their high heels. You don’t have to spend a fortune here; it’s just a nice token gesture.

Have an outdoor dancefloor
If you’ve got the nice weather then this could be one of the big things people remember the most from your wedding. Having people dance outside on the grass as the sun starts to set would be a really memorable end to your wedding. Again, you may want to have a backup plan in case the weather isn’t the best, so ensure the venue still has space for you to hold it inside too.

Heating and lighting
Even if you have a nice, warm summer’s evening, you might still need to consider heating and lighting. Sunlight will eventually begin to fade and that likely means a drop in the temperature too. Some outdoor lighting will not only provide a little extra light but it will also look fantastic and make the whole area look more attractive. Lights4Fun have some great outdoor lighting for summer, whilst Homebase has all sorts of heating options such as patio heaters and chimineas.

What to eat
If you’re holding the reception in a marquee then you can have a more traditional style with tables and chairs. However, if you’re holding it outside in the open then why not try do away with all that? A BBQ would be a fantastic idea and something a little different compared to the normal sit down meal. If it’s a hot day then you could provide the guests with treats such as ice lollies too.

Travel: Paris Day One

It's been well over a week since I jetted off to Paris and I still haven't shared my trip with you. I took so many photos that it was hard to choose just a select few to put on my blog and show you all, I couldn't even choose which ones to share on Facebook!

We arrived in Paris just after 9am on Friday morning so we had plenty of time to explore the city. The first place we went was Breakfast In America which is an American Diner that I visited last year. We had a spot of brunch to fuel us for the rest of the day and then off we went. We chose to go up the Arc de Triomphe as it's one of the things I didn't get to do last year. I'd also heard that the views are incredible and I was definitely not disappointed. It didn't take us long to queue and we got in for free when we showed our EU passports and proved that we are under 25, many places over the city offer this. There were 284 steps up a spiral staircase to  get up to the top but it was definitely worth it. The Arc de Triomphe offers a spectacular view of the Eiffel  Tower, Sacre Coeur and of course the Champs Elysees which we walked down afterwards. 

After a walk down Champs Elysees and a browse of some of the shops, we then walked along the River Seine and came across one of the two love lock bridges, Pont Des Arts and also a newlywed couple who were having their photos taken on one of the bridges - how romantic! 

We then headed back to the hostel we were staying at to get checked in before having some food at a lovely little French bistro opposite Gard du Nord station, called Paris Nord Cafe. I had an open sandwich with ham, emmantal and goats cheese which was amazing! There's nothing like proper French food.

Guest Post: Tips on keeping your home safe while you're on holiday

There can be little worse than returning from a relaxing holiday to find out that you have been burgled, and the sad fact that so many people find themselves in this position every year means that changes have to be made.

If you are planning a getaway this year and don't want to leave your house and valuables at risk then follow this 10 step guide.

1. Doors and windows - It might sound silly but making sure that all of your doors and windows are properly locked is a must, if you have the option to apply a deadlock then these must be used and never leave a window on ‘vent’ these can offer the opportune thief a way to force their way in.

2. Remove the spare key - Never hide a key under the doormat or behind a plant pot, one a burglar realises that you aren’t at home, the porch is likely to be the first place that they check.

3. Voicemail - Never leave a voicemail on your home phone to say that you are away, it just gives up the information that a burglar requires.

4. Don’t shout about it - Ok, so you’re excited about going away but talking about it in the street, at work or on a social network is a sure fire way for you to give out unwanted information, any you never know who is looking or listening.

5. Buy an alarm - Installing an alarm or camera,  like the ones available from Big Brother Systems is arguably the best way to protect your home and with the developments in technology it is now possible to stream the images in high definition, straight to your tablet or smartphone.

6. Warn a neighbour - Letting a neighbour who you trust to keep an eye on your property is a good safety practice, but make sure you alert them of the alarm code or provide them with a key.

7. Make your home appear lived in - If you have bins to go out make sure a friend or relative can do this, if it looks like you are doing your usual jobs then you may fool a potential burglar.

8. Cancel the milk and papers - Not only will these two things cost you money, a selection of unused milk bottles and unread papers will alert passers by that you aren’t around, cancel or delay these services.

9. Use electrical timers - Simple electrical timers which can be preset to turn the lights on and off in your house can be a good way to make it appear as if you are around.

10. Airport parking - If you plan to jet away and leave your car at the airport make sure that any sat nav devices are out of site, the opportunist might not only take this expensive electronic device, but programming it to your unoccupied home could cause more problems. 

Wishlist: Disney Couture

Winnie The Pooh bracelet - Magic castle ring - 'Believing is just the beginning' locket - Believe necklace - Believe ring - Winnie The Pooh ring

Disney Couture are a brand that I heard of a long time ago, however I've never owned any of their pieces. I've always thought they were quite cute but hadn't really had a proper look at the collection until I saw a couple of blog posts on them by Amy and Bel recently. Since then, I've managed to create a massive wishlist of Disney Couture pieces that I need want. It doesn't help that I'm on a bit of a Disney high after going to Disneyland last Saturday!

 I've always been a Disney fan but my absolute favourite character is Winnie The Pooh, ever since my nan and grandad bought me a Winnie The Pooh teddy for my first Easter so the bangle is the piece I want the most. I might have to treat myself next time I reach one of my goals! The Winnie The Pooh ring comes a close second, however I don't think it would fit my slim fingers.

Are you a fan of Disney Couture? Do you own any of their pieces?

Outfit: I want money, power and glory

Skirt: H&M

Shirt: New Look, similar here

Jacket*: Tesco

Shoes: Dr Martens, available here

I actually took these photos last month and then didn't get around to posting them - my hair isn't even that colour anymore! I couldn't let them go to waste though as I love this outfit. I don't wear the skirt very often but I should, it's such a gorgeous colour. I picked it up last year in Bangor with the excuse that I was going to wear it in Paris. It's a great skirt for the autumn/winter but yellow is also really on trend right now so I can still get away with it, maybe without tights though. It's too hot at the moment!

Sorry about the quality of the first image, it somehow got messed up when I was uploading it.

Guest post: Top tips on making your office more fun

image source

Working in a bland office environment can often leave you feeling downtrodden and unmotivated, particularly when you are spending a large chunk of your day sat behind the same desk. Making quirky alterations to your working environment will not only help to lift your spirits, but can help fuel creative ideas, increase productivity and give your motivation a little boost. Whether you’re working from home or in the office, injecting some fun into your day can effectively change your mindset  to help you feel comfortable, positive and inspired.

Creative furniture

Instead of drab desks and plain chairs, why not opt for stylish, funky designs, such as those offered by Calibre Furniture. Modern, innovative furniture, such as glass tables and playful patterned chairs can instill a sense of excitement and help nourish a creative atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to encourage collaboration across a workforce or convert your home desk into your own unique sanctuary, with a little out of the box thinking, your can effectively transform a humdrum office workspace into an uplifting hub of creativity.

A home-from-home

Customising your desk with personal items and trinkets can provide a welcome distraction and help contain your stress levels when the daily grind gets you down. Pictures of family, recent holidays, personalised mugs and inspirational quotes can all act as effective mood boosters that will enable you to have mini escapes throughout the day. Infusing personality into your workspace can instill a sense of intimacy and make you feel less like you are at work, and more like home. 

Decorative items

Colour can naturally enhance your mood, and filling your desk or cubicle walls with colourful artwork, or even a vibrant desktop background will help you remain in good spirits throughout the day. Bringing nature indoors with plants and flowers can have calming effects whilst adding a splash of colour to a dull desk. Scattering your desk with decorative mood-boosters can help you bounce back from stressful work demands and help keep you relaxed. 

Keeping it fresh

By constantly changing your equipment, gadgets and stationery, you will be able to maintain interest and stop yourself from feeling uninspired. Having a box of snacks and treats that you change every couple of weeks is a fun way to break up the day and reward yourself after completing a particularly demanding task. Constantly changing your desktop accessories can help you avoid feeling despondent with your working area and enhance your motivation.  

Funky accessories

To enjoy yourself at work and feel happy, it is important to balance work with recreation. Small interactive objects, such as a rubix cubes, puzzles or even a stress ball can provide you with little diversions throughout the day to help keep the boredom at bay. As long as your games don’t distract you too much from your tasks, making quirky adjustments to your desk with funky stationery and novelty desk tidies can brighten up dull, drab workstations and make your day that little bit more cheerful.

Festival essentials in association with Click Fragrance

YSL Touche Eclat - Urban Decay eyeliner - Nars Lipstick - Piz Buin facial SPF - Fake Bake self tan

So, hands up, who's lucky enough to be going to Glastonbury today? If you are then I'm so jealous! Each year I say I'll go and then I always forget and end up missing out on tickets. The line up this year is amazing! Arcade Fire, Lana Del Rey, Manic Street Preachers.. I could go on for ages listing all of the bands I want to see, instead, I've put together a festival beauty essentials post in association with Click Fragrance.

When you're at a festival, you obviously want to look your best but that all goes out of the window after you've spent your first day in the sun/mud/even rain and after you've spent your first night in the tent. So what you need is a couple of staple items that are simple to use but can still help to make you look great. YSL's Touche Eclat is a cult highlighting product and will really help to brighten up your face and can help to disguise the fact that you got no sleep the night before. A simple pencil eyeliner like this one from Urban Decay will help to define your eyes and make you look more put together. A bright lipstick is also the perfect finishing touch to any festival look.

When you're in a large crowd and having the time of your life dancing around to your favourite band, it's easy to forget about protecting yourself from the sun and a lot of people end up getting burnt. Always make sure you take a decent sun cream with you like this one from Piz Buin. If you're like me and don't tan at all then using a fake tan before you go is always a good idea, you still need to slather on the protection though!

So if you're off to Glastonbury or another festival this year, have fun and make sure you don't forget the most important items of all - baby wipes!

Travel: Paris at a glance

If you follow me on Instragram you will have already seen these snapshots. I'll be getting some more posts up as soon as I can!

I arrived back home from Paris at just after midnight last night and managed to go to sleep at around 2am after having a quick shower, sorting out my suitcase and putting a wash on. I was then back at work at 11am this  morning so as you can imagine, I'm quite exhausted! That's what I love about a city break though, it's not a time to relax but to explore new surroundings, take in the culture and taste new foods. Although this was the fifth time I've  been to Paris, there's still more places that I want to visit and more things that I want to see, it's such an amazing city packed with museums and landmarks. Did you know that if you were to spend one minute looking at each of the works of art in the Louvre, you'd be there for twenty five days? I think I'm going to have to plan another trip soon, who wants to come with me?

Guest post:Tips for achieving a Minimalist Feminine Bedroom

If you love the idea of a really feminine bedroom but with the appeal of a more minimalist one, it can be actually easier than you think. You just may have to abandon a few of the extra decor items that most designers use to achieve a really feminine look.

Therefore we’ve put together some tips for doing just that; tips for creating a feminine bedroom without fuss, frills or clutter. 

Keep the colour scheme simple and fresh

You don’t need a busy colour scheme to make a room feel more feminine, and you certainly don’t need to use the colour pink if it’s not your thing. In fact, more neutral colours like white, creams and greys can work just as well. Keep the overall feel fresh and clean and then you can build on it simply with other decor items like soft furnishings and furniture. We love this example and the way the designer has used just a few gold pieces to add a touch of feminism and glamour to the room without crowding it in the slightest. 

Use natural elements for the decor rather than fussy items

Using elements of nature to add interest and decoration into the room is a good idea to avoid using regular feminine pieces, especially if you’re after something more minimalist and clean. Fresh flower arrangements will look great, as will twig/branches arrangements. IKEA have some great dried plants that look great in their vases/bowls, and they have lots of different colours too which is good if you do want to add colour pops into the room. 

Get the lighting just right

Aim to keep the lighting feeling bright and fresh but without feeling too clinical. Soft shades or spot lights help achieve this really well. Natural lighting is really important for a minimal feel as it keeps things feeling airy and fresh. Invest in some new curtains as they will act as one of the main decor items in a minimalist space. We love the Ashley Wilde curtains as there are some feminine prints as well as simpler, elegant ones. 

Invest in functional and attractive organisation solutions

Keeping the room clutter and mess free is essential for achieving the minimalistic appeal. Therefore ensuring you have good organisational options is important. Simple shelving, bookshelves and wardrobes are great, yet even clothes rails look good in this space, if you can keep it looking tidy, that is! You could drape dried flowers over it or fairy lights for a lovely simplistic feel. A good bedside table with extra storage is useful too, not only in terms of looking great but for also keeping the essential things you need by your bed organised. We love this one as it’s really modern and look’s great but is also really practical and functional too. 

Giveaway: Win a pair of Ray-Bans from Sunglasses Shop

As I'm currently living the dream in Disneyland I thought I would put a giveaway up for you!
The lovely people over at Sunglasses Shop are giving one of my lucky followers the chance to win a pair of Ray-Bans of their choice up to the value of £125! If you fancy winning, just enter using the Rafflecoptor form below. Much MUST be following this blog via Bloglovin', you MUST be following Sunglasses Shop ok Facebook and you MUST leave me a comment on this post letting me know which pair you would pick if you won.

 The giveaway will be running for one month and ends July 21st.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

How to save money while you shop

If you know anything about me then you will know that I love to shop. It doesn't matter what it is that I'm shopping for, I just love the thrill of looking around shops and then handing over my well earned money. Although, there is one thing that I love more than shopping and that is a good bargain.

I'm not too keen on sales as I always tend to pick something up just because it's cheap and not because I actually want or need it. What I love is finding something that I've been looking for for a while and then discovering online vouchers for it which then makes it cheaper. I recently did this when I was buying some clothes for my trip to Paris, I found some great items on the Urban Outfitters website and then tracked down a code for them which meant that I got a few quid off leaving me with some extra money to spend on croissants and cocktails. 

Have you found any good bargains recently?

Travel: Planning my dream holiday with IHG.

I have to admit that I'm not very well travelled at all. In the last seven years, I've been abroad twice (soon to be three times when I go away this weekend) and each time I've been to the same country - France. In fact, it's even the same city. Apart from Paris, I've also been to Majorca twice and I went on a WWI battlefields tour with my school where we went to parts of Northern France and Ypres in Belgium. I would really like to explore the world a bit more but the only problem I have is the lack of funds.

However, everyone is in with a chance of winning one million points (which is the equivalent of over £5,000!) thanks to the InterContinental Hotels Group PLC. At the moment, they have a new game online where the aim is to spend a million points in over a minute. Everyone who manages this gets entered into a prize draw and five lucky people will win a million points.

This got me thinking about what I would do with the million points if I had them. As I've never been out of Europe I would love to explore North America. I would start off by flying over to Canada, visit some national parks, see some bears and some moose and just taking in the natural beauty of the country. I would also like to visit a few different cities including Vancouver and Montreal and of course I'd have to try some real Canadian poutine and take a trip to Tim Hortons! I'd then take a trip to Niagara Falls and go south down to New York and spend a few days in the city. After exploring the Big Apple, I would then love to explore some other cities across the United States including Chicago, Washington DC, Orlando (for the parks!) and LA. I think this would probably cost a lot more than the million points but it would definitely be the trip of a lifetime!

What would you do if you won the points from IHG Rewards Club? You can enter the competition here.

I have been compensated for this post.

Beauty: My everyday skincare

My skincare routine doesn't change very often although every now and then I'll find a new product to throw in there. At the moment my skin is pretty good apart from a few hormonal breakouts that pop up around that time of the month, so I thought I would share with you what I use to keep my skin looking and feeling great.

No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Balm - £9.50, available here

I always like to take my makeup off with some form of hot cloth cleanser. When I ran out of my last Superdrug one, I decided to have a look at No7 as I had one of those £5 off vouchers that they do every so often and found this one which is recommended for dry/very dry skin. I've found that I prefer this over the Superdrug one, it takes my make up off so easily and has a lovely but subtle scent to it. It doesn't say to take it off with a hot cloth but I've found that this works best for me.

Eucerin Dermo Purifyer Cleanser* - £9.00, available here

When I've been wearing makeup, I always make sure to double cleanse just so I know that I've got all of the makeup and grime off my face. This cleanser from Eucerin is gentle and doesn't leave my skin feeling stripped like some others that I've tried.

Mask of Magnaminty - £5.25, available here

I mentioned this mask in a recent Lush post, it's an old favourite and I've been using it for years. I like to use it a couple of times a week on my face and occasionally my back, just to draw out any nasties and keep spots at bay. It also helps to reduce redness if I've got any current breakouts and the peppermint in it is really refreshing. When I repurchased this a couple of weeks ago, I accidentally bought the Self-Preserving version which I don't like as much as the original but it still does a good job.

Ocean Salt* - £7.25, available here

I received this pot of Ocean Salt at a blogger event back in March although I was planning on purchasing it while I was there anyway after using a sample. I like to use this exfoliator twice a week while I'm in the bath. It really helps to shift any dead skin cells that are clogging up my pores  without being too abrasive and leaves my face feeling really smooth. I'm almost out of this so I'll be repurchasing as soon as payday rolls around.

Tea Tree Water - £3.95, available here

This is another old favourite that I've been using for years. The tea tree water in this toner makes it really refreshing, I like to spray it on my face first thing in the morning to perk my skin up and I also use it after cleansing. It's especially good when I'm suffering from a breakout as it really soothes the skin and reduces redness. I've also found that it's great as a quick refresher during the day and you can spray it on over your makeup.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+]* - £15.50, available here

I've been using the original version of Effaclar Duo for a couple of years now and I wouldn't be without it. It helps to keep blackheads at bay and it's also stopped me from having any nasty (non-hormonal) breakouts. I was sent this version to try out which does all the same things as the original one but also helps to correct any imperfections, so helps to fade scars from previous breakouts. I don't really have much scarring but I have found that the red marks that I do have have faded a lot quicker. I'm not sure if I would pick this up again over the original version as it's a little pricier but it's definitely worth it if you have scarring. You can see the post that I wrote on the original version here.

Avene Soothing Hydrating Serum* - £17.00, available here

I apply this serum every night before my moisturiser and I find that it does exactly what it says on the bottle - it really soothes my skin and also helps to keep it hydrated. I was previously using hydraluron but I found that didn't live up to the hype whereas this serum is seriously underrated and does such a good job. It's the first thing that I've tried from Avene and I'll definitely be looking into purchasing some more of their products while I'm in France.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ - £29.50, available here

I bought this just after Christmas when my skin had a mini freak out and was so dry. I really didn't know what I was looking for and ended up buying the first moisturiser that I came across at the Clinique counter. Luckily for me, I didn't waste almost thirty quid and it actually helped my dry skin and has continued to keep my face moisturised since. As you can see, I've used about an eighth of the bottle since I bought it so it's definitely worth the higher price tag. 

La Roche-Posay Affaclar A.I. - £10.50, available here

This is my second tube of Effaclar A.I., I repurchased it just after Christmas thinking that my original one had ran out, however it lasted me until last week when I finally had to get this one out. This is a targeted breakout corrector, so I apply it on any blemishes before bed and during the day if I don't have anywhere to  go. It leaves a white residue so it's not one that you can use underneath makeup. This is the best spot treatment that I've ever used, it helps to reduce those big angry under the skin spots overnight and for any smaller ones, it makes them basically disappear. This is a product that I never want to be without now I've tried it. You can see the post I wrote on this here.

Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm - £9.50, available here

I purchased this while I was in Paris last year as it had been hyped up so much. I didn't want to get it in England as I couldn't understand why anyone would want to spend almost a tenner on a lip balm,  but I didn't mind spending the £6 odd that it was in a French pharmacy. I can definitely see why this has so much hype surrounding it. It's the best lip balm I have ever used! I use it just before bed and my lips always feel amazing in the morning. You can see the post I wrote on this here.

At the moment there's 1/3 off all French skincare over at Escentual, make sure you place an order before the end of June!

Travel: Guess who's going to Paris again?

I'm not sure if I've actually mentioned it on here, but on Friday morning me and Chloe are off to Paris! I only went in October and we were actually planning a trip to Amsterdam in October so I'm not sure how we ended up booking Paris but I'm not complaining! I've been four times now and there's still loads of things that I want to do and loads of places that I want to see. Here's the list of things I'm hoping to do while we're there this weekend:

• Disneyland! I've been before when I was ten but Chloe's never been. I'm sure it will be just as magical at twenty four as it was when I was ten. I'm hoping that we see more characters than I saw the first time, it was raining and there weren't many about. I've already bought my Minnie Mouse ears and I'm planning on wearing my Bambi tshirt while I'm there.

• Eiffel Tower – I went up the Eiffel Tower with Amy in October but again, Chloe's never been and the view of the city that you get from the top of it is just breathtaking so of course I want to go up again!

• Arc de Triomphe – This time I'm hoping to go up the top of the Arc de Triomphe and see the spectacular views of the city and then we can go shopping on Champs Elysee afterwards.

• Catacombs – I didn't manage to find these last time but I've been told how to find them now so hopefully Chloe won't mind seeing a load of bones and skulls underneath the city.

• Notre Dame - I've been outside the famous cathedral but I've never been inside, so it would be good to do it this time around.

That's all the things I can think of at the moment, although obviously I'll have to see what Chloe wants to do too!

Aside from being a holiday, this trip has a second motive; I’m hoping it will give me the potential to help me brush up on my French, as there are a number of international blogger conferences I’ve looked to attend.

Should my French not progress as fast as I’d like, then the most helpful website I’ve found belongs to the language solution agency thebigword  , who offer professional translations and interpretations at such events.

Is there anywhere you think I should go while I'm in Paris? You can check out my posts from last year here.  

Guest post: How to enjoy the perfect afternoon tea

Like keeping quiet when we are really annoyed, talking about the weather and dancing around with handkerchiefs and sticks, indulging in afternoon tea is one of Britain’s great traditions. Featuring many a Brit’s favourite beverage - the humble yet enduringly perfect pot of tea - alongside a selection of culinary delights such as hand-crafted sandwiches, fresh pastries and mouth-wateringly buttery scones, this exquisite meal is one of those perfect pick-me-ups, refreshing, satisfying and relaxing in equal measures.

The perfect afternoon tea, such as those served at distinctive, luxurious hotels like The Landmark Hotel London, should be savoured, shared and sumptuous, helping you to relax and unwind after a long week, or allowing you to gear yourself up for the perfect night out.
For those looking to enjoy the perfect high tea in London, here is our guide to making the most of your afternoon of luxury.

Surround yourself with friends
The best afternoon tea will feature not only the very best selection of teas and and treats, but it will also feature your nearest and dearest too. Whilst enjoying such extravagances on your own with a good book may be appealing, taking afternoon tea is a very social experience and one you will get far more from if you choose to share the adventure with those you love.

Choose the right venue
From the range of teas on offer to the standard of your sustenance and the opulence of the surroundings, choosing the right venue can have a huge impact on how enjoyable your trip for tea is. Whilst you may pay slightly more when booking afternoon tea at five star hotels in London, you are likely to find that everything from the standard of service to the setting you find yourself in will be dramatically improved as a result. By choosing a hotel over typical tea rooms, you may also be able to round your time off with an irresistibly indulgent trip to their spa too. After all, if you want to treat yourself, why do things by halves?


Whilst afternoon tea will be an appealing reward on any day, such pleasures will be even more welcome if they mark a special occasion or come at a time during which you truly need to unwind. Failing that, another option for ultimate satisfaction is to simply go for a luxurious afternoon out on the spur of the moment, giving yourself and your friends an impulsive treat simply because you feel like it.

Find a selection you love 
Afternoon tea doesn’t have to be strictly limited to consumption of the leafy stuff. Not only will different sandwiches and cakes be available on different menus, but you may also be able to swap those caffeinated beverages for ones with a little more fizz. Whether you opt for glamorous Champagne menus or lean towards a full-on chocolate feast, moving away from the traditional may help you find a selection of afternoon treats that are just right for you.

Take your time
Taking afternoon tea is all about relaxation, so be sure not to rush. Take your time not only to enjoy the comestible delights in front of you but also to soak in the atmosphere and to simply forget about all the other stresses of life. Allowing yourself time to unwind and forget about worries is great for both body and mind, so letting yourself go and enjoying such simple luxuries fully may well be surprisingly good for you.

Be very British
If you want a truly traditional experience, why not be very British about the whole thing. Try adopting some customary etiquette, raising plates with your left hand and holding teacups with your right, whilst always using tongs to retrieve sugar cubes. If you want to go all out, keep that little finger firmly alongside his friends when you raise your cup and always remove slices of lemon before you start drinking.

Keeping comfortable while blogging

I spend a lot of time at home hunched over my laptop, whether I'm working on my blog or an article or just messing around on Twitter or various other social networking sites. My current set up is not very good for my back at all, you may not know that I have scoliosis and sciatica, so sitting on my bed with my laptop is not really the best option for me. I've decided that from now on, I'm going to be more careful and either set my laptop up at a desk or use the iMac which is already on a desk. Working from my bed also means that I struggle to sleep as I spend so much time on my bed that when I try to doze off I can't – I associate my bed with work and netflix, not sleeping. Oops!

Recently, I've been looking at was to make blogging a lot more comfortable for me. The first step I'm going to take is to get a nice new chair. There's nothing better than a big comfy leather chair with arms, especially one that swivels. Sitting up straight in a chair will be so much better for my spine than what I'm currently putting it through. I've found a few great options from Furniture at Work who have an amazing selection of desks and bookcases as well as other office essentials. You can see the chair that I've picked out in the image above. I also want to jazz up my work space a bit to make me want to sit there instead of on my nice comfy bed. A lamp would be a great help as it will stop me from straining my eyes when I'm trying to see the keyboard on one of my late nights – I'm regularly up at all hours finishing off blog posts! How cute is this multicoloured lamp that I found on lampcommerce.com ? It looks like it would give off a really gorgeous glow.

I also fancy getting a few candles, I always like to have a nice scented candle burning in my room as I find them really relaxing. I tend to go for foody smells like vanilla or baked goods (my absolute favourite is Vanilla Cupcake from Yankee!) but I also love anything with a violet or rose scent. If I fancy treating myself then I like to buy a few different candles and have them lit around my work space. There's nothing better than relaxing in a nice comfy leather chair and having some scented candles lit around you.

Another thing that I like to have around me when I'm working is prints, especially if they feature inspirational quotes. The ones above are just three of my favourites.. I especially like the last one, that's one of my favourite quotes. I find that having something inspirational on the wall really helps to keep me motivated, especially when I'm struggling with writing a piece. They could also be put in a free standing frame and placed on my desk if I don't want to put nails in my wall. 

Do you work from home? What's your working space like?

Guest post: How to achieve an award winning smile

image source

The importance of a great smile should not be underestimated. It is no coincidence that the faces staring back at us from magazines and tv shows all have perfect pearly whites: the right smile makes us seem more beautiful, more successful and far friendlier, and in turn the right focus on dental perfection could vastly improve confidence, appeal to the opposite sex and even the chances of getting one’s dream job.

It may seem that landing the perfect job is all about having the right mindset, relevant experience and a vast array of qualifications, but with so many individuals applying for the same jobs whilst having the same experience and qualifications, it may take a friendly smile and the confidence that can accompany that award-winning grin to actually stand out. In turn, those seeking such dental treatment may find they have their investment returned many times over through increased salaries and greater opportunities.

The benefits of a perfect smile are therefore as diverse as they are countless, but how does one go about actually achieving one?

1. Eat right

The right foods will have a significant impact on the health and appearance of your teeth. Not only will avoiding sugary foods reduce the chances of decay and not only will avoiding low-carb diets help ensure that your breath is fresher when you flash that smile, but eating the right vitamins and minerals will also help keep your teeth as strong as possible. Crunchy foods will help improve the strength of teeth and increase saliva production to keep them healthy, whilst the likes of cheese will neutralise acids and boost calcium levels. Even drinking tea may help to reduce the buildup of plaque and in turn the chances of your perfect smile being ruined. However, what you avoid is just as important, and from too much sugar to the likes of red wine that can stain teeth, be as conscious of what you don’t eat as what you do.

2. Treat them mean, keep them clean

If you do eat sugary snacks, make sure you up your cleaning regimen accordingly. From chewing sugar free gum to brushing during the day, there will be ways to reduce any damage your diet may cause. After all, it is not always possible to avoid junk food or sugary treats, nor might you constantly want to. However, by chewing sugar free gum and even increasing intake of water, you can help stop plaque in its tracks and clear those teeth of sugary detritus. No matter how well you eat, it will be important to brush twice a day, floss once a day and use mouthwash as often as you can. Toothpaste should contain fluoride, and the toothbrushes you use should be of a high quality and be replaced at least every three months.

3. Visit your dentist

Regular checkups will help nip any issues in the bud before they become a problem. Whether your teeth aren’t as healthy as they should be or you simply aren’t cleaning them as well as you could, seeing a dentist and hygienist once every six months may well help you avoid issues from ever appearing and will simultaneously allow you to keep your mouth healthier and cleaner in general too.

4. Consider orthodontic treatments

No matter how well you look after your teeth and how focussed you are on a good diet, you may still not be able to get a perfect smile naturally. By visiting experts such as Hampstead Orthodontic Practice you will be able to receive a wide range of different treatments to turn your smile into that of a superstar. Options are now available to suit all needs and solve all issues, from the straightening of even the most crooked of teeth using ‘invisible braces’ to repairs of chips and cracks right through to whitening treatments that can add that extra bit of sparkle, there will be treatments to suit any personal and dental requirements. Whether gums are too prominent, teeth are simply an unappealing shape or size, or gaps need closing between teeth, modern orthodontics will offer simple solutions that could help you achieve an award-winning smile in no time. 

Then, all you will need to do is continue to focus on points 1 - 3 to make sure your smile stays that way.

Wishlist: The wedding edition

Bejewelled green - Lace tulle - Multicoloured floral - Mint and cream - Bright yellow

It's not often that I get the chance to dress up and look pretty but I have three events this summer which require formal wear - two graduations (my mom's and my brother's) and a wedding, so I was hoping to get a dress for at least two of those (apparently I can't wear the same dress to both my brother's and my mom's graduation) and I've been on the hunt for a good couple of weeks.

 Last week I did spot a beauitful Ted Baker dress in the window of a local boutique when I was on my way to work but unfortunately, when I managed to track it down in Selfridges I found that it was way too long for me and I don't want to have to pay for it to be taken up after spending a breathtaking £239 on it in the first place. I've found five that I really like but I think my ultimate favourite from this wishlist is the green bejewelled one, it's so pretty and it would really suit my colouring. It's unlike any dress I've ever had before and I think I'd feel incredibly posh in it which is ideal for the wedding which is in Winchester. All of the dresses that I have featured in the above wishlist are over £100 but I really don't mind spending a lot on such a pretty dress, especially as I know that I can wear it more than once this summer and I can always keep it safe for any other special occasions like the races or maybe even a trip to Kempton? 

Although as I mentioned earlier, I have been told that I can't wear the same dress to both graduations so it looks like I'm going to have to get two. If this is the case, I've seen a few lovely cheaper ones in shops such as New Look and Dorothy Perkins where there is also the option of student discount. I also have the option of this gorgeous floral Joe Browns dress which I posted about last week which is definitely graduation appropriate but I think it feels so much better at these kind of events when you have something brand new to wear, it's so much more exciting.

The only problem I'll have after finding a dress (or maybe even two – or three!) is that I will then have to find a pair of shoes and a matching bag as well and maybe some accessories to go with it too. I love a good excuse to go jewellery shopping. Shopping for formal wear is so hard when you live in Primark and New Look clothes but I'm sure I can manage it, I'm not sure my bank balance will feel too good afterwards though.

Do you have any formal occasions coming up? Which of these dresses do you prefer?

If you have any other ideas for me, please let me know! I still have a month or so left until the first graduation.

Fashion: Ray-Ban 3016 Clubmasters

Ray-Ban 3016 Clubmasters - Sunglasses Shop, available here

Last month I was thrilled to win a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers in a competition, however when they arrived they were far too big for me so I ended up giving them away to my mom. Luckily, Sunglasses Shop got in contact and asked me if I would like to review a pair from then. I ended up settling on the Ray-Ban Clubmasters. I love this classic style, they're not too huge on my tiny pea head and the tortoiseshell goes great with any outfit.  I'm a bit worried about wearing them out as I've never had a pair of sunglasses that cost this much before, I'm saving them for my trip to Paris next week though so hopefully I won't lose them!

What do you think of Ray-Bans? Have you got a pair?

Fashion: Favourite shoes for Spring

Now it's getting hotter I've found myself stepping away (no pun intended!) from my big clompy boots and Dr Martens and instead opting for more appropriate summery shoes. The weather is a bit iffy at the moment, glorious sunshine one minute and then a torrential downpour the next so I haven't managed to get the sandals out just yet. Here's what I've had on my feet over the past few weeks..

Dr Marten Lester shoes* - Cloggs, available here

I've had these babies since January and I still haven't broken them in. You may have seen my original post on them here where I said I was looking forward to wearing them with a denim dress, well, I haven't managed to do  that yet but I have been wearing them with turned up jeans. Once it's definitely bare leg weather, I'll be wearing these with a dress and a pair of cute frilly socks.

Cut out buckle ankle boots* - Shoe Zone, available here

I've worn these a surprising amount since I got them. They have a heel on them so I didn't expect them to be as comfortable as they are but I can wear them all day without any problems. I've been pairing them with frilly ankle socks and I've had a lot of compliments on them so far.

Floral tapestry pumps - New Look

I got these in the sale after Christmas for just £5 and I've been wearing them for work a lot recently. The dress code at work is black, so these are fine to wear but they also make a boring black outfit look a bit more interesting with the tapestry pattern on them. They've got quite a chunky sole as well which I really like. I wish I'd bought a couple of pairs of these now, I'll be gutted when they eventually die on me.

Now I'm just waiting for the summer weather to actually arrive so I can get the sandals out!

Wishlist: Festival Fashion with New Look

The festivals have started and everywhere you look people are talking about festival fashion. I'm off to Wireless Festival in a few weeks and I'm so excited! It will be my first time at a festival since V 2008 and back then I didn't really care about what I was wearing, I just stuck on some wellies and a pair of denim shorts and planted myself at the barrier to wait for Muse. This year though, I've been planning ahead!

The most important things to have at a festival are decent footwear and a good, safe bag. I've chosen these sandals as they look super comfy yet are still very on trend. The bag is stylish yet will help to keep your belongings safe. Florals are a big part of festival fashion and are everywhere from on clothing to in pretty hair accessories. Here, I've chosen these floral shorts and will pair them with a simple white cami and a black kimono to help prevent sunburn. This outfit would also be great for my trip to Paris next week as long as the weather is good in the French capital!

What are you wearing to festivals this year? If you need some inspiration, have a look at the video below from New Look


Festival Fashion Timeline by New Look