Last of the summer wine (or Pimms in my case)

Wow... I've just realised that there are only two full days of August left. Don't you think as soon as September hits that everybody starts to talk about Winter. The shops start to get their Christmas stock in and thats it... summer is long gone.

Playground fun at Stockeld Forest nr Wetherby

Therefore, I am determined to make the most of the last two days of August and "proper" summer. Here are a few things on my wish list before September hits...

1) Sit out in the evening drinking Pimms (ideally in a beer garden, but the back garden will suffice!)

2) Take the boys to the park to play in the sunshine

3) Wear pretty summer dresses with bare legs and sandals

4) Do something touristy in my hometown of York (maybe a boat ride down the river Ouse)

5) Go for a bike ride

6) Have one last trip to the beach to paddle in the sea, build sandcastles and eat ice cream followed by a Fish n Chips supper before heading home

Have you got any other ideas for summer fun? What do you want to do before the weather gets cold and Autumny... I'd love to hear!

Daily Luxe - Stackers Jewellery Box System

Sun 26 Aug

I don't know about you, but at the end of the day I always seem to find myself leaving my jewellery in an array places. Earrings left on my dressing table, necklace on the floor, watch in the bathroom...

I'd been looking for a jewellery stand to hold my jewellery for a while but couldn't seem to find anything that was practical rather than just for aesthetic purposes.

Then I came across Stackers. This jewellery box system was absolutely perfect for what I was looking for. Not only do the boxes look attractive, coming in a range of colours, but you can select your own combination of layers to suit the kind of jewellery you want to hold.

I thought it was a good Christmas gift to ask from the in-laws - well priced for its quality - and I've been really pleased with it ever since. And I LOVE being able to find where my jewellery is.. with both earrings together as a pair in one place!! No hunting around the house trying to locate the missing partner!!

This is the Stackers jewellery box set in Mink with just a selection of the variety of inserts available.

Daily Luxe - Mummy Mug by Emma Bridgewater

Sun 25 Aug

It may seem a simple thing, but every time I sit down to a cuppa I admire my beautiful red stars Mummy mug by Emma Bridgewater. It totally adds to the pleasure I get from my simple cup of (PG Tips or Yorkshire) tea.

Not only is a lovely mug, but of course I also love the fact it was a gift from my little boy for Mother's Day!

Having a mug thats just a little bit special whether its personalised, or has a beautiful design or a fabulous caption (I also have a mug which says "Today is going to be a good day" - simple but I love the sentiment first thing on a morning when I'm pre-caffeine!!) that brings a smile to your face is just a little everyday luxury that I think we can all enjoy!!

The beautiful Holmfirth Vineyard

Yesterday we spent a wonderful afternoon at Holmfirth Vineyard for our 5th wedding anniversary.

I'd heard about the vineyard from a friend who had been on one of their wine tasting tours. At the time I was desperately looking for ideas for a birthday present for my husband (who is a nightmare to buy for as there is nothing he needs or wants yet would be highly offended if I didn't get him anything!). After googling the vineyard I decided to book us onto a winetasting tour and afternoon tea. Hubby loved it! Phew!

Our journey to Holmfirth was slightly fraught, after the hubby managed to scrape his car against a car park wall and then we didn't have the satnav so managed to get lost about five times. But as we approached the vineyard via a steep winding hill our stress levels quickly evaporated as we took in the stunning beauty of the Peak District hills before us.

The vineyard itself is also set on a pretty steep hill and the first stop on the tour is a walk around the vines with our tour guide Al. There are probably about 20 of us on the tour - couples of all ages, families and a few groups of girlfriends. Al knowledgeably tells us the history of the vineyard and talks us through the different grape varieties. His down to earth Yorkshire approach makes it feel fun and its easy to ask him questions without feeling silly!

Then its into the winery to discover how the picked grapes are turned into wine and bottled. And then the bit I think everyone was waiting for... the testing!! We try three different varieties all produced on site; each has a really fresh, clean taste and are very easy drinking. It feels really good to be drinking English wines.

Once all our questions are answered we move into the sleek restaurant for our afternoon tea. The room also takes in the stunning views through large windows. A glass of sparkling wine arrives first, followed by a selection of finger sandwiches and cakes and a pot of tea. All of which is delicious and we feel truly relaxed and spoilt.

We buy a bottle of wine (I let the hubby choose his favourite of the ones we tasted) to take home.

The tour and afternoon tea for two is what I think a bargain price - just £29.99. Our bottle of wine to take home is £14.99. There are other nice little gift ideas as well, including the chance to "adopt a vine"!

If you get the chance, go, its a very lovely way to spend the day!!

Daily Luxe - Chocolate Heaven

Sat 24 Aug

Some days your average chocolate bar is just not enough...

I love chocolate. So much so I've actually worked in the industry for over eight years. In that time I've tried a lot of chocolate, some good, some bad and some quite simply sublime.

Charbonnel et Walker fits into the sublime category. One of Britain's first chocolatiers, their chocolates are still handmade according to traditional recipes.

These chocolates are something that i ask for only on special occasions such as birthdays or Christmas as I see them as a real luxury to be savoured and enjoyed. 

That said, yesterday my hubby and I were walking through Leeds and came across a Charbonnel et Walker shop in the County Arcade that I hadn't known was there - the only shop outside of London - and seeing as it was our anniversary we decided to treat ourselves.

Their truffles, and in particular their champagne truffles, are renowned. I literally adore their Milk Marc de Champagne truffles and Pink Marc de Champagne truffles and I am yet to decide which is my absolute favourite!

But we also decided to try some new chocolates... A Bucks Fizz truffle, Sea Salt Caramel truffle (could be a contender for top three favourite truffle), Vanilla truffle, Dark Marc de Champagne truffle and more. The chocolates come beautifully packaged in handmade boxes tied with satin ribbon, and make a delightful box of delicious temptation.

Quite simply chocolate heaven!!

If you are a chocolate lover then they are well worth the money. Our box of 12 chocolates cost us a little over £14. Which is what makes these chocolates a luxury and not for your daily fix.

But there are also a whole range of box sizes and options on the Charbonnel et Walker website. Why not take a peek by clicking here!!  

Do you have a favourite chocolate treat? Please share!! I love talking about chocolate!!

Daily Luxe - New season handbag from Dorothy Perkins

Thurs 22 Aug

How gorgeous is this handbag?!

At first glance I thought it must be a new designer bag, but no, it turns out its actually part of the AW13 collection for good old Dorothy Perkins.

I for one can't wait to see it in store.

Seraphine - Not just for copy-Kates

When I was pregnant with my second little boy I spent hours on the internet trying to find nice maternity wear which did not make me look like a frump!

During my first pregnancy I was working in London and had many more shopping options, including Top Shop's great maternity section in their Oxford Street store. However, living back up north I really struggled to find stylish and reasonably priced clothes. Which is why I turned to online shopping.

Fuchsia Knot Front Seraphine Dress

Whilst browsing online I came across Seraphine. Seraphine started life as a London boutique ten years ago, before opening their online shop three years later. Their collections have grown and they now offer everything from gorgeous maternity day dresses to jeans, knitwear, coats, underwear, swimwear, shoes, bags and everything inbetween. They have also launched Luxe by Seraphine, which is a stunning range of maternity evening wear and even wedding dresses.

Of course Seraphine will no longer be a well kept secret after Princess Catherine has been pictured in a number of their dresses. But at £39 her chosen dress is also wholly accessible to the masses.

I can also highly recommend this blue printed maxi dress, I wore it whilst pregnant and also all this past summer while I've been breast feeding. So many people... including strangers have commented on it making me feel amazing especially as when you've just had a baby you don't often feel at your best!

Thank you Seraphine! x

Daily Luxe - White Company Candles

Weds 21 Aug

Candles are a little luxury you can enjoy every day! 

Not only do they look pretty in any room but they smell beautiful and you can choose fragrances to reflect the purpose of the room. Relaxing fragrances for the bathroom, fresh and vibrant fragrances for living areas and so on.

Some of my favorite candles come from the White Company. In my living room I have the Verveine Signature candle, £20, which is the "uplifting blend of fresh citrus notes: verbena, orange and lemon".

I also have this fragrance as a room scent and handwash & handcream in our downstairs bathroom and often get complemented on how nice the smell is.

I would also recommend the Winter fragrance too as it just smells so Christmassy, its great for making the house feel festive!

Such a nice feeling - light a candle, put your feet up aaaaand relax!!

Wish List - Whistles AW13

The new Whistles AW13 range is totally fabulous! Here's just a few of the must have pieces to look forward to as the seasons change...

 

Daily Luxe - Liz Earle skincare

Tues 20 Aug

The people I know who use Liz Earle's skincare range absolutely rave about it. And a few years ago I was lucky enough that my friend bought me a number of products from the range so I've been able to try it myself. 

I have to admit I am usually a big Dermologica fan as its the best range I have found for my sensitive stressed out skin.

But reviews of the The Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser in particular promised a lot - with over 1,000 people on the Liz Earle website rating it 5/5 - so I was excited to try it.

The product itself is suitable for all skin types. Its described by Liz Earle as follows:

"Ideal for your morning or evening cleanse, this formulation works on every age and skin type, offering concentrated yet gentle cleansing power.

Our plant-based cleanser has a two-phase action. Phase one is the cleansing. Free from mineral oil, it has a rich and creamy texture and swiftly removes all traces of face and eye make up, even stubborn mascara.

Phase two is the polishing. Polish off the cream using the pure muslin cloth to gently dislodge dead skin cells and help reveal clean, soft and radiant skin.

Naturally active ingredients include eucalyptus and cocoa butter for smoother, cleaner skin."

And I must admit I loved it right from the start. Its light and fresh yet creamy consistency leaves your skin feeling clean and soft, with no tightness or dryness. 

If you're interested in trying it for yourself why not try the Essentials Try Me kit. For £23 you get a 30ml Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser tube, a 50ml Instant Boost Skin Tonic, a 15ml Skin Repair moisturiser of your choice, a Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion and a muslin cloth plus a handy little bag to keep them in.

For more information check out the Liz Earle website which often does free P&P offers as well!

Daily Luxe - The Necklace Inspired by Holly Willoughby

Sat 17 Aug

If anyone has watched Holly Willoughby on This Morning or seen her photographed in magazines then you may have noticed the very pretty gold coin necklace she wears.

Holly's necklace was a gift from her mum. I always think how beautiful it looks with whatever she is wearing and the design really is timeless.

I was delighted when I discovered where it was sold. Sparkling Jewellery sell the copyrighted design and you can find them online at www.sparklingjewellery.co.uk.

The gold plated version costs £29 and there are other finishes including silver, rose gold, sterling silver and solid gold with prices rising accordingly. There are even some matching coin earrings.

What do you think?

Daily Luxe - Clarins One Step Cleansers

Fri 16 Aug

As a busy mum of two boys under the age of three my skincare regime is sometimes great sometimes errr minimal shall we say.

There was a time where I thought using Simple cleansing wipes was enough, and to be honest my skin was ok with that. However as I've got older my skin just isn't as robust as it once was and it needs properly looking after.

However, whilst I do try to cleanse, tone and moisturise every day, there are days where I just need to flop into bed and sleep as quickly as possible. For these days I have my Clarins One Step Cleanser.

There are three to choose from depending on your skin type. I use the Water Purify One-Step Cleanser with Mint Essential Water (£19.50) which is for combination/oily skin. It feels lovely and refreshing on your skin, and does not leave it feeling tight at all just fresh and clean. Just swipe it over your face with a cotton pad and you're done.

It's also an ideal quick fix if you are staying away from home.

To find out more visit: Clarins One Step Cleansers.

Wish List - Acne Boots

AW13 Wish List

So the weather is only cooling slightly, and the nights are getting darker a little earlier, but already my thoughts are turning to the new season ranges which are now in store and online reminding us that Autumn/Winter is drawing near.

Each year I covet a beautiful pair of 'wear with everything' boots. I've had my eye on the Acne Pistol ankle boots for a while now, but they retail at around £350 so really are an investment buy. Worn by many a celebrity and fashionista they look both stylish and comfortable, and I must say timeless.

Maybe this year will be the year I invest! Or... do you have any other great recommendations for the 'wear with everything' ankle boot? Please let me know!!

Acne Pistol boots in black

Shop for them here at My Wardrobe.

Daily Luxe - Jo Malone perfume

Thurs 15 Aug

A couple of years ago my hubby bought me Jo Malone's Pomegranate Noir perfume for Christmas. Its now my absolute favourite daytime perfume and I love wearing it. I must admit one of the things I enjoy about it is the fact its not a perfume you can buy in many shops, therefore it feels a little more exclusive and special. It's a permanent feature on my birthday or Christmas wish list now! £39 for 30ml.

Check out the Jo Malone website for more info.

A Mulberry lust have

New from beautiful bag makers Mulberry AW13 range is the Dome Rivet French Purse in Bright Red Shiny Goat, priced at £250.

I just think its such a beautiful colour that its bound to get your friends jealous when you pull it out of your bag.

Its going on my wish list!!

Check out what else is new from Mulberry on their website: http://www.mulberry.com 

Daily Luxe - Glossybox

Weds 14 August

Are you a makeup magpie? Love to have the latest in skincare? Yes? Well if you haven't seen Glossybox yet you are going to love it!

Its basically a box full of gorgeous beauty treats that arrives through the post every month. Its ideal for introducing you to new brands or giving you a taster of some fantastic products.

What's more, with a deal offering 2 boxes for £15 now on the Glossybox website until 01/09/2013 why not try it now.

June 2013 Glossybox

Do you get Glossybox? What do you think? I'd love to hear your views!

My Mac-nificent new lipstick

Mac is probably my favourite make-up brand. I love everything about it - the in-store displays, the packaging, the colours and of course the quality. When I want to really treat myself to a bit of luxe without spending too much then I head to Mac.

Last week I bought the Elegant Accent Mineralize Rich Lipstick. Even thinking about it makes me feel happy. Its a happy colour - a pinky rose / coral colour that most skin tones could wear. It really creamy and feels lovely on. I would wear this colour as a daytime lipstick and its one of thirteen in the Mineralize Rich range.

Mac Mineralize Rich Lipstick in Elegant Accent

If you don't have a local Mac store or concession then buy online at the Mac website. The website is great and has a brilliant live chat function where make-up artists give you personal advice. 

Nail your look with Gelish

Earlier this year I started getting my nails done on a regular basis.

I used to paint them randomly at home, sometimes book in for a manicure as a treat, but really was never that good at keeping on top of how groomed they looked. Then I noticed more and more of my friends had immaculately painted nails all the time. And in a variety of colours or latest nail art trends.


I began to notice that beautiful nails really do make a difference to how someone looks, giving you a much sleeker look. Eventually I asked a friend who had been giving me nail envy where she got get nails done and it turned out she was getting gel nails done every fortnight at £20 a pop. So the next day I booked in. And I LOVE it!! 

Each time I go I choose a different colour and my nails look so good. Gel nails last much longer than ordinary nail polish and are so shiny. I manage at least a full week with no chips and pretty much a fortnight of them looking good. What's more , they make me happy inside. I often just look at mine and smile. 

Let me know if you use Gelish or another treatment that you recommend? Also let me know what your favourite Gelish colour is so I can add it to my list! 

Here's a few of my fave summer colours so far...

Gelish Go Girl

Gelish Passion

I get my nails done by Sarah at Just Bliss in York.