The unplanned Cosmopolitans

28/02/2012

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Well this week was somewhat interesting, we where really looking forward to the Cardiff Blogs Meetup at the Maldron Hotel, had a babysitter planned, ready to meet everyone and then on the way there our car decided to play games and in the pouring rain the windscreen wipers stopped dead, and I really mean no movement at all. We still carried on, stopping every 10 meters to wipe the front window with a scarf, and what is really annoying is it's not a banged up old car but a nice Citroen C3 :( Eventually we did make it to the city centre but it was way too late and we had to park it over night by the museum. But being out we made the best of it and it ended up being a really great night. Our first stop was a apple cocktail at Cardiff Arts Institute, I love the interior of that bar and the big booths are a great place to sit and chat, I really want to go back to try their Hulk burger challenge. After that we went to one of our favourite for tapas in 10 Feet Tall, it had a great buzzing atmosphere which I think speaks quite loudly about them since it was a wednesday. Then it was onto Pica Pica for cosmos, which where made by a very knowledgeable barman and best of all it was two for one...winning! The rest of the weekend was spent making healthy food (as seen in my egg salad) and a lovely walk at Cosmeston Lake in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Sex in the city
Divine Cosmos in Pica Pica

Healthy food
Since it was the sunniest day of the year I thought I would make a salad that reminds me of spring

Instagram
John and Arthur at Cosmeston Lake
So John and I are always keen to find new spaces and places that are child friendly in Cardiff and the surrounding areas, we love Arthur to be outside, running free and being the curious cheeky child that he is. It's so easy to go to the same place time and time again but we make a point of discovering new places and this weekend was no different. We decided to take a drive to Cosmeston Lake, near Penarth.
The sun was out it and was by far the best day weather wise of the year, and therefore quite busy but it's such a large country park that it didn't feel overrun. It has a huge beautiful lake filled with swans, ducks and other interesting looking birds (and lots of heavy equipped bird watchers), there are lots of walks to do ranging from 30min to 2 hours and has lots of little off road trails, dens and trees to climb, a child's paradise. It also has an amazing playground, a wooden platform walk through the lake and bog and a small (and too busy) cafe. We will be back.

Great spring day for wearing spring court shoes






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My bicycle love outfit

25/02/2012

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So I have to confess I just don't do Primark, not because of any other reason that I like clothes to last a longtime and to be well tailored and fitted and as much as I do think Primark has a place in todays fashion industry but supplying on trend clothing at a very reasonable price I am not too sure about the workmanship that goes into their clothes. Although when I saw this little number I had to get it....I mean a little skirt with a bicycle print...it had to be done. I paired it up with a Laura Ashley jumper and ASOS shoes. I love quirky prints, in fact I am probably a sucker for such things, anything with a little vintage feel and is youthful and fun, makes me happy. On that note there is a Vintage fair happening at the Woodville in Cardiff tomorrow, I would of posted about it sooner although i only found out about it tonight and if I have time I am sure John and I (and possibly the little man too) will stop by and check it out.

Laura Ashley Jumper, Primark Skirt, ASOS penny loafers, Collection at Debenhams Bag




So if your around in Cardiff tomorrow why not stop by the Rose Tinted Vintage Fair at the Woodville Pub, Cathays, from 3pm-6pm. It's free entry and will be full of Vintage clothes, homewear, bags and jumble chic.


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Get your Rugby Cottons on

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As the RBS Six Nations gets into full swing and Cardiff is all abuzz today with funs, we savour another season of mouth-watering domestic rugby, and it makes me think that maybe it’s time to get motivated and get on the bandwagon and get into shape this year. I try to go to the gym/swimming 
at least 2-3 times a week but I love to spend sometime outside.

Being from South Africa originally (well John is from Wales), Rugby run's so deep in the culture of South Africa and I have spend many a day playing a friendly game with friends in the sun, so whether it’s school, club or just a bit of a rugby run-around with mates, there’s plenty of ways to get into the game for all levels of abilities and ages.

Personally I think it is very important to keep fit and active, especially in an increasingly sedated world with more of us spending more hours in front of the TV, laptops and our smartphones. With anything balance is the key and it's pretty simple, put aside some time to be active and follow a well rounded healthy eating plan, and with some small changes can do a lot to bring down your body fat levels.

Jogging and swimming are ideal for this, and don’t require expensive gym membership. Make sure you warm up for at least 15 minutes beforehand to avoid any unnecessary muscle strains. If you do take on a new sport this year, weather for fun or you are even thinking of competing, long distance running (1000+metres) is ideal for building up your stamina – which is a vital attribute for any rugby player looking to play the full 80 minutes. 

Keeping fit also doesn't have to be a solo thing, in fact it can be very social and training with a couple of friends is a great idea to build a sense of camaraderie, pushing you to do more and improve faster.

If your looking for a place to pick up a good quality rugby shirt try Cotton Traders Rugby Shop, who are leaders in the rugby market and have a great range of items for training, and some smarter options for the bar after the game. You can check out the whole Cotton Traders collection online, and get the right gear to put you in the frame of mind to perform your best out on the pitch.



I braved the cold last year to watch South Africa Vs Wales


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Catwalk for A Cause

24/02/2012

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So we love to support local fashion events, especially when the are for charity, which makes Catwalk for A Cause  such an amazing event happening next Thursday at the Grosvenor Casino in Cardiff Bay. It's all in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care and the tickets are only £5! John and I have both bought ours and are looking forward to seeing what the show has to offer as we know it's going to be High St versus Vintage wear with brands such as Next, New Look and Coast showing...so should be a very interesting fun filled night. It's such an easy way to support such a worthy charity, so if you live in the Cardiff area and are looking for a stylish fashion filled night out come to Catwalk for a Cause, Thursday 1st March, 7pm, you can order tickets by calling 02920 468 350




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Chepstow for the soul

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So we haven't been away properly for a while and really felt we needed a break as things have been rather stressful lately. So we opted for a little country break, nothing too far, just a little bit of exploring around the Wye valley, Wales. We stayed at Castle View Hotel in Chepstow, which was a really old building with original beams and uneven floors, full of old world charm. The staff where so friendly and accommodating with regards to Arthur, our 17 month old. We had the most amazing meal at No 16, there hotels restaurant that is also popular with locals. John has the hereford 28-days old Dry Aged 7oz fillet steak with thick cut chips, baby leaf spinach and grilled tomato and red wine jus. I had largest most moist chicken breast with a beautiful stilton sauce....was a taste sensation. It was paired with a surprisingly nice British red wine (the house wine) and a sneaky home-made chunky toffee topped apple pie went down a treat. Chepstow is such a cute town and have some really lovely vintage stores (I need to go back for a better look soon!) and the hotel was as the name implies right opposite the very impressive castle. If you walk over the bridge by the castle you walk into England, which I find quite funny to go from one country to another. The Chepstow museum was also a nice surprise and very family friendly filled with some interesting artwork. We also spent sometime in Usk and had a nice high tea in alittle restaurant there after we visited Usk castle, a pretty interesting little find, it's ruins of a castle protected by some roaming geese. We love to travel and as much as we love going overseas a nice little staycation can be just as good for the soul.



Weekend bag
You can't go anywhere with out some Ralph Lauren
Chepstow
really cool vintage shop in Chepstow
checkered floor
Wonderful Stairs in Chepstow Museum


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Outfit post with a vintage touch

21/02/2012

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So it has been way too long since I have done a proper outfit post and I am bring them back in a big way :). So here is a dress John bought me a while ago from Dorothy Perkins to wear to a friends vintage inspired birthday. I have paired it up with a satchel I found at the most amazing thrift store cardiff ever sore, unfortunately it didn't last very long and had to close. The jacket is a vintage Gerard Darel, it's so well made and fitted in just the right places and I seem to be in good company with this label as more and more celebs and high profile individuals are stepping out in the french brand such as Reese Witherspoon and Rachel Bilson.

Jacket Gerard Darel, Satchel Thrifted, Dress Dorothy Perkins, Necklace M&S, Shoes New Look






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Instagram weekend roundup

20/02/2012

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So still alittle upset at not being at London Fashion Week this week due to work/life commitments (first time in a few years that I am not there) I have resorted to quite a lot of baking this weekend, which has now lead me to needing to go on a healthy eating diet this monday! Anyway since John and I both had today free we thought we would make the most of it, since it was dry, although very cold and apparently it's going to be raining for most of the week, we though an ouside adventure of some sort was on the cards. So we decided to take a drive to Cyfarthfa Castle in Merthyr (birthplace of Julian McDonald and Laura Ashley) and anyone living in Wales/Cardiff should check this place out, as it really is a beautiful setting. The castle houses a very interesting and fun Museum and Art Gallery, as well as a victorian style tea room (welsh cakes and coffee for me). It's also set in a 160 acre parkland with a large lake full of ducks and a sensory garden and best of all it's all Free!! Another great find this weekend, while looking for my mothers birthday present, I came across The Polaroid Book (as sold in urban outfitters) in a charity shop for £1.95 - winning!

Arthur loved Cyfarthfa castle and the space to roam :)

Late night baking...scones and ginger bread men
Charity shop find!

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Sharing the love Saturday

18/02/2012

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So I am really really sad not to be at London Fashion Week this week - its the first time in a few years I have not attended, but working freelance sometimes means it's hard to get the time off. But I have booked the whole week free for Sept Fashion Week (which I am really looking forward too) although next weekend Canon Calumet have invited me to work as a press photographer for London Fashion Weekend, so I suppose it's not the same but equally fun :). But in the same vein in London Fashion week - once of the most popular shows last year was TopShops - full of fun and stars adorning the front row. So here is my current Topshop fave looks and they really are mixing it up and taking risks this season.

How cute is this outfit!!



Love this!



Also quite a few of my favourite bloggers and friends are at LFW and would like to highlight the ever stylish Fashion Pearls of Wisdom. She has such an amazing closet of beautiful and interesting clothes and is so orginal in all her outfits, like the one below - I love that OMG necklace






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Valentines Instagram

14/02/2012

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So we are not big on over commercialised holidays and like to get back to the real meanings behind the days we celebrate and I think completely turning your back on Valentines day can be quite cynical as in my family we have always used the day to show our loved one's what they mean to us, including family, my mother has always made me something since I was small, like a felt heart or card, as I was her daughter and she's my mother and our bond is something special. I don't think there is anything wrong with a day that celebrates love in the world, the thing is to not get too wrapped up in the whole supermarket style of it being shoved down our throats every time we enter one, trying to get us to buy huge boxes of chocolates and massive balloons,  I mean if that's your thing by all means get them, but we just try to treat ourselves with things we love, such as good food, wine, a nice magazine and possibly some fresh flowers (I love the smell of fresh flowers).
After some really yummy croissants for breakfast and some rose bubbly we headed out to Cardiff bay for a meal at Las Iguanas. The food was really good, in fact we where surprised how good it was, and very baby friendly and the staff where very welcoming and efficient - we will be back! Here is our instgram fun from our loving day :)

John knows what little treats I like...Vogue and some morning bubbly

John wearing a Nudie Shirt in Las Iguanas and a Peruvian beer
Me in a french connection top with the little man
A tired little man on the way home.

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Etsy Love

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Oh how I love the creative people on etsy.....here are two things I came across today that made me happy, these gloves from Yastik izi are just too cute (very valentines appropriate)



Also I think these roll-top couches are such a good idea from Rough House Art, perhaps not my colour scheme but I love the idea....


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TKmaxx adds to it's Gold Lable collection.

10/02/2012

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So I am always up for getting a bargain, especially since having my son but as good as the prices is I try to go for quality first, so if you have an eye for a deal and the patience then any TKmaxx store is like a treasure chest, especially since they have added a load more items to there luxury Gold label line which consists of some really high end designers such as Alexander McQueen and Temperley to name a few...here are my fave pics from there online selection
Just Cavalli Silk blouse
Just Cavalli Blazer
Michael Kors dress

Alexander McQueen - Mixed Knitted Vest top
See by Chloe








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