Why you should consider going away for Christmas

Christmas, I'm already starting to break out into a sweat thinking about it. Having grown up as part of a expat family in South Africa our Christmas's were usually very small, with only immediate family on the day and possibly heading to some friends for a party on boxing day but always fairly calm and spent outdoors as the festive period fell during our summer time. Even when we did fly over to the UK every 3yrs or so it was still a small gathering and as children it never made any difference to us where in the world we spent Christmas as long as it was with family. We of course had gifts but growing up we were never over indulged like children are now and I do think we are forgetting what the festive season is meant to be about. My childhood experiences are completely different to the now which has become very manic especially having kids and trying to divide time between two sets of in-laws and to be completely honest I feel exhausted just by the thought as it always ......

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Perfecting your Spring Style

My one favourite things about the changing of the seasons is putting together a go-to capsule wardrobe that allows me to mix and match a few different key items to create simple but stylish outfits. This time last year I could be excused for not being on top of things as my main priority was trying to get some sleep in-between feeding and changing a 2month old baby but a year on and I attempting to be more organised as when I dress well I feel good. I have also realised that I am in real need of some new clothes - I went on a spending ban when I found out I was pregnant with my second child so it's been a good two years since I have done a proper overhaul and I am loving all the soft a delicate castle tones in store at the moment and Coast capture that light and carefree style perfectly. So what are the key things you need this season to nail your spring summer look ? 1. Keep your essentials neutral and build on top of that, don't clash prints and keep t......

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Street Style Sunday - Spring Throwback

Casual style in the spring sun It's that time of the week again - Street Style Sunday - I was really excited about this week as I have a lovely new outfit that I am eager to share with you all but the last two days have been spent under the covers as I have a cold and believe me I don't like good at all at the moment, in fact I look pretty awful, so I thought I would have a little throwback to what we were wearing this time last year. Going Monochrome with a Vero Moda shirt, Max Studio trousers, HM shoes, Paul Costello bag Spring is a bit of strange but exciting time of the year, one day you could wearing a big coat while the cold wind whistles through the air and then next day you could be in light shirt enjoying those first blissful moments of warmth from the spring sunshine. Joules dress perfect for spring paired with a Radley bag I also cannot believe how much Mr A has grown, he looks so young in these photos from spring last year and it just seems ......

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Monday inspired living

Hello Monday ( image ) Goodbye weekend and Hello Monday....this week I wanted to share some happy thoughts and interiors to start off the week in a happy and positive way. I am feeling full of wanderlust at the moment but in the same breath have been enjoying some homely time, enjoying the simple pleasures, cuddles with the boys in the morning and making some yummy pancakes this morning. What is so wonderful at the moment is the change of the season, from winter into spring and the beautiful light that is now starting to flood in through the windows each morning. Here is to a great Monday and hopefully an inspiring and creative week How stunning is this bedroom ( image ) A quote to live by ( image ) ...

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Healthier Pumpkin Pie and Autumn interiors

So a couple of weeks ago we picked up a small pumpkin from Amelia Trust Community farm and our normal thing would be to either make soup or use it in a curry but I felt like doing something really Autumny and Mr A and I thought we would try our hand at making some Pumpkin Pie. The recipe is unfortunately not vegan but does not have any refunded sugar in it and is sweetened with rice malt as Pumpkin is natural sweet. It was also the first time we made a crust from ground Almonds - it's lovely especially if you use coconut oil. Ingredients 3 Eggs 125ml rice malt syrup 375ml Pumpkin/Butternut squash puree (roast the veggies until soft and then blend them in a blender to make the puree) 180ml Coconut Cream 1 table spoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 2-3 tablespoons arrowroot grated zest of 1 lemon Flour for thickening if needed Crust 60g butter (must be unsalted!) or coconut oil 200g ground almonds 1/2 teaspoon of salt Pre......

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Simple Autumn pleasures

Oh how I do love Autumn - it really is such a lovely time of the year, especially for exploring the outdoors. With so many changes in the air its a very exciting time, fallen leaves, making wild art and of course looking for conkers. We have a lovely secret conker tree that no one else seems to know about - we have found some amazing ones there this year. Also puddle jumping is a huge favourite in Autumn and something both I and the little man indulge in (who can resist jumping in a lovely fresh puddle!) Mr A has also learnt how to use his scooter he got last month for his birthday and it's pretty much not left his side since then. These are all wonderful simple pleasures and a great way to have fun outdoors. ...

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Next season’s trends now: My top 5 transitional pieces

Well before we were plunged into the depths of winter, the world’s best-loved designers sent their models down the London, New York, Milan and Paris catwalks wearing what we’ll all be wearing when spring and summer arrive. But there’s no need to wait until then. Already, there are key pieces which are bang on trend for 2014, but you can already pick up now. Katie the window shopping loving blogger behind delightso.me shares her favourite trends to invest in now and wear through winter, spring AND summer: Collarless coats While this winter, it’s all been about either a furry coat which looks a little bit like a teddy bear or an oversized pink duster coat, come spring, we’ll be switching to a lighter weight collarless cover-up. Rachel Zoe’s streamlined monochrome piece is stunning. But, I’ve slightly fallen in love with this completely kitsch number from Karl Donoghue’s eponymous label. It cleverly incorporates all of this winter’s trends with next spring’s – so, it has a clea......

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Easy party planning tips

John enjoying a drink last year So there is no party season like the festive season, with so much to celebrate, Christmas, New Years and for us a house warming party, now is the season to be organised and on your game, although if your like me, super busy trying to sort out Christmas decorations, the house, being a mother and attempting look like an acceptable human being in the mornings (lots of unintentional late nights recently) I think everyone could do with a little bit of help. Having organised many a party in the past from gig nights to charity events to house parties and more recently birthday parties I wanted to put together my top tips for staying sane and organising a festival celebration to remember. Enjoying a house party in our old house 1. Always have a pen and paper to hand for when you have a light bulb moment or simple need to remind yourself to pick up the mistletoe to hang over the door - this is a must when organising any event. 2. Enlist hel......

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People Tree Party Dresses

First of all this is Not a sponsored post, I am simply sharing my love of one of my favourite eco brands People Tree . I have been on the lookout for something chic but not over the top and ethical that can be worn during the party season this Christmas but also if I want on a daily basis too and I think People Tree have some lovely options that capture all of my wants. There dresses are quite simple which works really well for me as you can dress them up or down and use accessories to add that extra sparkle. The quality is also amazing and everything I have ever bought from people tree last a really long time and don't lose there shape. Here are a few of my favourite pieces for the festive season. What look are you going for this Christmas and New Years? ...

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