Last week I stumbled across Barbour's new country clothing collection on Outdoorandcountry.com. I made a mental wish list - everything is gorgeous!
If like me, you have noticed the nights drawing in... This can only mean one thing, Autumn is approaching. Which means wrapping up in big jumpers, waterproof boots and fluffy scarves - yay!
I've put together a collection of outfits from the super gorgeous brand new Barbour collection. Everything is from their new collection apart from the sexy Ash Stilettos.
Dee Tartan
How smart is the dee tartan?
Barbour International
My inner grunge approves of this look.
Rustic Hues
Great for autumn walks with the dog, kicking up fallen golden leaves and admiring the local scenery.
Pub Lunch
This outfit is great for eating pub lunches whilst taking in the countryside. Shopping for new accessories and makeup and adventuring and wandering around quaint villages.
I've put together a collection of outfits from the super gorgeous brand new Barbour collection. Everything is from their new collection apart from the sexy Ash Stilettos.
Dee Tartan
How smart is the dee tartan?
Barbour International
My inner grunge approves of this look.
Rustic Hues
Great for autumn walks with the dog, kicking up fallen golden leaves and admiring the local scenery.
Pub Lunch
This outfit is great for eating pub lunches whilst taking in the countryside. Shopping for new accessories and makeup and adventuring and wandering around quaint villages.
Come back next week to see some more Barbour outfits!
Open Air Cinemas...you know, in America where people can chill together in the warm weather (sitting on car bonnets is optional) and watch a film outdoors...? Well, we did that but with umbrellas, coats, waterproof boots and camping chairs in the English countryside! And guess what, it was awesome! The screen looks rather tiny on the photos but it was much bigger in person and the sound system was great.
"Well, we did that but with umbrellas, coats, waterproof boots and camping chairs in the English Countryside!"
There was a really nice atmosphere and everyone seemed to be having a super night despite the weather! We watched the final Hobbit film; Battle of the Five Armies and the rain actually held off for the duration of the film, hooray! I certainly want to do this next year. Everything was really well organised, the film ran on time and the facilities were easily accessible. There was also a place to buy snacks and warm drinks - super! You can take your own food and drinks too (which is what we did) so it felt like a night time picnic!
What was really lovely was we could hear a tawny owl hooting away in the distance, that made it really special and a unique experience to us.
Good work Derby QUAD for the equipment & thanks to National Trust for hosting the event!
Find out more about Summer Nights Film Festival here. They hold all the screenings at 8 different gorgeous spectacular National Trust heritage locations all over the England!
You can see more of Hardwick Hall here.
"Well, we did that but with umbrellas, coats, waterproof boots and camping chairs in the English Countryside!"
There was a really nice atmosphere and everyone seemed to be having a super night despite the weather! We watched the final Hobbit film; Battle of the Five Armies and the rain actually held off for the duration of the film, hooray! I certainly want to do this next year. Everything was really well organised, the film ran on time and the facilities were easily accessible. There was also a place to buy snacks and warm drinks - super! You can take your own food and drinks too (which is what we did) so it felt like a night time picnic!
What was really lovely was we could hear a tawny owl hooting away in the distance, that made it really special and a unique experience to us.
Good work Derby QUAD for the equipment & thanks to National Trust for hosting the event!
Find out more about Summer Nights Film Festival here. They hold all the screenings at 8 different gorgeous spectacular National Trust heritage locations all over the England!
You can see more of Hardwick Hall here.
We're famous!
What a day!
Sorry this post is a week late, I've been really busy just lately. So... to start the day we were blessed with some beautiful sunshine and some unexpected warm weather!
We made the most of it by eating a mini English breakfast outside and having a quick dip in the pool before we headed off to Chesterfield. The nice weather didn't last for long...
Wearing my Jack Wills Bikini |
Hardwick Hall
So, off we went to Chesterfield to visit Hardwick Hall in Doe Lea. In true British style we packed waterproofs and a big umbrella as the forecast was 'thunder and rain'.
The building is magnificent and the grounds are wonderfully kept! This was also filmed as the location for the dark Harry Potter film, The Deathly Hallows. Hardwick Hall has the perfect architecture for the sinister Malfoy manor! The towers were altered slightly but you can certainly tell this is Hardwick Hall. The hall itself was built in 1500's by the Bess of Hardwick.
Malfoy Manor in the Harry Potter Films |
Look at the size of these antlers! |
Gorgeous views |
Hardwick Inn
Literally just down the road from Hardwick Hall we found Hardwick Inn. We always try to sample the local pub when we visit new places and Hardwick Inn was great. We tried some of Bess of Hardwick Bitter then made our way back up to the hall for the Summer Nights film...
Continue reading here
Earlier in the year my Dad built my Mum a house for the wild ducks that visit us.
We normally get mallard ducks every year so it did seem like a nice idea to give them a lovely home so Dad got his DIY on. It floats on 4 water filled barrels and is made from wood.
And, success! The lady duck nested in the box and had her first batch of ducklings.
It has been really interesting observing the ducks every day and seeing their habits. At times it's been quite stressful, especially when the mother duck flies off and leaves the tiny week old babies all alone. So I was on guard whenever I could, shooing off any crows or herons. This is virtually impossible working away from home though so unfortunately nature does run its course.
This little fella managed to get separated from the rest of the group |
Unfortunately, only one baby duckling survived but he is big and strong now and has fled the comforts of our pond. I named him Simon. He never did develop any male markings so I'm beginning to think the duckling is in fact female haha but we will see.
If anyone is interested in the build of the house please email me and I can give you some more information!
You will soon learn about how obsessed I am with Interior design...
I've been lusting over the Kylie at Home bedding ever since it was first released in 2008. Seeing it on full display in furniture shops I fascinated about owning the beautiful bedding myself. But, as I was still in education there was NO WAY I could afford it or even persuade and convince my parents it was a great investment piece!
But, the day has arrived.
7 years later I own a Kylie at Home bedding set of my very own!
I read some reviews online to see if the quality matched up to my dreams and the feedback was positive... I ordered my Alexa bedding. A lady reviewer said the sequins on the housewife pillows were irritating to sleep on so I avoided getting those and stuck with the big square pillows instead and will use plain housewife pillows.
The whole bedding set was in excess of £200 but I stopped myself from ordering everything in the set! If you shop around you can get it cheaper than Next and BHS. I found Leekes.com had everything cheapest.
Leekes service was second to none, I am so impressed with how they dealt with everything and probably the best service I've received ALL YEAR. I got numerous emails updating me to what they were doing with my sequinny glamourous bedding and their choice of Parcelforce was perfect - this made me even more excited being updated every step of the way! I ordered on the 23rd and it was in my hands on the 26th. There was a fault (I was so upset!) in the fabric of my duvet but this was quickly resolved and another was sent and arrived the next day - amazing service and I was very grateful! Top job Leekes. I'm dancing like the people on your advert!
I love the grey tones for a bedroom. For me, it makes it a really tranquil and relaxing setting.
Gorgeous packaging! |
Kylie at Home 'Alexa' runner in packaging |
"One of life's great luxuries is to be at home"
Kylie Minogue
My Kylie 'Alexa' bedding - Square pillowcases, duvet and runner all from Leekes.co.uk |
It's so glamorous and you feel like a princess getting into bed... Who doesn't want that?
By the way, I love the colour grey! |
Cushions: various designs I have collected over the years |
If you're thinking about getting this bedding... I say, go for it!
Cheapest I found online was Leekes:
(They also have a 5% discount at the moment offering customers an even bigger saving)
(They also have a 5% discount at the moment offering customers an even bigger saving)
Kylie Alexa Square Pillows: £16 (each)
Other items in this range include cushions and curtains.
I hope everyone had a great Bank Holiday, albeit the weather was not the best!
Lots of warm tones this month ready for the
oncoming Autumnal weather.
Barbour have a gorgeous new collection of clothes. How lush is that cape! I've put
together some outfit choices from their new season so be on the look out for this post soon.
I'm loving nude lippies at the moment and been lusting over Illamasqua, Charlotte Tilbury and MAC. I'm yet to make a decision on which one to choose! The tones of this Illamasqua normadic eye palette look warm and intense, a great look for autumn.
Rapidlash enhances your eyelashes, making them stronger and longer.
The before and after results look great. I'd love to try this!
I'm having a bit of an interior revamp at the moment at home and literally can't wait to have my own place now so I can sit on Pinterest for hours planning my perfect living room rather than just dreaming about it...
Details
Benefit Minis
'That Gal' - Brightening Face Primer
'High Beam' - Illuminator
'Boi-ing' - Concealers
Last week I purchased some Benefit beauty kits containing their mini products.
These are my faves! 'That Gal' adds a subtle illuminating/brightening primer base to your makeup and really makes it stick and makes it last all day. I think I prefer 'That Gal' to the 'POREfessional' primer to be honest. It smells divine too. The concealers (in shades 02 and 03) have done a super job of covering blemishes but I don't think it's the best for under the eye area as I find it a bit thick. I adore the 'High Beam' illuminator, I'll definitely be buying this one when it runs out.
Last week I purchased some Benefit beauty kits containing their mini products.
These are my faves! 'That Gal' adds a subtle illuminating/brightening primer base to your makeup and really makes it stick and makes it last all day. I think I prefer 'That Gal' to the 'POREfessional' primer to be honest. It smells divine too. The concealers (in shades 02 and 03) have done a super job of covering blemishes but I don't think it's the best for under the eye area as I find it a bit thick. I adore the 'High Beam' illuminator, I'll definitely be buying this one when it runs out.
Kylie at Home, Alexa Bedding Range
It's here! And.It's.Stunning. Look out for my full blog post on this soon.
Season Switch-up
This mornings walk... The first of the autumn leaves are beginning to fall. Autumn is a beautiful time of year here in England and I'm looking forward to the season change.
Clearasil - Ultra Rapid Action Treatment Cream
This little tube of goodness is fantastic. I bought this thinking it would be 'ok' but I think much more than that, I think it's great! Put a little dot of this on that pesky spot and let this work it's magic #win
What are you loving at the minute? I'd love to know!
Planning a weekend away this Bank Holiday?
I have put together a selection of clothing items which are perfect to take with you on your retreat.
All of which can be found at A Hume Country Clothing.
With our British weather being temperamental it's best to be prepared for all weather conditions! These gorgeous brown leather Fairfax & Favor boots compliment any country outfit - from the countryside to the city.
Dubarry have a great range of traditional handbags, the holdall is great too. I must get one! The Blazer looks really smart too. Teamed with a pair of jeans, heels and a cheeky gin and tonic this would look stunning for lunch time outfit. I love this Gibson & Birkbeck woodcock print shirt! Smart yet really cute at the same time.
All of which can be found at A Hume Country Clothing.
With our British weather being temperamental it's best to be prepared for all weather conditions! These gorgeous brown leather Fairfax & Favor boots compliment any country outfit - from the countryside to the city.
Dubarry have a great range of traditional handbags, the holdall is great too. I must get one! The Blazer looks really smart too. Teamed with a pair of jeans, heels and a cheeky gin and tonic this would look stunning for lunch time outfit. I love this Gibson & Birkbeck woodcock print shirt! Smart yet really cute at the same time.
* Don't forget that waterproof coat & umbrella! *
Why not follow my Pinterest board for more inspiration?
Hope you all have a wonderful Bank Holiday!
Details:
Dubarry Swift Jacket (Navy) - Price £299
Fairfax and Favor Explorer Boots (Brown Leather) - £310
Dubarry Birch Tweed Jacket - £329
Dubarry Boyne Bag (Walnut) - £169
Dubarry Durrow Weekend Bag (Walnut) - £299
Dubarry Foxglove Skirt (Connacht Acorn) - £199
Ahume Kelso Tweed Blazer (Barona) - £360
Dubarry Umbrella - £30
Dubarry Fermoy Boots (Walnut) - £329
Dubarry Rathowen Hat (Olive) - £99
Growing up as a kid I was fascinated by my Dad's pocket Victorinox® Swiss Army knife - all the different possibilities; opening cans, using scissors the mini magnifying glass & tweezers...
Maybe not the best toy for a child but I couldn't help picking it up and opening the different tools.When I got my very own pocket knife I adored it; clambering around in thickets and mini dens making full use of it exploring at my Grandma & Grandmas house.
I stumbled across this great infographic and how to "Guide on Survival and Pocket Knifes". Take a look...
Source: Fix.com
Thanks to Fix for providing the fabulous artwork and rekindling some childhood memories!
Pioneros narrow belt worn with ripped jeans, Ralph Lauren polo top and Fairfax & Favor Regina boots |
Ive seen some lovely examples of polo belts just recently so I decided
to get a beautiful belt of my own to wear with my jeans.
to get a beautiful belt of my own to wear with my jeans.
I went for the Pioneros narrow polo belt in red, navy and cream stripe. The hardest part was choosing the colour combinations. They have a great selection! Check out their full range here. This belt will also look fab with some white jeans or chinos (if you're a chap). I had to use a tape measure to work out what size I would need ( I went for a 32" / 85cm and I am a size 8) and its a superb fit.
Beautifully hand woven each belt can take 4 to 5 hours to embroider.
"Pioneros started in the UK in 2003 as a family business producing fine quality leathergoods from Argentina. The business's family connections in Argentina go back to before 1745, in the Spanish colonial days, long before Argentina gained independence in 1816." (info quoted from their site)
Pioneers narrow belt worn with ripped jeans, Ralph Lauren polo top and Fairfax and Favor Regina boots |
Pioneros Narrow Belt |
Great choice
Lots of selection to choose from! They also sell handbags and dog collars.
They have various sizes too, even children's sizes.
They have various sizes too, even children's sizes.
Excellent quality
The leather feels great and it is weaved to perfection.
Speedy service
I ordered on the 16th, it was shipped on the 18th and arrived on the 19th.
Good Price
I was looking at a few belts priced at £50.00 but these beauts
are £32.00 (narrow design), £35.00 (standard width).
Good Price
I was looking at a few belts priced at £50.00 but these beauts
are £32.00 (narrow design), £35.00 (standard width).
Matching sets
You can even get matching dog collars and leads and
brow bands for your horse or ponies bridle!
brow bands for your horse or ponies bridle!
After a polo belt? Then look no further...You can find out more about Pioneros here