THE MRS

Teeth Whitening - Crest Whitestrips Review

2012-02-28T10:15:00.000+00:00

In preparation for my wedding, in (argh!) 80 days, I started doing some research about different teeth whitening products and treatments on the market. I was quoted around £70 for a teeth bleaching kit (via my Denplan dentist) but there were no guarantees it would actually make my teeth a whole lot whiter.

I read quite a bit about Crest Whitestrips online - mostly from blogs and Youtube videos from the US. The results looks pretty incredible so I thought I'd give them a try. I bought some gum shields a couple of years ago from a pharmacy in San Fransisco and they did work but I felt for my wedding, I needed something a bit stronger!

I used the Professional Effects strips. They cost about £40 for 20 sets of upper and lower strips.

Advertised as:

"The latest Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects contains the identical fenamel-safe ingredient dentists use. It’s so quick and easy to use. Simply apply once a day for 30 minutes and you’ll start seeing a white smile within just a few days and a complete transformation within only 20 days."

I ordered some Crest Whitestrips from a website called Dent Store (http://www.dentstore.co.uk/). They seemed to have good feedback and it all looked above board! I'd watched some Youtube videos where users reported pain, headaches and tooth sensitivity for days after using the strips so I was anxious to say the least. I haven't had the best dental-related experiences over the last 15 years with 4 root canals, braces and one implant, I try to take care of my teeth as much as possible!

Peel off the strips and stick them firmly onto the row of teeth (avoiding gums!)

They say you can use the strips for 30 minutes each day and if used consecutively, after 3 days, you should see the difference. I first used them on Wednesday 22nd February....and boy did it hurt! My teeth aren't particularly sensitive normally but even after about 10 minutes there was tingling, intermittent shooting pains and burning! Sounds scary doesn't it, but it wasn't quite THAT bad - I have had much worse dental pain!

I managed to keep them on for the requisite 30 minutes for maximum effect and once I took them off, my teeth hurt slightly when drinking cold water but I really could see the difference already. Rather than using them daily, I've opted for every other day. I'm due my fourth use tonight.

Please note: these are not my teeth! An example given by the website!

The second and third uses were absolutely fine. I sat still and read a book, trying not to concentrate on any slight tingling! Actually, there was no pain or sensitivity at all after the first use. Perhaps it was just my teeth getting used to it. Although its not the most pleasant experience, I would definitely recommend them because my teeth are now noticeably whiter and I can't wait to see how white I can get them before the big W-day!

Have you used these or other white strips before? Were they painful? Did you have good results?

Love TM

The Real Housewives...an update.

2012-02-27T12:05:00.003+00:00

Now I know this is the height of tack but I cannot get enough of the Real Housewives series. I seem to have become obsessed then afterwards, full of shame for being entertained by such trash! H2B refuses to watch and mocks me relentlessly!

The Beverley Hills lot are my far the best but I've also been series linking the RH of Orange County on ITV daily at 3.40pm! In case you haven't seen the last series of the RH of BH, here's a quick catch up!

Kim has gone insane. Lets face it, she was pretty messed up before but she's seriously koo koo now. (Did you see her in the ski chalet episode?) Kyle claims she's an alcoholic and her voice mail to Adrienne doesn't do much to dispel this theory. I've heard that Kim has opted out of the next series, choosing instead to enter rehab, again.

Adrienne still argues with her long suffering husband Paul. Why are they together again? She can barely seem to look at him without frowning! And what's with all this glittery hair extensions? Is she 9 or 49? Her basketball (?) team hate her for some reason along with her Maloof brothers yet despite the threat of 'beer cans being thrown' she so valiantly attended the game and risked her life!

Camille seems to have gotten over Frasier and is actually staying out of the bitching (to a degree) for once. Her weird ginger friend makes a come back but at least the fake cigarette-smoking mind reader has so far been avoided! But alas, she is selling the ski chalet. (Not because she can't afford it though - she so subtly makes clear) Just because it holds such painful memories : (

Lisa, ah Lisa Van Der Pump, you gotta love her! And who calls their daughter Pandora?! I did love her wedding though, the flowers and cake though the sickly sweet pink got a but much. I still admire anyone who has the balls to marry a 'Ken' - such a fab English name! No nonesence, straight talking 'therapy is a sign of weakness' Ken. Still not entirely sure where the Van Der Pump name came from!

Then there's poor little Taylor. Taylor whose teeth are too big for her head, lips too big for her face and cheekbones that could serioulsy injure a passing child. Taylor who claimed in Series One that she saw her late husband over a crowded room and just thought 'that's the man for me.' Hiding in a suitcase? Flipping out over her make-up bag? I really hope she's getting help now because something was very wrong and made for pretty uncomfortable watching that last episode.

Kyle has moved into a bigger home bless her. At least now in the opening credits she admits 'I'm not the richest girl.' You're right, you're not. Your husband is. But her daughter Portia is adorable so I'll let her off.

Lisa and Kyle are the most likeable characters. Kyle looks gorgeous with her long thick dark hair and amazing clothes and earrings and Lisa....well, I can't get enough of the helicopter shots of her house (and by that I mean mansion, grounds, estate!)

Please leave any comments below. Which is your favourite? Are you enjoying this season?

Love TM

You are cordially invited...

2011-12-22T15:00:00.003+00:00

So, with five months before we say 'I do', the invites have been printed and are laid out very neatly into piles on our lounge floor. The John Lewis Gift List inserts have also been completed, folded and ready to enclose.

We created a draft guest list pretty early on (I've always known exactly who I wanted at my wedding) but for some reason Mr Smith etc keeps creeping on in there. The numbers have steadily risen from 105 to 167 in the space of a few months. Why? Guest list politics. So, I ask you readers:

1. If you are invited to a wedding, should you invite them to yours?

2. If you are only invited to the evening reception, do you return the favour or invite them to the whole shabang?

3. If only one of you is invited to the wedding, do you cut out their wife or girlfriend out in turn?

4. If one of you (their favourite) is invited to the wedding breakfast and the other is expected to wander around a strange city alone then meet up at the evening reception, should you go at all? And should you adopt the same approach?

....and don't even get me started on children!

I have loved every second of the wedding planning process but the guest list has, by far, got to be the most difficult part. Do you split the guests 50/50 and have exactly half each, for that person to make ur their 50 however they like? Do you make rules like, only parents, siblings, aunties/uncles and first cousins? Because - that could end up with an uneven balance!

Parents involvement or lack of it also seems to cause arguments. Some who you thought would be buying the magazines and calling every few days with new bouquet ideas have been surprisingly quiet. Others who couldn't care less about cake and music have been perfectly vocal about transport and seating charts.

How are you supposed to keep everyone happy? And should you even have to make anyone ELSE happy? Most friends falls into one of two camps. a) "It's your day, its about you and Mr X, as long as you're happy no one else matters" or b) "Its a family affair, they have brought you up, contributed to the wedding budget and should have a say and be part of the day too".

Well, I have to say, I would put myself in the a) category. I just hope that if and when I have children, I'll stay out of things as much or as little as they want me to. Does it matter if you're mother of the bride or groom? If you have girls, do you automatically get to be a bigger part of the day? Either way, its not long to go, I haven't snapped at anyone yet and I think I'm doing a pretty good job of biting my tongue and improving my patience (something that Mr X tells me is sorely lacking!)

Love TM x

Miss Middleton - 6 months on

2011-11-04T12:37:00.000+00:00

Good Friday!

So, its been just over 6 months since that incredible day at Westminster Abbey and my 9 hour wait (without the toilet) squashed in between a 70 year old grandmother from Doncaster and a 21 year old Brazilian student who arrived straight from a club.

Kate has kept a pretty low profile since the big day, just appearing few times publicly (after the America trip).

She recently met wore a stunning pale Amanda Wakeley gown to an event in support of the 'In Kind Direct' charity at Clarence House on 26 October 2011 in London. Interestingly, this was her first solo engagement and I for one think she did pretty well without Will by her side.

Kate and Will went to to St. James Palace attending the 100 Women in Hedge Funds Gala and Kate wore Beulah London for the first time publicly. The colour is good on her but for me, the cut of the dress lacks imagination and there's hardly any detail. She is only 29 after all - perhaps she should make the most of her youth before wearing a long 'cover up!'

Kate also recently met up withthe Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Denmark. She meets him in a Sydney bar and next thing you know, she's a princess! I was actually in Australia when their wedding took place and man, the atmosphere was hysterical!

Kate and William are distributing emergency food and medical supplies to East Africa, where over 13 million people are suffering from a sever food shortage. Kate wore a stunning long thick winter coat in red with wide belt. I'm not sure how comfortable she felt in that hard hat though!

On another note, when they got hitched, I had a bet with my fiance how long it would take before the big pregnancy announcement. I said 11 months and he said 2 years. So far I'm not doing too well. Lets give it until the new year.....

Love TM x

Ring Bearer bowls by Paloma's Nest

2011-10-11T12:25:00.002+01:00

I don't know how many of you use Etsy regularly, but you might have noticed a company called Paloma's Nest. I first saw them by accident while looking for wedding related goodies. The website is www.palomasnest.com and I have just taken delivery of my very own Ring Bearer Bowl ("with this ring").

My plan is to have our best man hold the bowl and pass it to the Minster so that we can pluck the others' respective ring when its time to say "I do!" When the little parcel arrived today, I was so excited. Inside wrapped in thick brown paper was a tiny box with twine and a wooden heart saying "Thank You". Inside, literally in its own nest was my treasured bowl. After our wedding, I plan to keep rings, bits and bobs in mine.

The company was founded by Caroline Colom Vasquez, an artist and designer living in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. Paloma's Nest, is dedicated to creating Handcrafted Modern Heirlooms - pieces for the home and for the heart.

The collection includes bowls, tiles, ornaments and decorative pieces and are intended to last for generations, and are thus crafted of the finest natural materials available, including porcelain and clay, wood, paper, and cloth. The inspiration for Paloma's Nest lies in the purity of the materials used, and the idea that something so simple can be so bold.

Caroline, along with her husband José and their team of artisans, strive to create items of meaning and purpose from these natural materials, while leaving the characteristics true. By adding text to the designs, written ideas, feelings, and daydreams are given a place to rest. When names and dates are added, the designs take on special meaning for the recipient and instantly become a Modern Heirloom, cherished for years to come.

Every Paloma's Nest piece - no matter the material - is hand cut, freeform, with no pattern, and every single tiny letter is hand stamped, one by one. This gives each piece its own special variation in the size, shape and layout of the text.

Paloma's Nest is most known for the conception of the Ring Bearer Bowl™, a design that debuted to much international acclaim in 2007. This tiny ceramic dish is intended to replace the ring "pillow" in a wedding celebration, and has created a new tradition in ceremonies around the world. The Ring Bearer Bowl™, which also doubles as a holiday decoration or ring dish in the home, has created a lasting standard in the modern wedding ceremony, and a new form of a family heirloom.

Over the past few years, Paloma’s Nest has evolved from a “one-woman show” to a growing company employing several full time team members. Caroline’s husband José has also joined the family business, and together the two are focused on building a fair and supportive workplace for their employees, offering a true living wage and health benefits for all.

Paloma’s Nest also believes in sharing the opportunity they have as business owners and artisans with other entrepreneurs, and thus is proud to dedicate a portion of all monthly proceeds to Kiva, in the form of micro-finance loans to start-ups around the globe.

Caroline and Jose also participate in business mentoring and consulting to share their experiences with other small companies, both locally and internationally.

By placing priority on quality and service, both in the studio and in their interactions with clients and the public, Paloma’s Nest has created a business based on respect and longevity. It is with this intention that Paloma’s Nest looks forward to creating Modern Heirlooms for you and yours, for many years to come.

The products are made in the US so the P&P is slightly more than you would have to pay in the UK but I think the overall cost is entirely reasonable. Have you ever bought from Paloma's Nest? Please do leave a comment. Love, themrs x

Wedding Websites - binge or cringe?

2011-09-27T13:39:00.003+01:00

Afternoon ladies,

I thought I'd blog today about wedding websites because in the last few years, more and more couples seem to be adding them to their list of 'must haves.'

I'm certain, 10 years ago, no one had ever heard of a 'wedding website' yet today, there are a whole host of companies and sites out there helping you to create your own piece of virtual wedding heaven.

When considering the costs of invites, information cards, RSVP cards (etc etc!), it really is a great way of saving money and putting all of the necessary info in one, easily accessible place. Almost all of your guests are likely to have smart phones and internet access so it makes sense to have the Big Day details stored somewhere safe that guests can return to and even sign the 'guest book'! You can even get a website to match your invites!

Now, the only problem I can think of, is, as some of my friends have mentioned, the cheese factor. Some think wedding websites are an American idea, thought up to cause the bride even more stress! A place to boast about your wedding details and add photos showing a gorgeous happy, beaming couple to make the single friends jealous!

If you haven't already guessed, I think wedding websites are a fab idea and I have spent many hours at home getting ours ready!

My favourites are:

My Wedding (http://www.mywedding.com/)

Wedding Path (http://www.weddingpath.co.uk/)

The Knot (www.theknot.com)

Let me know if you're contemplating getting one, or if you already have!

Love TM x

Emmy Fever

2011-09-23T09:28:00.001+01:00

Oh how I love watching the E! coverage of the award shows' red carpet.

Now I know its a tad late (sorry readers!) but I couldn't help blogging about this years' Emmy Awards. Guiliana Ransic, Kelly Osbourne and Ryan Seacrest are hilarious. I think in America its more common but I still find it funny to see them ask each celeb 'who are you wearing?' especially when the poor starlet can't remember the designer (or even better) can't pronounce the name properly! (see Monique Lhullier).

I also (shame) tend to watch the Fashion Police show after. If you haven't seen it, it basically involves the aging (but severly botoxed) Joan Rivers slagging off each red carper-walker in turn. Occasionally, the panel actually praise a style choice but, 90% of the time, the comments are a less than positive! There was also some controvercial mimicing of Lea Michelle's posing technique (done quite well actually - I don't see what all the fuss is about Gleeks!)

So who were the winners and loser in the style stakes this year. Red strapless 'fit and flare' styles certainly featured heavily as did the ever cool Marchesa designs (I still haven't figured out why Georgina Chapman married Harvey Weinstein). Kate Winslet arrived looking steely eyed, but one of my stabnd-out favourites must be new comer Charlie's Angels star Rachael Taylor (that cropped baby blonde hair - wow!).

Let me know who was your favoutite! Love TM x

Friday Inspiration

2011-09-16T12:13:00.000+01:00

Urgh, what a miserable grey day (but fret not) we have some lovely images below to brighten it up!

I just love looking at images of weddings, the dresses, flowers and all the bits in between. Here is a selection of gowns from formal, modern to vintage and traditional. What is your dress like? Have you gone for something in keeping with your normal style or something a bit different?

Please let me know, I'd love to hear from you!

Love the mrs x

Why do we work?

2011-09-15T14:32:00.002+01:00

Afternoon all, I hope you're well.

Having read an article today about a lady, Nicky Cusack who won £2.9 million on the lottery returning to work at Asda, I couldn't help wondering, 'why do we work?'

Is it because you actually enjoy what you do, the mental stimulation or the workplace camaraderie? Is it purely for the money, counting every penny (and every minute on the clock until home time?) Is it for something to do, because otherwise the boredom of sitting at home would take over? Or for some other reason altogether?

Nicky couldn't wait to get back to work at Asda

For me, I work for money. Pure and simple. Now, that might sound very shallow but, given the choice, I don't mind admitting that I would rather be at home or out doing something I love and having fun! Of course, the novelty very quickly wears off. I remember summers back at home from University from May until the start of Fresher's Week in September. The first few weeks would be amazing, catching up with 'home' friends and relaying the juicy details of nights out at the Student's Union but soon after, the monotony of Sky TV and lazy mornings starts to sink in.

It makes me wonder how retirement must feel. A few people I know have retired recently either through choice, age or redundancy. A few have found it really quite difficult to adapt to a slower pace of life and longer days without structure or deadlines. Some I know have relished in their new found freedom, taking up new hobbies, joining clubs or starting their own business.

If you've been on maternity leave, how did it feel for the month or so before giving birth when you didn't have the little one taking up your every waking minute but without the office and pressure of your boss?! Did you go back to work after maternity leave either full or part-time? Secretly, I think it would be lovely to do what you like, when you like. Perhaps it depends if your mind is naturally active (and you are easily bored) or you are able to happily occupy yourself with reading, the garden or cooking.

Please do let me know, I would love to hear from you!

Love, the mrs x

Fabulous Weddings in August

2011-08-30T14:37:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone - I hope you're all well and enjoying what Summer we have left! Get ready because Winter will soon be on its way!

I thought I would blog today about three very different weddings in August. Firstly, the much publicised wedding of Miss Kimberley Kardashian to Kris Humphries. Filmed exclusively for their E! show Keeping Up With The Kardashians, it was always going to be a large affair with over the top details.

Kourtney, Kim and Khloe all in Vera Wang

Kim in her first (of three) Vera Wang dress "The Princess"

Second, the wedding of Petra Ecclestone, daughter of Bernie (Formula 1 mogul). Think, even bigger than Kim K's! This is the little princess of someone who could buy the Kardashians ten times over. Set in Italy (I think in the same venue as Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise).

Petra arriving at the ceremony with her Father, Bernie

Petra the morning after the ceremony in what looks like a tea party come tennis dress

Petra's sister Tamara in Vera Wang

Finally, the almost private and understated wedding of the German contingency, Georg Friedrich Ferdinand Prince of Prussia and Sophie Johanna Maria Princess of Isenburg. Not quite Kate and Wills but hey, I love a good (almost) royal wedding whoever it is!

Enjoy! Please do leave me a comment if you like any of the photos!

More cakes!

2011-08-18T20:57:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone.

Following the recent post about the 90th birthday cake I made for a fab lady, I thought I'd share with you two more culinary creations. One, Christening cake and a 60th birthday cake. These too took many hours of research, planning, baking and the decorating itself.

The more I make, I do however find them easier and I am getting quicker! I still love the two main cakey ladies in my life, April Reed and Mich Turner. These are dedicated to you! x

What makes a wedding for you?

2011-08-18T20:40:00.001+01:00

What has been your priority when planning your wedding? For some, fashion, the dress and shoes mean everything. For others, its the perfect venue, music or food. For me, personally, it was a bit of everything.

Growing up pretty much the youngest in my entire extended family I've attended my fair share of weddings. From age 11 to the wedding of the people who bought our family home to sisters, cousins, friends and aquiaintances.

I've seen perfect flowers only for it to be let down by the soggy brown bread with butter as a starter. I've seen stunning gowns yet drinks receptions that last waaaay beyond 2 hours.

My fiance laughs at me because I genuinely want this to be the best wedding the guests attending have ever been to. A pretty tough gig you might think. I don't have a spare £50k, Hello! deal or Vera on hand for my dress but I have lived and breathed weddings for around the last 15 years and have probably spent more time researching, designing and planning than I have in my full time job since getting engaged.

I've tried to consider everyones opinions and needs, (although the child-free debate runs on!) trends, personal choices, unique ideas and heart warming touches.

This week, I bought two blackboards in the shape of speech bubbles. I saw them at the National Wedding Show in Birmingham a while ago being an add on when renting a photo booth. I bought them for £13.50 each from ebay. I'm also in the process of designing and ordering invites (though with divorced, remarried, deceased parents the wording has proven to be tricky thus far!). I really love an individual Order of Service and Menu card at weddings. These little details, in my opinion, make all the difference.

Other ideas include a 'family wedding' display. Not on a tree or in frames but mismatched black and white arty shots mounted in a huge white Habitat frame on an easal. When I can find an easel!

Please do let my know what your priority has been when planning your day and what you've done differently to make yours special! x

Cake Decorating

2011-08-05T11:44:00.000+01:00

I was asked to make a cake for a very special lady's 90th birthday. I had free reign to do anything but she likes purple and flowers I was told. I looked at some designs, websites and magazines but pretty much bought some paint and came up with this myself as I went along!

I thought it would be fun to document the entire process. I probably make celebrations cakes about 2 - 3 times a year so its always helpful to remember what you did and where to improve! Enjoy. If you have any questions or comments from your own experience please use the box below.

I made three 10 inch vanilla sponge cakes in my Invicta tins. Baked for about 40 minutes each on 150 degrees. I let them cool and shaved off any parts that had risen in the oven so that they were all perfectly flat and even. I added buttercream and strawberry Bon Maman jam to a layer each.

Above you can see my scales I got from an antiques market in Leicestershire. I actually ended up using these properly to weigh my ingredients because my trendy John Lewis ones ran out of battery at the crucial stage! Also important is to have a good quality, long and heavy rolling pin for your fondant icing.

All my little bits and pieces - vanilla essence, lavender and green colouring, silver balls, glue, alcohol, brushes and pen.

There are my scales that failed me : ( along with icing sugar, self raising and plain flour, baking powder, vanilla essence and golden cane sugar. (And some lucozade in the rack for energy).

Invicta tins 10 inch, grease proof paper, cooling racks and a kebab stick for testing that the cakes are cooked properly.

Now the fun part, covered in buttercream, stacked and cooled over night. There is jam in there somewhere too!

My favourite piece of kit...the turntable. I had to roll the white fondant out to about 16 - 17 inches in width to cover the whole cake as it was quite chunky with the 3 layers. Cover hands and arms with flour, lift like a fork lift truck spokes and quickly place centrally on cake. Spin turntable and cut excess off as you go!

One I made earlier - cover the silver base with a contrasting fondant icing if necessary - I used this olive green colour almost as a 'garden' to then tie in the with floral theme 'growing' from it. When moving the cake, use a palette knife or fish slice type tool to lift quickly and place centrally on board.

My essential tools - small knife for cutting edges of fondant, large for moving the cake around, cake slice and palette knife for buttercream.

I mixed a small amount of the green powder colouring with the alcohol £1.69 for tiny bottle (you can use vodka or gin from home) mix using 5mm brush and paint on as you wish! I did use the pen first to slightly mark on the design but be careful because it can mark and still be seen after painting.

Then I did the same with the purple. Can you spot the error? The green stems were supposed to be the same olive green as the base fondant - oops.

I mixed very thick green royal icing and piped around base of the cake. Wish I had a larger standard nozzle but the only one big enough was this 'star' shaped one which I now think looks a tad 80s!

I made small and tiny purple flowers using a cutter, sprinkled lilac glitter and glued silver balls inside.

See piping around the base and flowers glued on!

A little break for the chef. x

.....and the finished article! With white, then lilac royal icing piped on top!

Catherine hits Canada

2011-07-08T12:07:00.003+01:00

Firstly folks, an apology for my distinct lack of blogging over the last few weeks. No excuses, but I just seem to have been so busy with holidays, work and wedding preparations! The summer is well underway (although this weather is not what I call 'summer'!) and it'll be Christmas before we know it! So lets enjoy the (slightly) warmer weather for now and don our wellies, raybans and fedoras for the festival season!

As you've probably seen, our Queen in Waiting has been touring Canada since 30 June 2011 with her new hubster. She started off strong what with the clever Erdem reference and navy ensembles but I can't help fearing she peaked too soon. What do you think? Kate is so often spot on and then surprisingly, she has these little blips that I like to call 'the old days' (you just need to look through some old photos of her to understand why!) Here is my collection of the best...and worst of her looks over the last few weeks! Please do leave a comment at the end!

Love themrsthemrs x

The Good........

Very similar in style to her blue Issa enagement dress. Purple suits her nontheless and I like the Granny's brooch!

Re-inventing that cream Reiss dress from the Testino shoot.

My favourite look of hers from the tour so far. Loving the Mulberry bag!

Simple. Charming. Her.

Lovely shift and nice pistachio touch of colour.

Again with the navy! Beautiful Erdem dress demonstrating respect for the host nation.

The Bad........

The jeans are stunning and fit her very well, but that top? Beige and boring - looks like something a middle aged housewife would wear.

I don't know what she was thinking. Its a nice lemony shade and the length is perfect but those buttons!? She looks like a Flintstone. In 1972.

I was of 2 minds whether or not to include this look in the 'Bad' section. I do always love the navy/cream combo but I'm not a huge fan of sailor-chic and with her skinny frame, it just hangs from the hips.

Not quite sure why she's so covered up here. The fabric looks nice and again the tailoring is flattering but that collar?!

Everyday and Red Carpet looks of....

2011-06-05T17:02:00.000+01:00

I've always been inspired by the everyday looks of a few actresses....my favourites are Kirsten Dunst, Rachel Bilson and Kate Bosworth. They seem so able to pull off the casual, relaxed almost french style of skinny jeans, neutral colours and perfect accessories. So to honour their style, I've chosen some of my favourite 'everyday' looks below (and squeezed some red carpet looks in there too!)

Stripes never fail to look chic

You can't beat a neat centre parting

Accessorising with an oversized leather bag

Sapphire and regal purple work so well against her fair hair

Skater girl and gothic chic

Covering up yet drawing attention with the bright handbag

Little jackets and black leggings

Perfect style - red lips wow!

Have your cake!

2011-06-01T14:03:00.001+01:00

So, I'm on to the delicious stage now where I'm starting to look at a variety of wedding cake designs. My Mum has very kindly offered to make ours (saving many needed pennies!) though if I had any choice in the world I would undoubtedly choose some extravagant expensive delight!

There are so many weird and wonderful images in magazines and websites but I've chosen a few to put up here for your inspiration! Some are by unknown designers I'm afraid but the majority are by April Reed, the Little Venice Cake Company and Choccywoccydoodah!

Ideally, I'd like a four-tiered cake just because it makes such an impact though we might not get through that much! Guests always stock up on canapes and after a three-course meal, few have belly room for some rich fruit cake! My favourite flavours so far are Belgian chocolate, fruit, vanilla sponge (with raspberry jam and cream cheese filling) and the classic carrot cake! Let me know what your cake is like and how you decided on your fillings! Enjoy! (getting pretty peckish now after writing this..........)

This is one of my favourites - I just adore the pale pink and simplicity of the flowers

This is another favourite - pure, simple, elegant - I love it!

A good idea if your guests all prefer different types of cake - and a nice vintage/country feel on the logs!

Just stunning - fondant petals, must have taken hours to perfect!

Kate & Will - oh you did us proud!

2011-05-14T17:25:00.001+01:00

I think I've looked forward to the Royal Wedding since the day Kate and Will got engaged. I recorded all the tv footage, interviews, photoshoots and documentaries and spent the next 5 months planning how I was going to get to the front to see the action. Fast forward to 28 April 2011 and I'm on a train on the way to St Pancras to do a quick walk-through around the Westminster Abbey area.

I wasn't even in the main area yet and the atmosphere was crazy. People were pushing and shoving trying to look at nothing! Someone thinks they've seen something so the message gets passed on and before you know it, a massive crowd has gathered to watch the road sweeper!

I met two wonderful American women who had travelled to London from Jersey (I think) and dressed up as Kate in her engagement Issa dress to celebrate the nuptials. I met the first guy to camp out (with his Diana tribute t-shirt) and plenty of visitors from all over the world.

On the morning itself, we woke at 3am and were joining the crowds outside the Abbey at 4am. We were directly in front of the BBC/ITV cameras and to our left was the general press. Waiting for 7 hours is nothing short of a miracle when you consider that I had smoke being puffed in my face from the man next to me, some Brazilian clubbers who had arrived straight from Pacha (still off their faces!) in front of me and no drink/food or toilets! Needless to say, we all got to know each other very well but man, I was glad when it was over!

When Will and Harry arrived and we saw Posh, Becks and Elton, the mood started to pick up. I think everyone really just came to see Kate's dress as the response from the crowd was one of awe. No-one really cheered too much for Charles, Anne and Carole etc but when Pips and Kate strolled up that red carpet, jaws dropped and most of the men drooled! So, I was about 3 people from the front, please forgive the photo angles but here are the best shots from the day...

The Real Bitchwives

2011-04-20T14:15:00.000+01:00

I don’t know if you’ve heard but the most recent “Real Housewives Of…” programme is coming to the end soon in the UK. We’ve had Atlanta, Orange County and New York City but the Real Housewives of Beverley Hills has been my favourite by far!

I think its success comes from the characters extreme wealth (much more than any other ‘Real Housewife’) and their high profiles. For example, Camille, (aka Token Bitch ™) goes through her divorce with Kelsey Grammer (aka Frasier) on the show. For you who haven’t heard of it yet, here’s a brief rundown on the four main characters!

Kyle Richards (Queen Bee™ and Demi Moore look-a-like) – married to Realtor (that’s Estate Agent to you and I), four daughters, two marriages and hair down to her waist. Auntie of Paris and Nicky Hilton, you’ve got to watch out for this one!

Camille Grammer (Token Bitch™) – (was) married to Kelsey Grammer, has posed naked for Playboy but condemns others for the same, two children (by a surrogate to avoid those unsightly stretch marks), hideous amount of surgery on her face and general moose.

Lisa Vanderpump (Best Name Ever™) – married to Ken (and doesn’t he look like a ‘Ken’), live in boy toy ‘Cedric’, owns and runs 2 restaurants in LA, good mother, nice dresser, all round favourite and funny gal.

Adrienne Maloof (Richer Than Rich™) – married to Dr. Paul Nassif, owns hotels, basketball teams and a general empire! Mother to three boys, surgeon husband practices on her face, wears strange silver strands in her hair, general out-of-touch California gal.

You can catch TRHOBH on E! Let me know what you think of the girls and the programme - they've signed for a second season so we should be seeing more of them on our screens very soon!

Wanderlust

2011-04-11T20:22:00.002+01:00

As a change to fashion and weddings, I thought I'd blog today about some of the places I've visited around the world. It has to be said, many of these photos were taken when I was much younger and marriage and responsibility were years off. I can just about remember that feeling of complete freedom, energy and endless possibilities! Meeting new people everyday, new cultures (good and bad) and experiencing everything life has to offer. The times captures in these images were some of the happiest and most independent of my life - going anywhere with the equivalent of £10 in my pocket was exhilarating. I've also added some photos from trips since. Enjoy these as much as I did taking them and let them inspire you.

Napa Valley, California


Half Dome, Yosemite National Park

The Venetian, Las Vegas

Santa Cruz

Yosemite

Champs Elysees

Musee d'Orsay

Palazzo Ducale, Venice

Sinai Desert

The Creme de la Creme

2011-03-26T17:54:00.007+00:00

Looking through photos of all sorts of celebrity weddings, they all actually seem quite similar. They tend to choose ivory flowers (and lots of them!) Vera Wang or Monique Lhullier and the groom sticks with black or charcoal.

I seem to be obsessed with these type of weddings. Perhaps its because, for the most part, very few of us would ever be able to afford a wedding or event anywhere near as expensive. Maybe its because the bride (or groom) themselves is so recognisable or influential. A wedding day is so personal, I love getting to see inside what is such an important day and is the result of hours (weeks...months!) of heartfelt research, dreaming and probably moodboards!

Although many celebrities get it very wrong on their big day (see coloured dresses, too much cleavage on show, tacky accessories) generally, money does seem to buy class.

Controversially, I cannot stand these horrible weddings we see on British Four Weddings. Now, the US version...not a problem, but over here, receptions in pubs with tattoo'd ushers and cheap female guests grinding on the dancefloor to Flo Rida in a bright lycra dress from Primarni...no thank you.

The photos below are taken from my collection of favourite gowns, flowers, details etc. I hope you enjoy looking and get some inspiration for your big day (albeit perhaps at a cost a tad below the £mil mark!)

Guliana Ransic

Ivanka Trump

Jessica Simpson

Katie Holmes

Khloe Kardashian (Odom)

Melania Trump

Liz Hurley

Blockage de Couleur

2011-03-21T14:49:00.000+00:00

This season saw a mirage of colour, not blended and subtle but flashy and proud. With summer comes bright colours, fact. We all love getting away from the greys, blacks and browns that have adorned our frames for the previous cold winter months. This year you get to wear them all at once! Now I'm not necessarily suggesting you go out and wear green with red or four colours at once, but done intelligently, 'colour blocking' can look stunning.

House of Holland

Camilla Belle and Leona Lewis

Kaya Scodelario

Designers showing the trend this season include Jil Sander, Prada, Christopher Kane and Louis Vuitton. I also spotted House of Holland rocking some colour blocking techniques back at the ‘09 shows (so ahead of his time).

My favourite colours for the delightful candy mix are hot pink, sea green, Bora Bora turquoise, lemon yellow and blood orange. Try and wear two or three together for true impact. Best blend of all time? Red and hot pink - mmm.

www.forjapanwithlove.com

2011-03-18T09:46:00.002+00:00

Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens

2011-03-17T17:39:00.001+00:00

No specific topic for today's post, I just thought I would pop on a few photos of lovely things.

Dress by Fiona Clare

Gwyneth in Stella McCartney

Miu Miu 2011

Request the Pleasure

2011-03-16T14:07:00.001+00:00

I always think invitations are arguably the most important element of a wedding. They are the first glimpse a guest has into the day ahead, the couple’s style and the tone of the wedding.

Far too often have I seen shoddy handmade or childish prints appear on my doormat. Yes, they can be endearing and very creative but this is a wedding not a nursery craft centre.

The wording on invitations and styling of guests' names is dictated by traditional wedding etiquette. Directions, accommodation details and gift list information should also be included.

I’ve heard friends suggest that the invitations “don’t really matter that much” and should be at the bottom of the priority pile. These little pieces of mere card may well be kept by the guest forever or at the very least, will sit on their mantelpiece for 6 months.

I know, personally, that when I’ve received a thoughtful, properly designed, formal and stylish invitation it prompts the entire excitement for the day itself. One of my favourite stationery companies is Wedding Paper Divas (www.weddingpaperdivas.com). Launched in 2006 by parent company, Tiny Prints (www.tinyprints.com) WPD was created by three friends with an affinity for beautiful paper and fresh design.

WPD prides itself on offering exclusive designs from the industry's top designers, better than boutique-style service and innovative online tools to make wedding stationery shopping experience as easy as can be. All invitations shown here are available from WPD via the website.

Trimming the Fat

2011-03-14T14:34:00.000+00:00

With 14 months to go until W-day, you might think I’ve got a while to go before the hard-core dieting sets in however you need to start early if you want results! I’ve never been huge but (especially during University) the weight slowly crept on mostly due to burgers, jacket potatoes, pizza and pints of snakebite and black at the Union.

I’ve had my measurements taken for my dress now which should be ready in January 2012 so I already had to start the weight loss plan a while before that. I didn’t want the dress to arrive and be too big! I always think that if you’re spending thousands of pounds on a dress to be handcrafted by an extremely talented designer and seamstress, the last thing you want to be doing is messing around with the tailoring once it’s complete!

So the diet started around mid-January 2011 and I’ve already lost about 5 pounds. My fear is that I’ll peak too soon as it will be hard to sustain the new lighter me! I’ve pretty much cut out everything but a few main items including lean meat, fish, all vegetables, all fruit, minimal cheese and porridge! I’ve been trying to stick to around 1200 calories per day with around 1-2 hours of exercise per day too. I heard Mila Kunis at the Oscars say that she ate 1200 calories per day and did 5 hours training 7 days per week and she lost 20lbs so it’s clearly the way to go.

On that note however, it begs the question, how far is too far? Should we all really be doing this to ourselves for one day? Well I think the answer is yes (!) but many would disagree. “You look fine as you are” or “________(insert name of Groom) will love you no matter what” although they’re kind of missing the point. A) ‘fine’ isn’t good enough and B) its not for Groom it’s for me.

The rate of obesity is absolutely ridiculous in the UK. It seems to have become acceptable for people clearly overweight to complain about back ache, breathing and joint problems, heart trouble etc when the answer is pretty simple as the voiceover guy on the Chris Moyles says, “eat less and move around more.” I think we should take a leaf out of Vietnam’s book where old folk well into their 80s still exercise every single day. I wonder what we could do with all those £millions saved from unnecessary NHS expenses for motorised scooters and the like?

Ministers announced this week that all fast food chains must display calories on menus. Fantastic idea! There’s absolutely nothing wrong with ‘watching your weight’ and mentally making a note of the food we eat and exercise we do. I still can’t believe the number of people who eat at McDonald’s not just every month or so but on a daily basis! Don’t get me wrong, I adore a McChicken sandwich but not to the point where I’m eating three times my daily calorie allowance.

There’s been speculation over Miss Middleton’s weight this week since she looked a tad skinnier than usual. Firstly, she’s always been pretty thin and as long as its not taken too far, why shouldn’t she be allowed to lose weight as she so wishes before her big day – goodness knows the minute she puts on a few pounds the tabloids will be quick enough to point the finger.

Apparently, Mrs Middleton is on the band wagon too. Following the Dukan diet, Carole has lost 4lb in four days. Developed by Pierre Dukan, the French nutritionist, the diet involves surviving on ‘cottage cheese and prawns.’ Delightful. Gisele has also followed Dukan’s regime after having her son Ben and JLo is also a fan.

Obviously, in health terms, nothing can replace a balanced, varied diet but short-term I say put the hours in and stick with it. No one gets a medal for saying no to the biscuits. As a good friend of mine once said, ‘nothing tastes as good as thin looks.’