Pint Sized Beauty

Cosy Cottage Spring Home Decor

2025-04-03T20:33:00.009+01:00

- All links in this blog post are affiliate links. For more info head to my disclaimer. -

In the spring I love nothing more than a fresh set of bedding, blooming flowers on the dining table and one or two new home pieces to spruce up the place. 'Cottage core' is still the aesthetic I go for when decorating for the warmer seasons as I love the airy, yet inviting feel that it offers. Today I am sharing some of my top picks, from bedding to lampshades, I have compiled a selection of my favourites.

First up is bedding which is very important to me. Linen is great for the transitional season as it keeps your warm when you need it, yet cools you down as we head in to warmer nights. I also love a frill, floral or gingham detail as I find this adds colour and texture in a space that can usually be rather minimal and plain.

Next up I want to shed some light on the importance of the 'little details'. As much as big furniture swaps can be exciting, I actually have found that it's the small decor changes that make the biggest difference to the overall look. Lampshades are a great example of this as they usually aren't the first thing you notice when you enter a room, yet they can easily upgrade an area especially when choosing the right one for that 'cosy feel'.

I also love to add wicker baskets and straw hats whenever I can as I personally think this adds a cottage feel to any spot. Pair them with secondhand paintings and a vase of fresh flowers and you've got yourself a freshly updated corner for spring.

5 of The Prettiest Streets in The UK

2025-01-30T16:28:00.009+00:00

As someone who is passionate about UK travel, I thought it was about time I shared my top 5 prettiest streets in the UK. This line up is full of cobbled streets, thatched cottages and lots of history. It's time to take a stroll down the UK's prettiest streets.

Mermaid Street, Rye

The cobbled Mermaid Street in Rye in East Sussex is lined with quaint houses full of history and you can probably tell why it's quickly become one of my favourites. As it's situated in a well established town, you have lots of shops to wander around full of vintage nicknacks and you can make a whole day trip out of it. I highly recommend a trip to The Cobbles Tea Room for afternoon tea (their scones were delicious!).

The Street, Castle Combe

It won't come as a surprise that the main street in Castle Combe features in this list. It's famed for its chocolate box cottages and cobbled street that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time. Perfect from every angle, it's a great spot to take a wander around no matter the season. I personally love visiting on a foggy autumnal morning and then retreating back to the Castle Inn for a hot drink to warm up. Whilst the village is beautiful and you won't need a long time to visit, it's one you can't miss out on if you're doing a Cotswolds road trip.

The Shambles, York

The Shambles in York is a medieval street that dates back to the 14th century with timber houses that feel like they're leaning towards you as you wander down this narrow street. It's hard not to feel in a magic mood as there are a lot of Harry Potter shops to wander in as fans of the film franchise often claim that it bares a striking resemblance to Diagon Alley. In the early hours of the morning you'll have the street pretty much to yourself, but my favourite time to visit in later on in the evening when the lights gently shine on the street.

Gold Hill, Shaftesbury

This iconic view is Gold Hill in Shaftesbury is famous for it's feature in the Hovis advert back in the 1970's. With a steep cobbled street and row of picture perfect cottages, this street is perfectly set with the rolling hills behind it. Perfect no matter the season, Gold Hill in Shaftesbury has cemented itself on many prettiest streets in the UK and I couldn't not feature it in my list too.

The Vennel, Edinburgh

I don't think photographs could ever do The Vennel justice, as this quaint steep street feels like you're stepping into a fairytale. Technically it's probably more of an alleyway than a street, but it had to make the line up anyway. The houses perfectly frame the castle sitting on top of the hill and no matter the time of year it's beautiful, but it looks extra perfect in Autumn when the leaves are brown and falling onto the pathway.

Where are your favourite streets in the UK?

3 UK Cities To Visit For Book Lovers

2025-01-20T15:56:00.001+00:00

If you're a book lover like myself, then you'll understand the joy of finding a new bookshop or wandering around a library. I've gone to some amazing spots throughout the UK and today I have put together a list of 3 cities that you should visit if you're a bookworm.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh has to be top of my list as a book lovers dream. Their bookshops are incredible to snoop around and they honestly look like something from a fairytale. Armchair Books has quickly become a staple on many people lists when visiting Edinburgh due to the narrow walkways stacked high with books - it feels like a treasure trove! You cannot miss The Gently Mad Book Shop which is equally as unique and enchanting as the latter, you could spend hours looking at the many titles of books they have to offer.

As Edinburgh is linked to lots of authors and poets, the Writers Museum is a great spot to visit and learn about the lives of the poets; Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson and Walter Scott. Even if you don't go inside, the Writers Museum is a sight to behold and the whole courtyard is worth a visit!

Cambridge

The charming Cambridge is a full to the brim of history with links to an umpteen amount of writers including Sylvia Plath, William Wordsworth and C S Lewis. Every corner of the city is enchanting, leading to lots of cosy cafes, inviting bookshops and little lanes to wander down.

Down one of my favourite passages, are two bookshops you cannot miss when visiting Cambridge. The Haunted Bookshop is decked out with a red exterior and inside you'll find stacks of books to wade through. Almost directly opposite is G. David's, a bookshop specialising in secondhand books and they even sell the odd print and painting to purchase.

If you've got extra time to explore the surrounding areas of Cambridgeshire, I would recommend travelling to Ely. The cathedral is a sight to behold and Topping and Co bookshop has a beautiful view of it as you can sit down and find your next read.

York

I think York can often be overlooked by the local Whitby, famous for the inspiration behind Bram Stoker's Dracula and Haworth, a little bit further away which is most known for it's connection to the Bronte sisters. The cobbled streets, the York minster and of course the shambles all have to be celebrated as key places to see when visiting York. However, I wanted to shed some light of it's bookshops and cafes that I think make the York experience even better.

The Minster Gate Bookshop is an independent shop which is not only situated in one of the prettiest corners of the city, it also offers up lots of books and even one of my favourite tote bags I own! If you want a cosy cabin vibe then there's two pubs near by called The House of Trembling Madness and both locations offer a warm, tavern feel to them perfect for cosying up with a book.

What city do you love visiting as a bookworm?

UK Staycation - Dimpsey Glamping

2024-11-19T13:49:00.002+00:00

- This post was a PR stay, but was under no obligation to review.-

Nestled in a woodland clearing in the Somerset countryside, you'll find Dimpsey Glamping's Yonder Hut - a luxury shepherd hut that comes equipped with everything you need to unwind for a couple of days. A wood fired hot tub, a pizza oven and even an indoor copper bath, you'll never want to go back to camping as you know it.

One of my rituals whenever I go camping, or in this case glamping, is to make a scrumptious breakfast of scrambled eggs on toast eaten outside with a piping hot drink to start the day. Whilst I still bundled up warm in a scarf and a big knit, it wouldn't be needed as the fireplace kept us toasty inside and kept the whole hut warm throughout the night.

As we visited in November, the autumn leaves started to fall throughout our stay and we even had a couple of foggy mornings making it extra magical. The birds were always chirping away and we even got to spot some wildlife. In the corner of your clearing in the woods, you'll find a swinging seat hanging from one of the trees. This quickly became my favourite spot to sit and I found that despite bringing my book down there to read, I was often left in a trance watching the wildlife as I gently began to swing. There's walks around the area perfect for exploring, but I swapped those for a wander around to see their resident sheep and cat!

Dimpsey Glamping describes the Yonder Hut (and their other two huts on offer at the same spot!) as a 5* luxury and I couldn't agree more. A full sized bed to snuggle up into, a well equipped kitchen and even an en-suite - if the hot tub or copper bath wasn't what you fancied. Yonder Hut is essentially two full sized shepherds huts put together, so you have a little extra space and all the luxuries you need to unwind and relax.

We let the wood fired hot tub heat up throughout the day and as our stay coexisted with Bonfire Night, we spent hours watching the fireworks light up the night sky as we soaked away. I think I felt so relaxed that I dozed straight off in the sumptuous bed! Now I've stayed at the Yonder Hut, I would love to try out their other huts, the Hither and Dapple.

Would you stay in a shepherds hut?

The Best Christmas Jumpers This Year

2024-11-11T18:39:00.002+00:00

- All links in this blog post are affiliate links. For more info head to my disclaimer. -

The Christmas countdown is on... which means so is the hunt for the best Christmas jumper! I've put together the ultimate list of Christmas jumpers for all tastes and budgets, so if you're looking for something wearable (or maybe a little outlandish) then I suggest you read on.

I'm personally not just a "wear a Christmas jumper once" kind of girl, in fact I often wear Christmas jumpers throughout the month of December. They bring me quite a lot of joy, so I've gained quite the collection and I'm happy to invest in a jumper if a special one catches my eye. The Kiel James Patrick sweaters are always a must to have a look at and my Santa's New Sleigh sweater is a prized procession of mine and one that I've got lots of compliments on.

This year I'm really loving Joules and everything they've had on offer throughout Autumn, so I had to take a look at their new in jumpers for Christmas and I was pleasantly surprised. On one hand you've got the Fleece Navidad jumper which is simple, yet effective, but I'm also loving the Ski Jumper which I feel like you could get wear out of even into January.

Christmas Home Decor Finds

2024-11-05T14:27:00.000+00:00

- All links in this post are affiliate links. Head to my disclaimer for more info.-

Christmas is coming! Whilst some may say November is too early to think about Christmas, let alone decorate for it, I personally like to get in there early and look at what the shops have got to offer. Over the past few years, I have been adding to my Christmas decor collection that I can reuse for years to come, so I like to see if there's anything else I would like to add. Here are my favourite Christmas decor finds so far this 2024.

One of my favourites this year has been picking up this Gingerbread House Cushion from TK Maxi, I feel like it would match my current decor perfectly and it's super cute! You may also recognise this Snowman Cushion from last year and it's back! It's huge, snuggly and perfect for filling any gaps you have with a jolly snowman face.

I've also picked up a couple of bits from Primark home, so would recommend checking out their new in pieces if you want some cute trinkets, cushions or blankets.

20 Easy To Watch Halloween TV shows and Films

2024-10-14T11:49:00.001+01:00

Spooky season is here! The house is decorated and there's Halloween treats aplenty, so all I need now is a good TV show or film to watch. If you're like me and you struggle with the overwhelming choice we have, then I've put together some easy to watch options that won't make you hide behind a cushion or cover your eyes!

I'm quite fond of a TV show around Halloween as it's something I can indulge in throughout October rather than in just one evening. Ghosts is probably my top pick as it's funny and light hearted, but still has the ghost theme throughout.

TV shows

Ghosts (BBC iPlayer)

Agatha All Along (Disney+)

What We Do In The Shadows (BBC iPlayer)

The Worst Witch (Netflix)

A Series of Unfortunate Events (Netflix)

Wednesday (Netflix)

Scream Queens (Disney+)

The Vampire Diaries (Netflix)

Santa Clarita Diet (Netflix)

Finding films that aren't super scary for Halloween is harder than it seems, but I feel like you can't go wrong with the classics. Of course Harry Potter had to make the list, especially the early films in the franchise as you have the pumpkins hanging in the Great Hall! Hocus Pocus also had to make the list as it's a classic that I just have to re-watch every year.

Films

Hocus Pocus (Disney+)

Practical Magic (Prime video)

Halloweentown (Disney+)

Harry Potter (Netflix)

The Addams Family (Amazon Prime)

Beetlejuice (Netflix)

Hotel Transylvania (Netflix)

Nightmare Before Christmas (Disney+)

Maleficent (Disney+)

Shaun of The Dead (Amazon Prime)

Zombieland (Netflix)

Have you got any Halloween TV show or film recommendations?

Lush Halloween 2024 Collection

2024-09-09T17:41:00.002+01:00

The new Lush Halloween collection has now been released and I took my yearly trip to Lush to see the new pieces. Whenever the '-ber months' roll around, I also think it is the perfect time to indulge in an autumn bath and sink into an abundance of bubbles - with bonus points if it's paired with candles and a book. If you're looking at treating yourself to something from the halloween range then I recommend you read on...

Every year I have to pick up Punkin Pumpkin as it's a yearly favourite of mine - to me the jack o' lantern exterior and warming scent feels like the epitome of autumn. It leaves a orange tint to the water, but luckily it doesn't stain the bath at all. It's got a soft citrus scent with a slight cinnamon twist to it, making it a subtle, yet enticing bath.

Sometimes I feel like Lush's most simple bath bombs are my favourite, I like a slight fragrance and a subtle colour and the Dancing Skeleton bath bomb felt like it ticked both of those boxes. Scent wise I think this bath bomb is reminiscent of orange sherbet, as it leaves a subtle fragrance on the skin as you bathe in a pale blue hue. At £3.50, it's one of the "cheaper" bath bombs in this line up, but I think it would be easy to chop up into 2-3 pieces if you'd like to get more out of it.

One of my surprise favourites has been The Scream, a bubble bar that I was surprised to find out didn't have lavender inside as it smelt immediately relaxing. This has a stress reducing, earthy scent due to patchouli and sage oil, so when I smelt it, I immediately had to put in the basket. I could picture myself on a rainy evening, settling into a bath full of bubbles with candles and a book.

I think Lush's bubble bars are my favourite product of theirs to buy, so I've got quite a few in this haul. The next one is Bonehead and despite looking perfect for Halloween, you'd probably never guess what it smells like - mint! It's unlike anything I currently have in my bath time collection, but there's something rather refreshing about sinking into a mint scented bubbles. It's on a reusable stick meaning you can get endless baths out of this, but my favourite way, like with all of the Lush bubble bars, is to slowly crumble it under the bath tap.

Pumpkin Crumble was released again in 2023, but I never tried it out before now. It's probably a new favourite that I hope they bring back every year as it's got actual pumpkin in the ingredients! Promising to leave the skin supple with cocoa butter, this feels like it offers up not only the perfect scent for autumn, but also has skin loving properties too. You can crumble as much as you'd like underneath the tap for any amount of bubbles you want - but the adorable jack o' lantern face may make it hard to do so!

Have you tried the Lush Halloween 2024 collection?

Middle Grade Halloween Books To Read

2024-09-05T12:51:00.008+01:00

- All links in this post are affiliate links. For more info head to my disclaimer. -

Over the years middle grade books, which are books aimed at 8-12 years olds, have become a staple in my reading list come Halloween. These spooky stories offer up all of my favourite themes in a book; they're easy to read, can be finished in a day and actually have some pretty scary plots. If this is something you would be interested in, then here are four middle grade Halloween books I would recommend.

Crater Lake

If I had to be pushed for an answer on what is must-have book you should read this Halloween it would have to be Crater Lake by Jennifer Killick. Whilst maybe not the best if you're reading to a young child, this book had some pretty scary themes in the plot and I quickly read through all the chapters to find out what happened next. It's set at a Summer camp, which means it's perfect for those 'summerween' vibes, but the added aliens definitely caused a few shudders.

Small Spaces

Similar to Crater Lake, Small Spaces by Katherine Arden is seriously creepy at times, but is incredibly well written considering it is aimed at a younger audience. It feels like a classic spooky film set on a school trip and has an eerie atmosphere throughout. If you're already scared of scarecrows, well they certainly live up to their name in this book! There's other books in the series and despite not being a huge series reader, I'm tempted to get them all.

The Haunting of Aveline Jones

This was the first middle grade book I read for Halloween and is the reason I have such a love for the genre. It's got the perfect mix of mystery and spookiness, all whilst set in a gloomy town on the lead up to Halloween. I think this one is perfect to read on a rainy day in autumn and I would personally recommend it for children in their October half term.

The Ghouls of Howlfair

If you want a mystery book with ghost hunting characters set in a creepy town - then The Ghouls of Howlfair will be the book for you. I find this one a little less scary than the first two and has a bit more of an adventure theme throughout making it lighthearted compared to your traditional murder mystery book. We've got talk of ghosts, ghouls and werewolves in this book, so it's still perfect for the spooky season.

What are your favourite books to read at Halloween?

Meroda Cosmetics Velvet Dream Lipstick Review

2024-08-23T10:56:00.004+01:00

- AD: This is a paid collaboration with Meroda Cosmetics. -

I'm a firm believer that lipsticks can overhaul a whole makeup look, taking it from day to night in just one application. A lipstick for me has to be nourishing and comfortable to wear, long lasting, but easy to reapply - too much to ask for? I've recently been putting the Meroda Cosmetics Velvet Dream Lipsticks to the test. They have four shades to choose from, perfect for every occasion, here's how I got on.

Everyone needs a red in their lipstick collection, but finding the right undertone for yourself is super important. Blue toned reds make your teeth appear whiter and usually suit cooler undertones, whereas orange toned reds suit warmer skin tones. Personally I'm the latter and the 'Luscious Red' offers the perfect deep red hue that I think would work perfectly in summer and all the way through until Christmas. When paired with the Meroda Cosmetics Luscious Red Signature Lip Pencil, it has a great long lasting effect, whilst making a striking statement.

In recent years, I have jumped ship from my trusty nude lip and over to a pink hue for everyday wear. That being said, the Meroda Cosmetics 'Perfect Nude' Velvet Dream Lipstick doesn't disappoint with the name 'Perfect Nude'. It's got a pink tone to it which makes it super wearable and the nourishing formula means that it doesn't disappear into my lip lines.

Like I said, my love for pink lipsticks has taken over my as of late, so I was excited to give the Velvet Dream 'Pink Peony' a go. It's the shade that looked most like my usual lipstick shade and I loved how moisturising it was on the lips and how much it stayed put even if I didn't use a lip liner.

Lastly, we have the lipstick 'Grape Galore' which I have very aptly named it - Autumn in a lipstick. The berry tone is absolutely beautiful and whilst I'm usually a little hesitant of wearing darker shades due to the way they fade, this one is easy to top up on the go. The nourishing formula has ginger extract in it which is anti-aging and anti-inflammatory, this means I'm not overly aware that I have this lipstick on and whilst it is hydrating, it doesn't slip around the face, still having a demi-matte texture.

All of Meroda Cosmetics Velvet Lipsticks are cruelty free and vegan! Use code #LILY15 for 15% off.

Have you tried the Meroda Cosmetics Velvet Dream Lipsticks?

Meroda Cosmetics Changing Foundation Review

2024-08-22T17:00:00.002+01:00

- AD: This is a paid collaboration with Meroda Cosmetics. -

I can't explain the frustration with how much time, effort and money I've spent going shopping for a foundation, getting matched and then taking it home, only to find out it doesn't match my skin tone. When gaining a tan in this summer, this is something that often happens. I try and avoid buying several different shades of the same foundation, but sometimes you can't help it, so when I was handed the Meroda Cosmetics Changing Foundation to try out I was wondering if it would solve my summer skin woes.

I've got yellow undertones to my skin, but whenever I get matched to a foundation, I often get matched to pink toned bases which I end up not liking. The Meroda Cosmetics Changing Foundation feels like magic to me, as soon as I start blending it into my skin it changes to the tone of my complexion - fusing effortlessly with my natural skin colour. It starts off white and then will gradually adjust to fairy to medium skin tones.

Whilst a colour changing foundation is great, does the formula stand up to the test? This foundation has a lightweight feel to it, but with light to medium buildable coverage. My personal favourite way to apply this product is with a damp beauty sponge as I find that it gives off the perfect amount of coverage and natural finish for everyday wear.

I don't often apply foundation with my fingers as I find it a great way to turn your base streaky, but I tried it with this foundation and was pleasantly surprised. The base looked flawless and covered up any blemishes and redness I wanted, whilst still looking natural. If you wanted a heavier finish to the foundation without layering it up, then I would recommend trying it out with the Meroda Cosmetics 2-in-1 Build and Conceal Brush as this still gives an even finish, but allows you to apply more product to the skin than a beauty sponge or your fingers.

This foundation does a fantastic job at concealing my blemishes and redness, but still allowing my skin to shine through just with a flawless finish. It's long lasting due to it being waterproof and continues to be kind to my skin as it's suitable for sensitive skin.

Use code #LILY15 for 15% off.

Have you tried the Meroda Cosmetics Changing Foundation before?

The Best Autumn and Halloween Jumpers

2024-08-06T11:11:00.004+01:00

- All links in this blog post are affiliate links. For more info head to my disclaimer.-

Soon it'll be the season of crunchy leaves, pumpkin picking and cosy jumpers and today I am focusing on the latter - finding the best autumn and halloween jumpers! I've grown quite a collection over the years and have several favourite brands I like to check out every year. Today, I have put together a list of my favourite jumpers I have found so far.

For me, no one quite does jumpers like Kiel James Patrick, their Cozy Pumpkin Sweater being the item that started off my obsession. Now I have a wishlist as long as my arm, the Apple Harvest Sweater and Haunted Patch Sweater being at the top!

Last year I purchased a Halloweentown Sweater and the year before that, a Hocus Pocus themed one. I personally love picking up these jumpers as they're often super cosy and can be worn on a rainy evening in front of a Halloween film!

Homemade Pasta Recipe (no machine required!)

2024-08-05T14:36:00.006+01:00

Homemade pasta has always intimidated me, the pressure in getting the right thickness of the dough and chewiness in texture. I certainty didn't think it would be possible for me to create something delicious without having a machine, but as I didn't want to invest in a machine just yet, I challenged myself anyway.

I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was even with only a rolling pin to hand. I've tweaked this recipe a couple of times and I now think I have created the easiest, tastiest home-made pasta recipe without the need for a machine!

Ingredients (makes 2)

180g 00 Pasta Flour

2 Large eggs

A splash of walk

1 tsp Olive Oil

Method

On a clean surface, tip your flour and make a well in the middle.

One by one, add the eggs, whisking them slowly as you slowly bring in the flour from the sides.

The mixture will become crumbly, but continue working it together until it starts to combine.

If the dough is dry, add a splash of water and your olive oil.

Continue kneading your dough until a ball forms. From then, knead your dough for 5 minutes until smooth.

Wrap in cling film and leave in the fridge for 1 hour.

Sprinkle your surface with flour to stop the dough from sticking.

Cut your dough into two.

Place one half of your dough and begin the roll the dough out using a rolling pin. You want your dough to be around 16 inches long and 12 inches wide. The dough should be as thin as possible without breaking - think like a piece of paper.

Fold the dough into three and cut into individual pieces around 1cm thick.

Boil a pan of salted water and cook the pasta for 3-4 minutes.

Top with your favourite pasta sauce and enjoy!

Summer Skincare Routine

2024-08-05T14:31:00.001+01:00

- All links in this post are affiliate links. Products marked with a * are PR samples, but sent under no obligation to post. -

When it comes to summer skincare, I want two things - my skin to feel hydrated and look glowy. In the summer my skin may feels less dehydrated, but hay fever definitely plays a role in it feeling more sensitive. Gone are the days when I could chop and change skincare products, as I feel like my skin really benefits from a consistent and steady routine nowadays. Here are a handful of products that are currently in my summer skincare routine that helps me to achieve my goal of a nourished, radiant complexion.

I still start off my routine with my trusty Garnier Micellar Water, a product I mentioned back in 2015 and have found a use for it in my routine ever since. For me, it's great at breaking down my mascara and eye makeup, so I tend to focus my drenched cotton pad on those areas, but for summer makeup it can be great for getting the majority of it off before going in with my cleanser.

For my first cleanse, I have been using the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser which feels gentle on the skin, but still does a great job at removing the majority of my makeup. The second cleanse of choice is the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser and I can't tell you how many bottles of this stuff I have been through. It ticks all the boxes for me; it's gentle, yet hydrating whilst being effective at removing any makeup left over from my first cleanse. I feel like the combination of these two cleansers has made my skin extremely happy as I rarely get spots or irritation now.

When it comes to moisturisers, I actually have a handful of favourites that I like to switch around depending on how my skin feels. The Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream is a long standing favourite of mine as it's lightweight, yet still nourishes my rather parched complexion. I personally like this underneath makeup as it sinks in quickly and doesn't affect my base.

My love for Farmacy products, specifically their honey range, dates back to 2017 and I was recently topped up on my old favourites and I've had a resurgence of my love for them. The Honey Halo Moisturiser* has a really interesting texture as I would usually only opt for something this thick during the winter months, but here I am talking about it in the summer. It's got a luxurious feel to it that sinks into the skin and doesn't leave any residue, nor does it cause any breakouts on my skin.

I've had the Beauty Pro Retinol Eye Masks hanging around for sometime now as I've been meaning to use them for my tired, hay fever laden eyes, but I haven't got around to it until recently. When I tell you they make a visibly difference straight away, I mean it. They make my under eye area look brighter and smoother. I'm sure if I continue using them in the long term they would have a long lasting effect, but I'll have to report back.

What products are in your summer skincare routine?

3 Derbyshire Gardens To Visit

2024-07-31T13:08:00.004+01:00

Derbyshire in the Midlands has a great range of gardens on offer to visit throughout the spring and summer months. From rose gardens to camellia walks, from March to August you can expect them to be in beautiful bloom with some of the best flowers you'll see. If you're looking to visit Derbyshire, then here are three gardens I would recommend visiting.

Renishaw Hall and Gardens

Renishaw gardens has been a favourite of mine for several years now and in my opinion, it's one of the most underrated gardens in the country. The hall has got a vast amount of land you can wander around including a lake, woodland and even a gothic lodge. It's the perfect place to go exploring, but it's the ever changing gardens are what I come back for time and time again.

In March there's a camellia walk which is a sight to behold, whilst in late May you have the laburnum arch which feels otherworldly with it's hanging yellow flowers you can walk underneath. There's hydrangeas in the summer and white wisteria in the spring, so no matter the time of year you visit there's always something to see.

Chatsworth House

You may recognise Chatworth House from Peaky Blinders or maybe more famously in Pride and Prejudice as the home of Mr Darcy in the 2005 adaptation. The exterior of Chatsworth House is phenomenal and I personally love visiting in Autumn as well as Winter when the frost covers the front lawn.

This year, I visited for the first time in the warmer months and finally got to see their gardens in bloom. The surrounding land of Chatsworth House is so large, you can spend a whole day there and not get bored - I'd recommend bringing a picnic!

Wander around the rose garden and into the greenery, then make your way over to the peony walk and maze. The estate has lots of walks for you to go on and what I love most is that even on the busiest day at Chatsworth House, you can always find a quiet area to appreciate the beauty of it.

Haddon Hall

Haddon Hall is a place I've recommended countless times and once you set eyes on their rose garden, you'll understand why. Shrouded in history with it's grand Tudor hall and Elizabethan gardens, you can feel the atmosphere as soon as you wander through the walls of Haddon Hall.

Rose season in June is probably my favourite time to attend Haddon Hall as it is something not to be missed. Roses cover the outside of the building with beautiful blooms and a floral scent. As you meander around the garden, it's hard not to fall in love with the place!

Inside you'll find the Tudor hall and I love how much history there is to the place. The stairs have been worn down by hundreds of years of people walking through them, so it truly is a sight to behold and a must if you're visiting Derbyshire.

Have you got any Derbyshire recommendations?

Double Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe

2024-07-18T15:53:00.004+01:00

After spotting these beautiful strawberry and chamomile cookies from 'Eat Your Flowers', I knew that I had to turn my hand to making them in cake form. I wanted something light and fluffy, but with double the amount of strawberries - perfect for strawberry season in the summer! I adapted my recipe from my Lemon and Blueberry Sheet Cake and this version is now something I think I'll come back to making time and time again.

There's extra helpings of strawberries in the sponge, as well as decoration on top, but the possibilities are endless with this recipe. You can add a sprinkling of crushed meringue for a take on the 'Eton Mess' or even swap out the double cream topping for a strawberry icing for triple the strawberries!

Ingredients (Serves 10)

200g butter or margarine

200g caster sugar

4 eggs

250g self raising flour

200g chopped strawberries

2tsp vanilla extract

150ml double cream

Sprigs of mint

Method

Preheat the oven to 180º oven and line a 7x10 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. One by one, add the eggs in the mixture.

Add in the vanilla extract.

Sift the self raising flour and mix slowly until combined.

Add the chopped strawberries and stir gently.

Pour the mixture into the baking dish and cook for 45 minutes or until when you inset a knife into the cake it comes out clean.

Leave the cake to cool completely.

In a clean dish, whisk the double cream until thick. This should only take 60 seconds or so with an electric whisk. Be careful not to over-mix as you'll start to make butter if you're not careful!

Dollop the whipped double cream on top and with the remaining strawberries, decorate the top of the cake.

You'll want to slice the strawberries length way and place them facing up. Use a sprig of mint as the leaves of your flowers.

Enjoy!

5 Cosy Home Decor Ideas

2024-07-17T13:39:00.002+01:00

- All links in this blog post are affiliate links. For more info head to my disclaimer. -

Want to know how to achieve a cosy and inviting home? Well look no further! As a self proclaimed queen of cosy, I have just the tips for you. From seasonal decorating to all year round comforts, here are five cosy home decor ideas that you can adopt today.

Soft Furnishings and Softer Light

Are you a big light person or a small light one? Personally, I'm the latter. I love nothing more than switching on my lamps as soon as it gets dark, often lighting a candle for extra ambience. I like a warm lightbulb and pair it with a soft lampshade for the perfect cosy pairing so that the light is not too harsh - you get extra points for a dimmable light!

It may sound quite obvious, but I like to emphasise my soft furnishings and opt for duvet covers that you want to dive into and always have a blanket to hand no matter the season.

Don't Neglect The Bathroom

I get it, the bathroom should be a sterile and clean environment, but that doesn't mean it can't also be inviting especially for your bath or shower routines. I have recently made the habit of buying myself a bunch of eucalyptus to hang in the shower as not only does it add greenery to the room, but it gives off an invigorating scent once it gets steamy in there.

Having candles and bubble bath to hand is always a cosy must have and I also like to have easy access to a way I can watch my favourite TV show or listen to some relaxing music - whether than be with on an iPad or waterproof speaker.

Sometimes More is More

Think adding different textures and filling up bare spots, covering your walls in art work you love and not worrying that there are clashing rugs in the same room. As someone who struggled for years with trying to love 'minimalist' decor, I have simply learnt sometimes, more is simply more and that having decor that I love to look at is enough to make me feel at home and relaxed.

Add A Bookshelf

Books to me are the epitome of cosiness. With cracked spines and a mismatch of colourful covers, bookshelves bring me joy like no other. I love looking through my endless to-read piles to find my next read, whilst also admiring the books I read many moons ago. For me, having a bookshelf or a way to display my books, instantly gives a room a cosy feel. I love incorporating them in the kitchen, with stacks of them on my open shelves as well as in my bedroom sporadically placed around.

Dopamine Decor

Dopamine decor is the idea of bringing happiness into your home through pieces of decor that you enjoy without the worry of it clashing in colour or pattern. I personally like to adopt the 'dopamine decor' trend when decorating for the seasons. Autumn to Halloween and through to Christmas are probably my favourite times to decorate for my home and whilst my normal cosy cottage decor doesn't usually go with a ginormous skeleton cushion or pumpkin door draft, I have to ask myself if it makes me happy - then why not?

How do you make your home cosy?

5 Beautiful Rose Gardens To See In June

2024-07-04T16:18:00.008+01:00

June is my favourite month of Summer as rose season is in full bloom and I get an excuse to visit all the beautiful gardens. Roses come in a variety of colours, have a delicate scent that lingers in the air and when paired with a stately home, they're something I look forward to seeing all year. If you want some recommendations on where to see the best display of roses, then make sure you check out the locations below.

Haddon Hall, Derbyshire

If I had to be pushed for an answer of where my favourite rose garden is, I'd have to say it's Haddon Hall. The Tudor hall surrounded by Elizabethan gardens makes every corner of Haddon Hall, not only full of history, but utterly beautiful too. The walls are donned with an array of roses in a variety of colours, making it hard to pick a favourite spot of the gardens.

My one recommendation would be to always have a look out the windows, especially on warm summer days when they're open as you'll often see views you wouldn't be able to see otherwise.

Bowood House and Gardens, Wiltshire

Bowood House and Gardens has been on my list of places to visit for a few years now and it did not disappoint. The Georgian house itself is beautiful with big opens windows and a manicured Italian inspired terraced garden out the front, but it was the roses I came to see. They were well looked after and the gardens had roses in every colour - yellow, red, pink and white!

Whilst I loved Bowood's array of flowers, I was also surprised with how vast their parkland was. You can not only visit the roses, but also go for a walk around their lake on a beautiful summers day. If you time your visit right, you can also get over to Bowood's woodland gardens which has rhododendrons in every colour you can imagine - perfect for a relaxing day out.

One of the stand out roses of Bowood gardens was a delicate pink rose from David Austin called 'Gentle Hermione', the scent could be smelt all the way around the gardens and I knew I had to ask the gardener what rose it was.

Kiftsgate Court Gardens, Gloucestershire

On the edge of the Cotswolds lies Kiftsgate Court Gardens, a garden created by three generations of women gardeners. I was absolutely floored by how beautiful this spot was as the pink roses were out in full bloom as soon as you entered the main part of the gardens.

There's lots to explore including modern art installations and their wild garden, but their rose border and terrace were the star of the show. Donned with an array of pink and red roses, you felt like you were stepping into a secret garden.

They even have a rose called the "Kiftsgate" rose which I didn't manage to see this time as it blooms around early to mid July, but Kiftsgate has claims that it has the largest 'Kiftsgate rose' in England!

Hever Castle, Kent

Hever Castle in Kent is known for being the childhood home of Anne Boleyn with the Boleyn apartment as well as the castle itself with the mote around it to see. I've previously seen Hever Castle when the daffodils and cherry blossom were out and I also now have plans to see the tulips next spring, but it was the roses that I think would be hard to beat.

I visited as part of their 'Hever in Bloom' event running from late June to early July. They have over 5,000 roses on display in their beautiful walled gardens and depending on when you visit, different roses will be in bloom. Even though I explored as much of the gardens as possible, I'm still not convinced I explored it all which means a return visit is definitely on the cards! There's rambling roses, climbers and scrubs, so you get flowers at every height making Hever Castle a feast for the eyes in the summer.

Penshurst Place, Kent

Last on the list is a gardens that I personally think are underrated and I haven't heard much about. Penshurst Place in Kent is only 15 minutes down the road from Hever Castle which means you could get to visit the two gardens in a day.

The manor house itself built in the 14th century is a sight to behold, so it's a strong statement to make to say I think their roses may just come out on top when it comes to choosing my favourite corner of Penshurst Place. Hidden away in their spacious gardens, lies a series of pergolas lined with climbing roses in both white and pink varieties. With benches underneath, you can seriously see yourself getting lost in a book here one afternoon. I wouldn't suggest loosing yourself too much as there's still lots more roses to explore in the gardens!

They've also got a beautiful peony border which comes in bloom a little bit before the roses, so worth a visit if you're in the area in mid to late May.

Where are your favourite places to see roses in June?

Early Halloween Home Decor Finds

2024-06-27T15:26:00.002+01:00

- All links in this blog post are affiliate links. For more info head to my disclaimer -

Each year it feels like Halloween creeps up on us earlier than ever, but with July approaching, soon the shops will be filling up with best Halloween decor. In my personal experience, you've got the snap up the best spooky decorations early as they go quick! I wanted to showcase some of my favourite early Autumn and Halloween decor that you can shop today.

Matalan, Dunelm and TK Maxx are three websites I like to check regularly from now until October as they often release beautiful homeware that matches my usual Autumn style. I'm getting in the 'Summerween' spirit, by eyeing up this Ghost Cushion which would match this White Ghost Duvet Cover perfectly.

If you're more into clothing than homeware then I would recommend checking out Modcloth's latest Halloween releases. They've got lots of jumpers out already!

Lemon and Blueberry Sheet Cake Recipe

2024-05-15T15:34:00.015+01:00

I've seen cakes decorated like this for years now, a delicious sponge topped with sprigs of mint and blueberries, The College Housewife being the main inspiration behind this bake. It's not often I experiment with blueberries in baking, but I was craving a flavoursome sheet cake with a generous layer of buttercream, so I decided to head to the kitchen to see what I could whip up.

My specifications for a sheet cake is that it has to be light and fluffy, but also have quite a sizeable height to the sponge which most sheet cakes don't offer. This is why I use a 7x10 inch baking dish over the traditional larger size pan as it means it has a good rise. This cake is moreish and perfect to take to gatherings and parties.

Ingredients (Serves 10)

For the cake;

200g butter or margarine

200g caster sugar

4 eggs

250g self raising flour

100g blueberries

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

1tsp Vanilla Extract

For the buttercream;

180g butter

200g icing sugar

2 tbsp lemon juice

Blueberries and mint for the topping

Method

Preheat the oven to 180º and Line a 7x10 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. One by one, add the eggs into the mixture.

Add the zest and juice of 1 lemon, along with your vanilla extract.

Sift in the flour and fold in gently.

Cover the blueberries with a 1tbsp of flour which will make the fruit less soggy and less likely to sink in the cake. Add the blueberries to the mixture and stir gently.

Pour the mixture into the baking dish and bake for 40 minutes or until it's golden on top.

Leave the sponge to cool completely on a cooling rack.

Mix together your butter, icing sugar and lemon juice until it's thick, but easy enough to spread.

Spread over the completely cooled sponge and top with blueberries and mint for decoration.

Enjoy!

Maison Margiela From The Garden

2024-04-30T21:34:00.003+01:00

-This product was sent to me, but with no obligation to review-

Amongst the likes of Diptyque and Jo Malone, Maison Margiela Fragrances are probably some of my most owned perfumes. Their 'replica' range feels extra special as each bottle is labelled with a place name and year alongside the main notes. Each fragrance I've owned by them has been so different from each other and their newest perfume 'From The Garden' is no exception.

Perfect for the spring and summer season, Maison Margiela's 'From The Garden'* has notes of tomato leaf, germanium and patchouli. For me, this is reminiscent of a summer spent foraging, as myself and others have remarked that we thought it had notes of freshly picked elderflower. It's the first outdoorsy scent of mine that hasn't got any sweet floral notes to it, so it's unique to me.

I found that like many of the Maison Margiela scents, this one smells different on various people and as the day goes on, the fragrance settles more into the skin and begins to change. For me, it starts off sharp and tangy, but over hours of wear, it transforms into a deeper, more sultry scent - like going from day to evening attire.

One of the most important part of fragrance buying has to be longevity. A perfume could have the most beautiful scent ever, but if it doesn't last longer than a couple of hours then it won't be one I'll invest in. Luckily, this does not disappoint and as I previously mentioned, the patchouli notes get stronger the longer you wear this, so it's one that lingers all day long.

As a self proclaimed floral scent lover, Maison Margiela's own 'Flower Market' scent being one of my all time favourites, I absolutely love that I've got a new fragrance in my collection that I can wear when I want something different. When I've worn this perfume, I've already had several people compliment it, so not only is a hit with me, it seems to be a hit with those around me too.

If you have a gardener or nature lover in your life, then be sure to add this to the present list and if that describes you, then this scent is definitely one to treat yourself to next time your looking for a fragrance shake up.

Will you be trying the Maison Margiela From The Garden perfume?

The Best Tips To Buy On Vinted

2024-04-23T12:00:00.005+01:00

I've switched scrolling aimlessly on social media to scouring the many sections of Vinted looking for my next best purchase. I've found some serious bargains on this secondhand app and I wanted to share with your my best tips, so hopefully it'll help you snag the best deals too.

THE 'EXPLORE' PAGE

One of my favourite ways to discover new pieces and find the best deals is through the explore page. At first, this was a place on Vinted I struggled with as I was often recommended items that weren't my style, but my number 1 tip would be to save any item you like the look of as this works in your favour when Vinted is putting together your explore page. After several weeks, you'll notice that with every refresh of the explore page, more pieces come up that you love the look of.

SAVE YOUR FAVOURITE BRANDS

Use the ability to save your favourite brands. This means you will be notified with a "+1" addition every time someone uploads a new item of clothing from that brand. Sometimes having these notifications on will enable you to get in there quick which is particularly great if someone is a selling a piece under the usual selling price.

BE LESS SPECIFIC

It may seem like this is counterproductive, but I've often found the best bargains through not being specific within my search. Whilst a lot of brands name their dresses (for example the "tallulah" dress), this is not the way everyone uploads the dresses they're selling. Often it'll get be labelled as "pink dress" or even just "midi dress", so may not come up under the specific search.

Another way to work around this, is using different words than you may think. I've found that many items that I would consider "gingham" someone else would name it "checked", so this can bring up different results.

CHECK FOR RATINGS

This tip may be self explanatory, but just like all selling apps, there's sure to be one or two scammers to keep an eye out for. If the account is only listing one item, has 0 ratings and is selling a clothing piece at a discounted price then chances are they're not legit. However, if an account has cohesive photos when they're listing new items to sell, yet they have no ratings, chances are they may be new Vinted and it's worth messaging them to check if a person responds before purchasing.

What are your top tips for buying on Vinted?

Spring 'Cottagecore' Dresses

2024-04-22T20:25:00.004+01:00

- All links in this blog post are affiliate links. If a product is marked with a * it is a PR sample, but sent under no obligation to review. -

The weather is getting warmer and the evenings are getting lighter, so I think it's safe to say dress season is here. 'Cottage core' style dresses are my favourite to wear throughout the spring and summer as they are often have floral prints, comfortable silhouettes and are midi in length. Today, I have compiled together a list of my favourite dress finds, so hopefully you can find some new dresses to lust after too.

If you're looking to invest in a spring dress from a small business, then I have a couple of recommendations. India and Mills is a new discovery of mine, their flattering looking style and pretty fabrics are what made me want to look further into the brand. The Peony Stripe Maddie Dress looks perfect for the summer months as it starts to get warmer. If you'd like to turn yours or someone else's pre-loved fabric into a dress then Made By SJP does exactly that. I love the concept and I also appreciate that you know that a lot of love has gone into making each clothing piece.

Selkie is known for their beautiful fantasy style gowns that look like you should be running away from a castle, but their day dresses are seriously underrated. They're comfortable and stylish with a variety of colours and patterns to choose from. The Yorkshire Day Dress* is a lovely pink floral print whereas the Garland Day Dress* feels like the perfect 'cottage core' dress with the delicate design.

Spring Cottagecore Home Decor

2024-02-29T14:22:00.012+00:00

- All links in this blog post are affiliate links. -

The countdown to Spring is officially on! I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to lighter evenings, warmer days and seeing lots of flowers bloom. I've started to switch out my home decor and if like me, you're someone who loves the resurgence of the "cottagecore" trend each year, I've got just the post you need if you're looking for some new pieces to add your space.

I recently picked up this Dunelm Green Gingham Duvet Set which is perfect for my Spring bedroom set up. It's a great way to brighten up the bedroom especially when paired with pink and yellow cushions. It looks more expensive than it was (£36 for a double!) and they have a yellow version which I'm very tempted to treat myself too.

Talking of the colour green, I've been rather obsessed with adding green tones throughout my home after purchasing a velvet green sofa for the living room. First I bought this Frilled Gingham Cushion to match, but then I decided that the gallery wall in my living room needed an overhaul too. I picked out this William Morris Inspired Print which pulls all the green hues together perfectly.

I love the idea of "dopamine decor" and buying pieces for the home that brings you joy on a daily basis. I spotted this Rattan Shelfing Unit and although I believe it's meant for a child's bedroom, I just love the flower detail and think it would make a great addition to one of my walls - stacked with books and prints of course!

Here are some of my top cottage core picks for the next season:

A Haircare Routine + Dyson Airwrap Review

2024-02-27T15:11:00.002+00:00

- All links in this blog post are affiliate links. -

It feels like I've been on my haircare journey for many years now, but it's mainly the last 18 months that I've really stepped up and overhauled my routine. Not only have I aimed to grow my hair longer, but I also vowed to make it healthier in the process. I've found a haircare routine that works for me and I now take better care of my hair when styling, trying to minimise heat and prolong hair styles. If you'd like to know the process I've been going through, then please read on.

DYSON AIRWRAP

The Dyson Airwrap was on my wishlist for some time and back in October 2022, I decided after much thought and research that I was going to treat myself for my birthday. I tried it out in several places before committing and immediately loved the way it styled my hair. Previously I was air drying my hair, but after some scalp issues and finding that it was causing more hair breakage than anything else, I decided I wanted to try out using a hair dryer to solve these issues. Then the hair curler that I had been using broke, which was convenient timing, so this is how I justified making an investment in my Dyson Airwrap - but was it worth it?

Whilst I've tried out every attachment that comes with the Dyson Airwrap, I've definitely got my favourites. The 30mm and 40mm long barrel attachments are ones I use every time, the latter being my most used when I want a big bouncy blow out look. The round volumising brush was the one attachment I didn't think I'd get any use out of as I had the long barrels, but after some experimenting I really enjoyed using this when I wanted a more relaxed curl look and for when I'm in more of a rush.

After being someone who used extreme heat on my hair for years, it's been strange being able to touch the barrel when curling my hair. Whilst it's definitely on the hotter side, the temperature can be changed on three settings depending on your preference. For me, this is what I think has caused such a change in the health of my hair over the last 18 months. With regular trims, my hair has only grown a couple of inches, but my hair now is a similar thickness throughout rather than it thinning at the ends.

Longevity of the curl was definitely something I was concerned about as I had heard that they can fall out, but this is an issue I have never hard. I sometimes use rollers to add even more volume at the root and if I want the curls to stay looking perfect for the following day. This means that I am no longer using heat on my hair on daily basis which has resulted in my hair feeling and looking much healthier, but without having to give up my usual and preferred hair style.

HAIR CARE PRODUCTS

I've gone through many bottles of different Redken shampoo and conditioners over the last 18 months and have established my favourites. The Redken Acidic Bonding Duo was a great starter when I wanted to get my damaged, lacklustre hair looking and feeling healthy again. I will definitely circle back around to using this duo again soon as I think it'd be interesting to see how this pairing will help my hair again now that's it's much healthier than when I started.

I recently started using the Redken Extreme Length Shampoo and Conditioner Duo and immediately was impressed by how clean, soft and smooth it made my hair feel. As someone who shreds a lot of hair every time I wash it, I have noticed the biggest change since using this pairing. I use it alongside a leave in conditioner in the same haircare line and I honestly think this is what has kick started my hair growth again.

As a lover of multi-use products that promise to protect your hair from heat as well as smooth, add shine and detangle, these type of products usually came with a higher price tag, which I realised was stopping me from using more of the product and thus meaning my hair wasn't always protected from heat damage as well as I would of liked. I set out on a mission to find the best, but reasonably priced heat protectant and I have done just that. The Schwarzkopf Keratin Heat Protect Spray is by far the best I've tried and as it's under £5, I never feel bad dousing my hair in it before using heat. It never leaves my hair feeling crispy and once I style my hair, I've never once experienced any excess grease residue or heaviness from using it - 10/10 would recommend.

HAIR OILS

During my haircare journey, I researched a lot about hair oils and the best one's to use and after thoroughly trying them out, I can tell you my thoughts. Rosemary oil was top of the recommended oils and I knew I had to try it out myself. I wasn't expecting much and although I haven't grown inches of hair yet, I noticed after a few months use that the hair around my face was a lot thicker and I was getting growth in areas where it was usually rather thin.

Of course when using rosemary oil, you also need to use a carrier oil. Caster oil was recommend to me, but I found it did more harm than good to my delicate hair as it felt too thick (even when mixed with other oils) and was hard to get out of my hair. I then tried out jojoba oil and got much better results. I love that I could use it when oiling my hair, but also as a way to smooth my ends day-to-day. I've now settled with using argan oil again, which is an old favourite and I love how it makes my hair feel soft.

After reading up about Scalp Massagers being beneficial for hair growth, I decided to take the plunge and order one. Whilst, I don't believe one product is a miracle worker, when this is used in conjunction with my shampoo routine I feel like my scalp feels cleaner and when use it with my hair oiling routine, I found that it helps to get the oil massaged deeper into my scalp.

Have you tried the Dyson Airwrap? What haircare products would you recommend for hair growth?