Bringing the Holiday Home with Virgin Holidays

Ok, so I wasn’t lucky enough to actually get a holiday this year but for those of you who did and are still battling post-sunshine blues then why not recreate a little taste of the exotic at home? Or perhaps, like me you didn’t get away- why not whip up something tropical in your very own home and bring the holiday to you?
Virgin Holidays have released a guide to making 5 Caribbean Cocktails to inspire you for your next trip or help keep that holiday spirit going. In celebration of this they sent me over a kit so I could attempt to make my own- now, I’m not a big drinker at all but cocktails are my achilles heel and I just couldn’t resist. Mojitos are one of my favourite ever drinks so a kit to create my own provided much excitement.
The kit was brilliant, containing a cocktail shaker and all the gadgets and gizmos you need to create like an expert. There were also fun straws, some Cuban style snacks and mini bottles of rum to get you started. All I needed to buy was a lime and some fresh mint (and remember to make some ice cubes) and I was away! I thought these cute glasses from Marks and Spencer fitted nicely with the holiday theme.

My Mojitos weren’t quite official, technically the recipe calls for crushed ice, but have you ever tried to crush the stuff yourself? Perhaps I’m not very strong, or I was in too much of a rush but yeah, whole ice cubes it was- still, on a beach in Cuba they would melt in to an icy cold drink in no time!

Fancy creating your own? All you need is 50ml of rum, 10 mint leaves, 2 tsp of sugar and a lime cut in to wedges and you’re good to go! This will make two generous sized drinks, or three smaller ones like those I made.
What’s your favourite cocktail? Have you ever tried making them yourself? Let me know if you give this one a whirl!

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The Printed Harem

I never saw this one coming, but I’ve actually become somewhat of a trouser convert. A couple of years ago you wouldn’t have caught me in a pair, or at least if I was wearing them I wouldn’t be feeling comfortable but times change and so do people and here I am sporting yet another pair of awesome pants.

Vest: Monki | Trousers c/o Chiara Fashion | Shoes: New Look

These trousers are the comfiest pair I own, without a doubt. It’s been a while since I last featured Chiara on the blog and I was delighted when they got back in touch and offered to send me a pair of trousers from their new selection of harem pants. I always struggle to style this style of trouser, I lack in basic tops, or tops that fit me well and shoes always baffle me but I think in the end I did just about ok and the monochrome sandals were a safe choice (also making the most of still being able to wear sandals in October!) ((can you tell this post is scheduled? No way is it sandal weather now!))
If you have any tips for styling harem trousers then let me know below! If you too want a super comfy pair to live in then I highly suggest you check out Chiara especially when they cost only £12.95 a pair.

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Happy Smiley Autumn

Well, October is so far getting off to a pretty good start. Last week, on the last day of my week off my best friend and I took my Granddad on a little day out to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm– it’s super local to us and he’s wanted to go and check out their latest arrivals for a while, so with the forecast looking promising and fond memories of the place off we popped.
I felt a bit like a witch in my chosen outfit for the day. A H&M dress and a Jumper from the Smiley Halloween collection (launching this week!). I think the big old orange face made me feel extra carefree though as it wasn’t long before I was sneaking away from the animals and heading towards the play parks for a bit of childish fun.
How could anyone resist a HUGE rainbow slide or a set of giant trampolines? I honestly can’t remember when I let my hair down and just enjoyed myself without thinking of all the things I should be doing instead. Of course now I’m back at work I’m finding it tough to find enough hours in the day- I think I may have to take a step back from daily blogging and focus on getting 2-3 quality posts up a week instead, that should free up a few hours to get other things done (or have some much needed me time/time with Ben).

I’m oddly really excited for Halloween this year despite having no plans, I don’t think it’s just the lure of funsized sweets and chocolate either…What will you be up to come the 31st of this month? Some inspiration would be grand. This jumper will feature for sure!

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TTYA x Long Tall Sally part II

It wasn’t that long ago that I shared with you the collaboration between Long Tall Sally and TTYA and it was only days later that a package arrived for me with a couple of pieces from the collection, which I can confirm is as gorgeous and high quality as it looks online.

Cami and Jeans c/o Long Tall Sally | Boots: Still can’t remember!

I just loved these ripped jeans! I’ve been after some black skinny jeans for ages now- ever since I decided I can stand wearing skinny jeans again. These not only have the rips but zipper detail at the ankles giving them a real rock chick feel- perfect for a casual day time look, or for something more dressy for a laid back night out (dinner date with Ben time?). The camisole is just lovely. A really luxurious feeling silky material in the most stunning rose gold colour. I need to get a decent strapless bra to wear under it, but other than that it’s perfect and a very welcome addition to my wardrobe.
These are the first blog photos I’ve taken using my tripod in ages, I’ve been spoiled by having Ben living with us (he moved out a month ago) or having Mum on hand. I really need to get a remote or something to make it easier, but to be honest I don’t think I did too bad a job, apart from the autumnal lighting issues.
How would you style these two pieces? Do you have any tripod photography tips for me?
Happy Monday folks, back to work for me today; that week off was very much needed and I’m feeling refreshed and raring to go again!

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The latest insta-life edition.

How fast do the months fly by? I can’t get over how quickly the months are passing us by. Once again I don’t seem to have done an awful lot with my time, but here is the latest Instagram updates from me- for more you can give me a follow (and leave me your links below).
Leave links to your instagram posts/profiles below!

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