Pembrokeshire

Last month we took a little time out and headed to Pembrokeshire for a few days R&R.

Driving south we took the scenic route through Snowdonia and along the Pembrokeshire Coast before arriving at our destination: Slebech Park

Slebech really is a haven away from the rest of the world (no mobile signal). The building itself isn’t much to look at, but the converted stable-block rooms are a modern twist on country comfort.

The main thing I loved about Pembrokeshire was that virtually everywhere was dog-friendly and Cali was positively encouraged into every restaurant and shop with us. (It’s a good job the rest of the world isn’t like this or I fear she’d have a terrible shopping habit and I’d have an empty bank account!)

We visited Pembroke Castle on our first day and enjoyed a free guided tour. Followed by a look around the town (and in Cali’s case, a chance to scoff all the yummy biscuits people offered her) and an afternoon on Tenby beach. We ate at the South Beach Bar and Grill while the sun set over the sea outside.

The second day was spent tiring Cali out walking around the Slebech Park estate and later exploring Picton Castle and Gardens. The gardens were the real star there – I’m aware I’ve probable middle-aged myself by saying so, but they were very special.

On our way home we stopped off in the Pembrokeshire National Park and spent a happy couple of hours exploring it on horseback. Later we ate dinner in Aberaeron before heading home.

In an English Country Garden

Summer seemed to run really late this year, but it’s looking like Autumn has decided to roll up her sleeves and get to work at last. So I’m saying Au Revoir to the warmer temperatures with a quick post featuring my favourite dress of the Summer.

This dress from Joy has everything. Pockets, pleats, a twirly skirt and that gorgeous floral pattern. I was in love as soon as I saw it. And even better it’s now on sale – snap it up here.

As usual, my little self-made photoshoot was invaded by animals. Shadow came to say hello, and was swiftly followed by Milo. In typical cat fashion, Milo mithered me for ages and then as soon as I picked him up he couldn’t do enough to get away. He likes me really… I think.

10 of the Best Checks

The by-line for this blog has always been ‘Country Chick, City Chic’ – I came up with this because half of the time I can never decide what I like best.

Recently it’s a dilemma that’s affected more than just my wardrobe – but more on that later.

This post is most definitely for the the country bumpkins out there. I’ve rounded up 10 of my favourite checked pieces.

It’s a trend that I adore. It’s cute without being too young and has a fresh, clean summery feel to it. I always associate this style of fabric with summer picnics.

Sadly the weather in the UK is nowhere near warm enough for any of these items – but a girl can daydream right?

1st Row

Dress: Whistles / Dress: ASOS / Top: Warehouse

2nd Row

Dress: ChicWish / Crop Top & Skirt Set: ChicWish / Shirt Dress: Oasis

3rd Row

Dress: ASOS Tall / Shirt: Lee / Shorts: Mango / Dress: ASOS

Cookies & Cream Chocolate Brownies

Brownies are something I consider myself to be a bit of an expert on. I’ve been experimenting with different recipes for a long time and this has to be one of my all-time favourites.

Lorraine Pascale’s cookery show was addictive viewing for me and I couldn’t wait to buy her books afterwards. These brownies seemed a little fiddly at first, but it was surprisingly easy once I got going. They came out perfectly textured and full of fudgey goodness – perfect for a chocoholic like me!

You can find the recipe here and you can buy Lorraine’s book here.

Castlefield Market

Last weekend when the rain was pouring down and my stomach was rumbling, I headed into Manchester in search of something to eat. I’ve wanted to visit Castlefield Market for ages but it’s only held on the first weekend of the month and for one reason or another I’ve never been able to make it before. And I have been missing out!

The indoor market is full of handmade crafts and homemade produce. With plenty of street food stalls providing sustenance along the way. I loved the relaxed vibe – a DJ was playing music in the corner and everyone ate along big communal dining tables while making new friends. 

It was a hard decision, choosing where to buy lunch from, but in the end I went for a jerk chicken sandwich with the most amazing mango salsa from The Blackbird Pantry. Followed by what has to be the best brownie I’ve ever eaten. The stall holders were all enthusiastic and happy to chat about their products. There were lots of ‘tasters’ on offer too – an added bonus!

Outfit: Blazer – Zara | Top – Warehouse | Jeggings – M&S (exact ones here) Shoes – Primark | Clutch – Dorothy Perkins
(Note to self – take a bigger bag next time!)

Jewellery – Handmade by Emma
Cards, etc – Mint to Be
Bread – Hunters Artisan Bread
Cakes – Glamarang

(For a full list of stalls appearing each month see the Castlefield Market Website)

Positive Vibes

1. I just booked tickets for what looks like the most fun art exhibit ever.

2. Read Richard Branson’s Top 10 Quotes on Dreams for some instant get-up-and-go

3. Getting giddy at the thought of a pizza box that turns into a movie projector

4. This is a beautiful combination of fashion illustration and photography

5. I’m already addicted to this song – and it’s not even released in the UK yet!

Positive Vibes

1. Have a giggle at the so-funny-and-so-true tall memes over on Tall Swag.

2. If you’re spending time in London this summer, check out these amazing pub gardens.

3. Feed your Instagram addiction by ordering prints of your favourite snaps using this app.

4. Be inspired by these 15 Ted Talks and let me know if any do change your life! (Number 8 got to me – “Sitting is the new Smoking”)

5. Take a hike. I can recommend Hardcastle Crags if you’re in the North of England.

Positive Vibes

This week I’ve gone with a bit of a female-empowerment vibe. Given that it was Mother’s Day for all the USA readers on Sunday, it felt like good timing. Enjoy!

1. I love this alternative interpretation of the ‘Ladies’ sign #itwasneveradress

2. Read this article on being a daughter of a strong woman (or in my case strong parents)

3. Watch this highly entertaining take on sexism in the media industries – there’s an important message in there too. #MakeItFair

4. Make your way through this list of 10 great documentaries directed by women

5. Watch as Allison Janney and Anna Faris help each other complete the Ninja Warrior course in spectacular fashion.

Positive Vibes

A couple of weeks ago I did a course on ‘positive influencing’. I know it sounds a bit wishy-washy but it was honestly one of the best learning experiences I’ve had. I got to thinking about the little things you can do anytime to give yourself a more positive outlook (go outside, write down 3 things every day that you’re thankful for, laugh out loud, etc, etc) and I realised how often my mood can be lifted by something I’ve read or seen online – so I’ve decided to start sharing these things with you guys too. Enjoy!

1. Read what these 25 famous women had to say on the subject of Female Friendship

2. Watch this video of the happiest dog playing at the beach

3. Be inspired by watching these amazing kids helping their Mum fight a hard battle

4. Listen to these Disney songs re-mixed as 90s RnB tracks

5. And if you haven’t seen it already… this Obama sketch with his ‘Anger Translator’

Beauté

I was discussing my make-up routine with a friend at work recently – mainly because I don’t consider myself very skilled at it and I was hoping to pick up some tips. We agreed that most girls learn about make-up from their mother, but that wasn’t really the case for us. Make-up for me has always been very much trial and error.

There are a few products I’ve tried in recent years that I’ve stuck with and they are nearly all French brands. So when a sudden fancy struck me the other weekend to try a slightly bolder look and invest in a properly-red lipstick I went to the one French brand I hadn’t yet tried: Dior.

The Dior counter at House of Fraser were incredibly helpful – and very patient with my trial-and-error approach. They picked out the perfect shade for me and taught me everything I needed to know to apply it properly – I’d been doing it wrong all these years – quelle surprise! (For some equally useful tips I’d also recommend this article.)

Here are some of my best French beauty buys:

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Lipstick: Dior Rouge in 999 shade
Eyeliner: Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof in 88 Noir Intense
Concealer: YSL Touch Eclat in Number 1
Mascara: Lancome Hypnose in Noir 1

T-shirt: Rare (seen previously here)
Cardigan: Love

I tend not to use foundation too often, and I’m currently still experimenting with blush/bronzer – if you have any recommendations I would love to hear them!