I've been working in London for the past three months in Parliament, so it was great to return to the city for a little non work adventure!
Friends from Australia were visiting the UK so along with my parents we met up with them and visited some of the quintessential London sights. Westminster Abbey, the Imperial War Museum and Parliament (hello again!) were on the list, as well as a little retail therapy on Regent Street.
We also headed to the BBC and watched the live filming of the Six O Clock- a pretty cool experience! One of the highlights was the Fashioning the Reign exhibition at Buckingham Palace and the chance to see many of the Queen's clothes up close. Her wedding dress and coronation gown were spectacular and definitely the standouts of the exhibition.
Enjoy some of my photos from my trip- my video shot on my GoPro is to follow!
Memorials to great British composers and Prime Ministers at Westminster Abbey.
Back at Parliament!
Afternoon tea on the terrace at Buckingham Palace.
It's safe to say my skills in the kitchen are pretty limited. I love to watch cooking shows (the Barefoot Contessa being my favourite!) but I can never seem to match the culinary delights that are created on the screen.
Gousto is quickly solving this problem! Over the weekend I tested out their food delivery boxes, and it was an easy and fun way of testing out some new recipes with some delicious produce!
Gousto delivers fresh food boxes to your door, with options available for both 2 and 4 people. With different recipes to choose from every week, there are delicious options for veggies and carnivores alike. We opted for two meat options - the Beef, Apricot and Harissa Meatballs and the Crispy Asian Pepper Chicken.
After placing my order, the box arrived quickly at the allocated time and was neatly chilled thanks to some hi-tech packaging. I was really impressed by the speed and quality of the packaging and how easy it was to separate out to the relevant cupboards and fridge.
Full disclaimer: I did have some help putting together these two meals (thanks Mum!) How else could I have taken pictures and recorded the process!? But the two recipes were simple and easy to make with the help of the step by step cards.
Saturday night's meal was the Beef, Apricot and Harissa Meatballs. Taking about 20 minutes to prepare and even shorter to cook, this was perhaps my favourite of the two meals. Full of flavour and spice, I'll be recreating this recipe again in the future.
For Sunday lunch we tried out the Crispy Asian Pepper Chicken. Whilst really tasty, the chicken thigh meat was a little fatty (something which increased the prep time.) The end result was still worth it, and I'd definitely try this recipe again.
Check out the creative process through the eyes of my Go-Pro!
This was the first meal or subscription type box that I had tried and I was really impressed with the experience. From start to finish the Gousto journey was enjoyable and hassle free and I'm looking forward to trying out some of their recipes in the future.
Thanks to Gousto for sending me a box to review. Find out more information about Gousto here!
Russell & Bromley has to be the ultimate mecca for shoe lovers. My nearest branch is a 45 minute drive away, so the last three months I've spent in London has been a bit of a temptation trap for the girl whose hotel was only a twenty minute walk away from the Regent Street branch.
Russell & Bromley don't run a sale online, so running to their physical stores is your only hope of snagging a stylish bargain. As I wear flats more frequently than heels, I was searching for flats which were different to what I already had in the wardrobe - and the sale did not disappoint.
We've all been focused on Theresa May's shoes lately, and I for one am happy to admit that I've been a little obsessed with seeing which pair she will wear next. She rotates her collection pretty well, and I was just a shade excited to see two of the styles she has worn recently on sale. Thank you shoe gods!
We've been transfixed by Theresa May's line-up of Russell & Bromley shoes!
I picked up the super sparkly Lo-Fi pump- it really is the most sparkly shoe I've ever owned! Made from a sachetto constructed shimmering glitter fabric, the Lo-Fi has a leather sole and a short heel. The PM was bold in her execution and wore her Lo-Fis on a recent trip to Italy. Its understated elegance makes it a great flat to wear either day or night - and I'll be doing the same!
My second sale purchase was a pair of leopard Frame pumps. My last pair of leopard pumps made a slow journey to the recycling bin, so it was a welcome sight to see these beauties available in my size! These seem to be a favourite of Theresa May's wearing them on a frequent basis over the past several months. Even sweeter to get them on sale! The D'Orsay cut of the pump is particularly flattering, and for those who want a little lift, the pump also comes in a block heel version. For other options check out the Frame range here.
And my third Russell & Bromley purchase was a bit of an impulse buy. Nestled amongst the size 6.5 rack was an amazingly bright pair of pumps by Stuart Weitzman. The Sonic in nappa leather was to be mine. The PM would be proud.
There's still time to snag a bargain in the Russell & Bromley sale! Their list of stores can be found here. I found the staff in the Regent Street and Oxford Street branches particularly helpful.
After a busy trip to Europe, Prime Minister Theresa May focused on the needs of small business this week. Visiting Martek Designs, a specialist joining company, the PM is focusing on how SMEs can help to create a productive and higher skilled economy.
The PM wore tailored black trousers and a white gray cardigan and felt jacket. An oversized silver chain necklace and bracelet and a pair of Russell & Bromley leopard Frame pumps completed this classy look.
On Thursday, the PM held a business roundtable at 10 Downing Street with representatives from organisations including the FSB, British Chambers of Commerce, EEF and Enterprise Nation. For more details click here.
Lola and Me is one of my favourite accessory brands, and they've just launched a Crowdfunder which will provide a sustainable trade to those in need!
The profit with purpose company is working with makers, favouring ethical employment opportunities and fair wages over fast fashion for fewer pennies. They are committed to helping harness the talent of women in the developing world, and support beautifully authentic techniques.
Lola and Me have spent several months searching for suitable partners who have the same moral values, and through the partnerships, they will aid the development of women in developing countries by supporting safe and ethical employment opportunities and fair wages. As a result of these partnerships, girls will receive educational opportunities a move which will help to lower the risk of poverty, human trafficking and child marriage.
By supporting Lola and Me's Crowdfunder you’re helping to provide a sustainable trade to those in need. Help makers get paid, not only equally, but fairly for their hard work, supporting women in gaining independence and freedom over obligation and submission. And with at least 10% of the profits being invested in education, you’re helping Lola and Me get more girls into school.
The products are beautiful and all handmade.
For £12 you can receive a handmade hexagonal horn bangle and for £20 a handmade leather purse available in black or tan.
If you can give more, £45 will see you receive a leather clutch with wristlet and £180, a handmade leather satchel or tote.
This is one Crowdfunder I'll be supporting- and with price points starting from just £3 you can start small and give back in a big way!
Her Majesty at Maison Assouline | Welsh treats | Standing by Hillary | New shoes from Russell & Bromley | Catching up with lovely friends | Night time walks at Penarth | Chinese fashion magazines | Summer treats from Clinique and Boots | Portcullis House views
