UK Parliament Week 2017

Our Parliament is known as the 'Mother of all Parliaments,' and with its origins dating back to 1016, it is certainly one of the most historic parts of London. 

I've been fortunate to work in Parliament and have experienced the hallowed halls and glorious architecture in all their splendour. You are conscious that you are walking in the footsteps of history whilst playing a part in shaping the future. You'll spot a familiar face (or two) whilst getting a coffee, and form your opinions whilst listening to debates in the chamber. You'll understand how hard parliamentary staffers work and the roles of the thousands of staff who help to keep the parliamentary estate ticking over. You'll realise the tremendous job the police and security staff do in keeping us safe- and their role in ensuring democracy is accessible for us all. And importantly, you'll realise how lucky we are to have a Parliament that is steeped in history and is open for us to experience. 

Working to improve the digital literacy and imagination of MPs last year was a fantastic experience, and one which demonstrated positive change in a short space of time. For me, the project has given birth to other amazing opportunities, and I am now fortunate to be continuing that work with politicians both in Westminster and in Wales. 

UK Parliament Week is a great initiative to raise awareness of the work of Parliament and our elected representatives. Learning about the democratic system and voting were some of my favourite PSE lessons in school, and I only wish I had had the opportunity to learn more and even visit Parliament as part of a school trip. These experiences are now available for students across the UK and if you're in high school and reading this - hassle your teacher to take your class to Westminster! 

Whilst much has been made (and continues to be made) of the reputation of Parliament in the press, it is my firm belief that we be much less richer without our great democracy and the Palace that sits on the River Thames. 

Find out more about UK Parliament Week by visiting the Parliament website or the @YourUKParl Twitter feed.

Audrey Hepburn at Christie's

Every now and then an auction comes along and totally captivates the imagination (and bank accounts!) of watchers.

The recent Audrey Hepburn auction at Christie's falls into this description. The sale took place in London last week, passing the £6million mark. Items from Hepburn's professional and private life were on sale, with fans flocking to the showroom to see the items on display.

Dresses from films like Charade (my favourite,) and Two for the Road were on display, as well as items like Hepburn's Givenchy trench and luggage. Pairs of beautiful handmade ballet shoes, scarves and costume jewellery were also available to bid for.


Hepburn's effortless look was captured in many hundreds of photographs from films like My Fair Lady, Sabrina and Breakfast at Tiffany's - as well as her personal copies of scripts from her entire showreel.

Christie's staged the lots perfectly, providing plenty of space to analyse each object and better understand Hepburn as the performer and the person. One can see why the auction attracted global attention- congrats to the lucky bidders!

And for those of you who couldn't make it to London to view the lots, enjoy this picture laden post!

March through Instagram

Special mail from the UN | Sugafina candy delivery | Treating my skin with Rodan + Fields | Named as thirty to watch by the IWA | A fun day at the Bath Decorative Fair with Judith Miller | Stopping by Downing Street | Quote about Theresa May in The Telegraph | Spring flowers | Cardiff Bay boats

Follow me on Instagram for more snaps!

Westminster

This week has been a particularly tough one, and for many of us, one which we won't forget. It's a privilege that my work takes me to Westminster, and working in the world's oldest Parliament last year was a wonderful experience.

Parliament has brought me life-long friends, broadened my knowledge and enabled me to combine my love of digital and public service. I was in Westminster on Wednesday, and thankful that my work in Parliament concluded just before the awful attack. Caught up in the aftermath of the attack, people from all backgrounds and professions worked to help each other and provide some sense of reassurance.

I won't forget the somber faces of those walking towards me, evacuated from government buildings and their offices in Whitehall. I also won't forget the hush that descended in Westminster's back streets, the eerie quiet filling the area. We won't forget those who died in the awful attack, and the bravery of our police, security services, parliamentary members, staffers and members of the public.

It is inevitable that things will change because of the events in Westminster, but as the Prime Minister said, we will all move forward together. Never giving in to terror. And never allowing the voices of hate and evil to drive us apart.

November through Instagram

Avenues of Christmas trees | Taking out the Twisters | Crisp autumn mornings on Whitehall | Festive adornments at Ede & Ravenscroft | Crunchy leaves and New Balance | Colouring in New York | Cardiff does Christmas | Vintage Hermes scarves | Vivacious in Russell & Bromley

Follow me on Instagram here!

24 Hours in London

I've spent a fair amount of time working in London this year. But aside from the early mornings and late nights, I've managed to explore parts of the city and visit attractions that I haven't got to before!

As part of the AccorHotels '24 Hours In Campaign' I'm sharing what I would visit and see over a day in London. You too can take part in the campaign and enter the competition to win a 9 day European break, with stops in Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin! Click here to find out more.

Here's how I would spend 24 Hours in London!

9am: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at my hotel base- I like to stay at the Doubletree Hilton Westminster. Great location, facilities and fantastic customer service.

10am: Set off for sightseeing! I'll take the short walk from the hotel to visit my old stomping ground, the Houses of Parliament. A tour of the Palace of Westminster is not to be missed -my favourite part is the Commons chamber.

12pm: After absorbing a tonne of history, refreshments are required! After a quick coffee pit stop, I'll head up Whitehall to visit the National Portrait Gallery. It has one of the best gift shops in London!

1.30pm: Time for lunch. I'll visit one of the many restaurants tucked off Piccadilly. Or, I'll pick up a healthy salad at Whole Foods.

2pm: Refueling done, I'll indulge in a little retail therapy on Regent Street. I'll visit my favourites- Russell & Bromley,  J.Crew and Uniqlo as well as checking out the new Tory Burch store!

5pm: I'll head back to the hotel for a little rest and relaxation... and to check out the damage done on my credit card!

7pm: After getting ready, I'll jump in a cab and make my way to The Delaunay in Aldwych for a fantastic evening meal and a few cocktails at the Savoy!

10pm: Walking off calories consumed, I'll take in the sights of the London skyline and magical Westminster along the River Thames.

11pm: Back at the hotel, I'll catch a quick night cap in the Millbank Lounge before heading for some rest and an early wake up call!

Which is your favourite city and how would you spend 24 hours? Don't forget to take part in Accor Hotel's '24 Hours In Campaign' challenge! 

The Crown costumes at Liberty London

I was in London this weekend for Remembrance commemorations, but I made a quick dash to Liberty London to check out the amazing costumes from the new Netflix series, The Crown.

I watched The Crown in 3 days and loved every episode. What makes the series even more special is that a close friend worked on the series as the Protocol Advisor- it was great to see the finished result. Expect more love for The Crown in a future post, but in the meantime, here are some of the costumes which were on display at Liberty!

Before she becomes Queen, we are introduced to Elizabeth Windsor. This silk day dress ensemble is one of the earliest costumes in the series.

Now Queen, we see Claire Foy wear this spectacular ballgown and fur pairing.

Much is made of Princess Margaret as a glamorous and daring individual throughout the series. This is another stunning ballgown- complete with a sparkling tiara.

Princess Margaret's status as a fashion icon is firmly cemented thanks to this forward thinking cocktail dress. I love it!