Happy Weekend!

Happy 2016! I hope the first three days of this new year have been brilliant for you! I've been getting back into the swing of things, reconnecting with my schedule and getting pumped up for the year ahead.

I've got big plans for this year, and I hope that you have too. Together, let's make it the best yet!

As we work on our collective goals, check out some of the links I've been reading this week.

32 things you didn't know about J.Crew: I certainly learned a facts by reading this list!

#HatsOffNewport: and my starring role!

Why Legos are a better investment than gold: there's a reasoning behind my new habit!

20 photos of Presidents on vacation: because even POTUS needs his down time.

December through Instagram

Celebrating the festive season at Parc Pantry | Cute little bows from Felt Philosophy | A December birthday | Early morning at Friar's Walk | A very Welsh Christmas | Revisiting The OC Chrismukkah CD | Reads from Homes & Antiques and Vorsten | Brunch at Le Bistrot Pierre | The most gorgeous cranberry sauce

Follow me on Instagram!

Trip to Tredegar House

The magnificent Tredegar House sits on my doorstep, and it's a pretty good neighbour to have. A few weeks ago the National Trust held an open day, and it was the perfect opportunity to re-explore this Welsh jewel. Check out my pictures below!

A great place to stop and think. 

The last signs of summer.

Digging this dishware.

I love that the deer has a choker going on! 

Ode to the Tudors.

Original wallpaper from Lord Tredegar's study. Reminds me of an AERIN print!

A perfectly vintage Louis Vuitton trunk.

A mix of coral, shells and starfish in a bathroom display.

I do love a good monogram.

Tredegar House is a great place to spend an afternoon! 

July through Instagram

A visit to the magical wizarding world of Harry Potter | Black suede d'Orsay pumps from Boden | The opening of the new Parc Pantry Tea Rooms | Interviewing Julia Gillard | A great photo of me and Julia! | A delicious raspberry iced tea at Parc Pantry Tea Rooms | Summer bracelet stack featuring Dune Jewelry and Lisa Hoffman | Facebook Business event | Stunning memorial to those who fought in WW1

Follow me on Instagram!

Party in the Parc

I'm a big fan of a local cafe, deli and shop called Parc Pantry. They're based in my hometown of Newport and in the year since they opened, they are the must visit destination for miles!

To celebrate the opening of their newest venture, Parc Pantry Tea Rooms, they hosted a massive party in the local park! Belle Vue Park was packed with people and it was awesome to see and be a part of such a positive community event. I had great fun running their social media for the day and one of the highs was meeting in real life lots of people that I'd spoken to on Twitter.

Thanks to Lauren for this photo! // Dork Features

I'm looking forward to seeing the Tea Rooms thrive and thrive- and if you're in Wales, come down my way and say hi! I'll treat you to a cuppa and a slice of cake! :)

March through Instagram

Inspired by DvF | Civic Centre murals | Starting my Lego minifigure collection | Stars and stripes | The classics | Spring beauty with Clinique | Leopard rainboots and coffee catch-up | Mother's Day throwback | Catching up with my favourite magazines

Follow me on Instagram!

Rainy Days with The Umbrella Shop

It's officially spring, but the weather doesn't know this! This past weekend was a particularly wet and cold one...but it was perfect to test out my new umbrella from The Umbrella Shop!

Living in a climate where the elements are particularly wet and windy and umbrella is an essential piece of kit. This vented golf umbrella is perfect for tackling the windy weather, and the black and white colouring is my favourite.

And the grand setting where the road test took place? The glorious Tredegar House in Newport. You may recognise it from television shows including Doctor Who. It has an amazing history and is set in amazing grounds. It's one of my favourite places!

Thanks to my pal Helen Reynolds for the photos- had to include this great outtake!

Outfit: Umbrella, c/o The Umbrella Shop | Scarf, Tory Burch | Bag, Longchamp | Jacket: Barbour | Pants: Zara | Rainboots, J.Crew

September through Instagram

September through Instagram...

Hillary in Glamor | Zebra love in the form of my Dabney Lee phone case | Sweet dreams with Savvy Sleepers | Dusk views in my hometown | Catch-ups with friends at the Celtic Manor | Making my way through the September issues | Scatter My Ashes At Bergdorf's | Capes and boots are my fall uniform | Fall arrives! 

Follow me on Instagram for more peeks into my activities! 

White House Week

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

This week, President Obama was in my home city of Newport for the NATO Summit! It has been a fantastic couple of days putting my city and country on the map, and you can read about my encounter here.

Watch the West Wing Week video below:

Crown Copyright/Tom Robinson

NATO comes to Newport

My hometown is full of buzz at the moment as NATO has rolled into town! President Obama and Prime Minister David Cameron visited Mount Pleasant Primary School earlier this morning, and it was great to see the President's motorcade!

I also met Ambassador Barzun, US Ambassador to the UK.

Check out coverage of the event here! And here are my exclusive photos.