Afternoon Tea with the WOW Factor

Ironically I am currently on a get in shape mission for my wedding in August, however I also love Afternoon Tea and I wanted to share some of my favourites with you. It's an ideal read for anyone planning a special occasion made better with cakes, tea and sandwiches. These are my favourite four for the perfect celebration and have that wow factor.

1. Roman Bath Pump Rooms, Bath Spa 

I was lucky enough to be taken here as a surprise for my birthday last year and I wasn't disappointed. Seated in a beautiful hall surrounded by wonderful architecture and with a pianist playing it really was special. Afternoon tea is served from 2.30-5pm and you do need to book a table as it gets really busy. We chose the Celebration Tea and bubbles which was £37, but there is other options available including Searcys Champagne Tea priced at £30. This is an ideal suggestion for Mother's Day or a birthday surprise with the girls. It was quite noisy so I was pleased we were seated on the outside so it wasn't as loud or feel quite so crowded. 

The pastries were lovely, and they regular came round to ask if we wanted a top up of tea or coffee. The fresh fruit tart was my favourite and I sneakily ate two before my boyfriend had chance. We were there for the weekend so after tea we went to the baths themselves and they were amazing although I do feel silly when my boyfriend realised I had my swimming costume with me. Wrong spa! For more details on afternoon tea here visit http://www.romanbaths.co.uk

2. Fawsley Hall, Northampton

As one of the amazing hotels offered by handpickedhotels.co.uk the setting is a beautiful country house set in 2000 acres of formal gardens. It boasts 2 rosettes for their dining so afternoon tea there filled me with high hopes. My mother and I chose The Knightley Afternoon Tea at £23.50, and again there are plenty of other options including a young guests afternoon tea which I haven't seen at many places. The presentation is slightly different and although looks beautiful it isn't your traditional three tier stand. The pastries do alter but we were treated to a lovely lemon curd pastry with a soft mousse filling and a curd like topping which was amazing. The only criticism would be that you cannot book The Great Hall (pictured) and seating is allocated on the day with no guarantee of location. The day was beautiful so we were outside in the patio garden, which was our choice and it made for a lovely afternoon. 

The hotel offers gardens which you can explore and walk off your cakes, as well as hotel and spa facilities. I just love the overall feel and look of Fawsley Hall and I am going back for a mother and mother in law wedding celebration prior to the big day. Click here to see more http://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk   

3. Ruston Hall, Northamptonshire

This really is speculator and my favourite setting for a Traditional Afternoon Tea. Rushton Hall is a picturesque house situated in grounds comprising of groomed gardens and even tennis courts. The Tea is served in The Great Hall amid old paintings, grand features and on huge sofas. 

For £25 per person you are treated to an exceptional array of pastries that provide a selection of tastes suitable for everyone. I was concerned when booking that it suggests only 90 minutes is allocated per seating but this was more than enough time and we didn't feel pressured at all which is important during the experience. We made a girly day of it and stayed over with use of the spa. The hotel do a Sunday Special offer so if you are able to I really recommend combining the two. This is what an afternoon tea should be and I wasn't disappointed. Visit http://www.rushtonhall.com 

4. The Sanderson, London

The Afternoon Tea of all photographed Afternoon Teas. I think Instagram is full of this Alice In Wonderland inspired offerings from The Sanderson, which is priced at £48. I was lucky enough to go for a good friends 40th and seated in the conservatory it was a light and summery setting. The seating plan means that although it is very busy you don't feel crowded and the service is incredible considering how crazy it must get. The selection of tea is more than I have seen and I went adventurous and chose an Apple Pie Tea, however when I stated I didn't like it they offered me a second choice to ensure I enjoyed the experience. Everything is thought of and the jewellery box for sugar and the plates with cute designs add to the whole concept. Tip from me would be to save the "drink me" bottle until last because it is amazing! Great idea for a big birthday celebration with friends and don't forget the camera. If you want to know more  visit https://www.morganshotelgroup.com 

Have you been to a fabulous afternoon tea? Let me know about it please as I will venture far and wide for scones :) 

LJ xxx

Top 5 Passport Holders ready for Summer Holidays

We haven't had much sunshine yet so if you are going away for some sunny rays then you need to do it in style. I have picked out my top 5 passport covers from those around. I can't have you looking fab in your travelling outfit, that if you are like me was decided three weeks before, but without a fashionable treat for your passport.

 

Aspinal Neon Pink Passport Cover £45.00

This has already been awarded "best quality" by The Sunday Telegraph and now awarded one of my top favourites. Another pretty bit award. It is made of Italian calf leather so feels really soft and easy to clean if you have a slight spillage of your travel size moisturiser for the flight. The inside is lined in silk so your passport will be kept in pristine condition and there is even an extra inside pocket for your boarding pass. You can make it even more special by having a small engraving at the bottom for no extra charge. This is perfect for the ultimate accessorising, as well as honeymooners for the perfect airport gift for the new Mr and Mrs (which will be me in August) Click here for more info http://www.aspinaloflondon.com/

 

 

 

Not On The High Street Passport Cover £14.95

I spend a lot of time on Not On The High Street as it is great for birthday party accessories and my upcoming wedding decorations. This handmade passport cover is linen which can be gently sponged clean if it gets dirty. The drawing on the front is cute and I love the fact it is embroidered freehand with the word "fly". You can also benefit from free delivery and free gift wrapping so it makes a perfect gift (even if it is to yourself as everyone loves opening a present). Click here for more info https://www.notonthehighstreet.com

 

 

 

Paperchase Passport Cover £6
This passport cover is too cute with the little featured Chloe Owl design. This summery accessory is a coated canvas so can be wiped clean, which helps keep the pale blue/grey background clean during all your trips abroad. You can benefit from free delivery if you spend over £25 which is so easy for me to do on Paperchase, however you could also get it delivered to store for free. Click here for more details http://www.paperchase.co.uk/

Cath Kidston Passport Cover Was £8 now £6
I couldn't not have a look at Cath Kidstons array of Passport Covers. Although I was disappointed with the choice I think this is a really cute cover and they are so easy to keep clean. I have always have Cath Kidston passport covers as I can always match my travel document wallet with them. I am over anal about things like that. This spotty passport cover will definitely have you looking ready for summer and it is even in the sale for that extra bargain. Click here for more details http://www.cathkidston.com/

Liberty London Passport Cover £75
This is for the big spenders who want something beautifully crafted and unique. Hand printed in Italy with a leather trim and logo stamped interior it definitely has the wow factor. Inspired by
"the much-loved Liberty Ianthe design, Iphis is a modern re-working with a fresh Art Nouveau-style finish. Paying homage to the Ianthe of Greek mythology, Iphis is named after her lover in the legend." I think this is a great addition for your summer travels and will be timeless. Click here for more details http://www.liberty.co.uk/

Wherever you are going on holiday do it in style and accessorise with impact.

Seen something you like let me know :)

LJ xx

It really is LUSH

Over ten years ago, I needed a job in university summer holidays. My home town in Stratford-upon-Avon didn't really have many 'cool' places to work, and seen as I needed to keep up my street cried I applied to work at Lush. I remember walking in rocking a ripped denim skirt, and leggings underneath, thinking I looked so uber trendy. Those photos have now been archived! 

After an awesome interview, I started my new job. Okay so people refrained from sitting by me on the bus, and my clothes constantly smelt of soap, but it was better than waitressing in my eyes. For anyone who has ever worked in Lush, you will know that feeling when you get asked "how do you cope with the smell?" I mean honestly if I worked in a chip shop would you ask me the same question? I smell clean!!!! What's the problem? 

I went on to work part time when I returned to university, and the Oxford store had a slightly different vibe. However, we had some epic tunes on the playlist, and aside from risking your life when you went to the stock room, it was awesome! 

Honestly, I am not a Lush worshipper. Nothing against those that adore the products, but some made my skin greasy and the bubble baths were a pain to clean off the bath. However, there are three products I adore and can't live without. If you haven't tried Lush before (probably because the smell over powers you) then consider these. More importantly if you wear black eyeliner particularly MAC long lasting liquid line, or you have really dry skin then I fully recommend these three products. 

Ultra bland £7.25

Okay, if you don't read anything after this then at least you heard about Ultrabland. It is awesome at removing eye makeup and heavy foundation without drying out your skin. It contains beeswax so it doesn't make your skin feel tight, or like you just sucked all the moisture out of your face. Effectively Ultrabland doesn't strip away your natural oils. Best way to use it: mix pea sized amount with some water and massage into my skin. To remove I use two cotton wool pads with warm water. Remember to be gentle around your eyes as I don't want anyone blaming me for wrinkles. You have been warned. Oh and a quick tip: use super drugs own cotton wool pass as they are always on offer and they don't leave clumps of cotton wool attached to your eye lashes which takes minimum of an hour to remove while squinting into the bathroom mirror. 

Eau Roma Water £7.95

This is simply a rose water toner that is so gentle and soothing that your sensitive skin would kiss you if it could. Got time to use a toner? Yes! Everyone does. A toner reduces pores and balances out the skin. It also ensures all makeup is removed so you feel refreshed. How to use it: Spritz onto one of those awesome cotton pads I told you about and wipe around your face. Firstly, it feels amazing and secondly 

Skin Drink

A moisturiser that makes my skin feel soft and not flaky, and I don't need to get a loan to buy it. It's main ingredient is sesame oil , and the colour does suggest it's contained. The rose water infusion soothes the skin too so awesome if you have sensitivity. I can't thank this product enough for stopping me looking like an extra from Godzilla with my scaley face. I got greasy face envy, and that is never good. I use this at night and in the morning.

After cleansing and TONING I apply a 50 pence piece size amount to my face and massage in slightly. In the morning I use half of this amount, and then leave a couple of minutes before starting the makeup routine.

So, cover your nose and embrace the black pots and the over enthusiastic faces and go in. You won't regret it! Plus those enthusiastic faces aren't fake...they genuinely love the company and their job which I find endearing. 

LJ xx