Southbank's Real Food Market Review

The Real Food Market at Southbank

As you know, I love food markets and every weekend the "Real Food Market" takes place at the Southbank. I went last weekend which, as always, was packed full of people ready to sample the delicious street food on offer.

Crowds at the Real Food Market at the Southbank

The food is sustainably and ethically produced by over 40 real food producers so you know you are buying fresh, high quality, affordable food and drink.

I love the choice of delicious street food and having such a sweet tooth, i'm always tempted by the sweet treats like crepes, brownies and churros too! Here were just a few of my favourite stands:

Of course I had to get myself a nutella and banana crepe!  I also picked up some brownies too! ;-)

The Real Food Market is open every weekend, visit the website for more details.  

Where is your favourite food market? Let me know, I'd love to visit it!

My first attempt at upcycling furniture!

My first attempt at upcycling!

I've always been fascinated by upholstery and upcycling but have always been put off by the hard work!  Who has time to prep, sand, seal, clean, prime add solvents and more?!

I have absolutely zero experience decorating but love parisian inspired furniture. Unfortunately it seems like everyone else does too and is very expensive. But after stumbling across this post about upcycling it gave me the confidence to try renovating some old furniture myself using a paint called Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, Soft Wax and Annie Sloan Brushes

Unlike usual paint where you would need to prep, sand, seal, clean, prime and everything else that requires painting furniture. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint requires none of the above. I couldn't believe it so was keen to get started with my new project, this five draw dresser:

Before

I realised that painting a five draw dresser would be too much of a challenge so decided to paint a three draw dresser instead!

First coat

I chose "French Linen" Annie Sloan Paint, cleaned the wood and then removed the cabinet knobs and applied a first coat of paint. The next day, I applied a second coat, leaving the cabinet to dry again. 

After a few hours, I applied the soft wax to seal the paint.  Then I added crystal knobs I bought from Laura Ashley in the sale. You can pick up similar ones,  a lot cheaper, from Homebase or B&Q.

                              My first attempt at upcycling 

Although initially daunting, my first attempt at upcycling old furniture was not as bad as I imagined, so perhaps I'll upcycle something else. I would love to see more examples of upcycled furniture, share them below if you have any! 

Outfit of the day - baby shower

Jacket - Topshop

Blouse - Zara

Necklace - Primark

Jeans - H&M

Boots - New Look

Bag - Missguided

It was my friend's baby shower over the weekend and with the sun out, I decided to wear my peach waterfall jacket from Topshop, a lovely soft colour suited for a baby shower!

Outfit of the Day

Dress- Missguided

Shoes - Topshop

Bracelet - Internacionale

I love this dress from Missguided. They have a great selection of midi dresses - perfect for nights out or a nice choice for day time teamed with a denim jacket, hat and sandals.

 

Brides Magazine "Wedding of the Week"

 My bouquet by Joanna Marriot

A few days ago I got an email from Brides Magazine with amazing news.  My wedding photos had been selected as the "Wedding of the Week". Have a peek here...

If you don't know Brides Magazine, it's the UK's best selling bridal magazine, published by same company who make Vogue. So I was extremely honoured to have my wedding photos on their website and to be chosen as the "wedding of the week" is just so touching. Thank you! ❤  

*photography by Cecelina Photography

Happiest day of my life

Almost exactly a month ago, on the 22 February 2013, I got married in St Mary's church in Blackheath and held my wedding reception at a beautiful Tudor Barn in London.  It truly was the happiest day of my life.

 
Here is a list of my wedding suppliers:

Photographer - Cecelina Photography
Florist - Joanna Marriot
Stationery - Birchwood Handcrafted Invitations
Cake - Jackie Brown Cakes
DJ - Staar Productions
Venue - Tudor Barn


❤
*photography by Cecelina Photography
 

Hen do at Proud Cabaret! Plus Outfit of the Day

 Dress - Missguided

Belt - Miss Selfridge

On Saturday I celebrated my hen do at Proud Cabaret in Camden and what a night!

I wore a lovely polka dot midi length dress from Missguided, it was the perfect length on me and a great fit too plus I got lots of compliments! :-)

 Me in my burlesque gear ;-)

29 Days to Go! Wedding Suit Hire

 Debenhams Suit Hire Service

Yesterday made it exactly one month until I tie the knot. I honestly do not know where the time goes! To think I'll be a Mrs in only 30 days is beyond exciting! But as most brides know there is still so much more to do. Starting with the issue of mens suit hire.

No-one ever mentions what the groom will wear on the big day. It's always automatically dismissed and the excitement of the brides dress takes over. Well not me! It is just as  important that the groom looks and feels daper on his big day which is why we selected popular high street retailer Debenhams for the wedding suit hire.

After an awful experience a few years ago with another popular high street retailer, Moss Bros, who messed up his order and made him collect a suit from a completely different store, we were left with very few choices for other high street retailers who stock good quality wedding suits.

So after reassuring him that I would find a decent, reliable menswear suit hire store, I did some research and found Debenhams offers quality wedding suits at high street prices - right up my street!

The groomsmen (all except one) visited a branch and their measurements were taken. I called the branch to find out if the other groomsmen could get measured up in another branch closer to his home. After some ummming and ahhhhing they said it would be fine and gave me the contact details for the other branch. I spoke to a very helpful sales assistant it was finally arranged and groomsman is booked into another branch this Friday.

It wasn't as complicated as I imagined but the final verdict on Debenhams suit hire will be when I see my fiance and the three groomsmen in the correct size, colour and style suits we ordered. Until then, I will patiently have my fingers crossed...

To be continued!

New Year, New Purse

New year, new purse

I like to see in the new year with a new purse so I treated myself to this cute leopard print wallet from River Island. 

I actually bought it via ASOS who stock River Island products so if you can't find it on their website it is worth having a look on ASOS too!

Christmas 2012 Outfit of the Day

Dress - ASOS

Shoes - New Look

Bracelet - Primark

Watch - River Island 

Bridal Hamper

 Mini bridal hamper

A few weeks ago I won a mini bridal hamper from Ultimate Wedding magazine which I thought I'd share with you.

 Mr and Mrs table place names

The hamper was packed full of goodies for any brides big day, including an issue of Ultimate Wedding magazine too! I loved the mini Mr and Mrs easels which would make great table name places. The earring studs, necklace and bracelet also make a nice addition to a bridal outfit. Simple yet chic it's exactly the kind of bridal jewellery I like.

 My goodies!

The hamper isn't too big, about 30cm by 15cm, so ideally could be used again for cards from guests. I've seen a few used in some wedding blogs which is a nice alternative to a post box (which are quite expensive to hire) or a cardboard box (lots available from sellers on eBay).  Check out Etsy for some more inspiration.

Hamper for wedding cards received on the day from guests

Outfit of the Day - GTSolo VideoShoot

Me at the video-shoot

Today I went to the set of rapper GTSolo's video shoot for his new song, End of days.  I played an extra so watch out for me in his next video!

 Blazer - Primark

Dress - Warehouse

Shoes - New Look

Bag - Missguided

Necklace - Primark

Video director Chaz (left) with GT Solo (right)

 Me getting ready to film at the videoshoot

Follow GTSolo on Twitter and check out his other videos on Youtube.

NARS Concealer Stick Review Cacao

NARS concealer stick review

With less than three years to go until my wedding (woop woop!) I've started thinking about bridal makeup looks. 

I've got my foundation covered (no pun intended) but I'm still on the lookout for a decent concealer. In an ideal world, a concealer will do exactly what its name says; CONCEAL those dark circles under the eyes and hide all your spots and blemishes. Oh and not forgetting be the right shade to blend with your foundation.

 NARS concealer stick in Cacao, Dark 2 and the concealer brush

Does this perfect concealer even exist?!  I keen to find out!  After chatting to my sister, she recommended I try NARS concealer stick which she swears by. 

Available in ten shades from the fairest complexions to a medium dark, in theory there is a shade for everyone.

I popped into Space NK, Kings Road branch during my lunch break and a helpful assistant selected Cacao for me to try. She applied it under my eyes, using a slick NARS foundation brush which worked a treat I just had to purchase it along with the concealer stick.

 NARS Cacao

Cacao was named "Best Concealer for Dark Skin" by InStyle magazine so I was keen to see exactly what all the fuss was about. Was I impressed? Yes!  The concealer has deep gold brown undertones suited to my complexion. It is creamy, smooth and easy to blend and apply against my current foundation. It lasted from lunch until early hours of the evening without a top up so I would agree that it is long lasting. However my only concern is that it is so small! I dread to think how long it will last me, and costing £17.50 it isn't the cheapest concealer stick either...

So has this ended my hunt for the perfect concealer? It's still early days, but from what I've tried, I like it. I've  got a few months until the big day and decide if this is the winning concealer. Will keep you updated!

Kate Moss Launches New Mango Collection A/W 2012

Kate Moss launches Mango's new collection

Kate Moss launches high street retailer, Mango, new Autumn/Winter collection today.

Available online now, the women's collection features sequins, blazers and sharp tailoring. I love the sequin jersey dress (above) perfect for a Christmas party and the knitwear range, ideal for a cold Winters day.

Speaking about the Mango autumn/winter collection, the model said: 'The white and leather tuxedo jackets and the pencil skirt with the leather detail on the waist are my favourites.

Kate's style is amazing and she certainly looks great in these photos. Here are some of my favourites:-

 White tuxedo jacket and trousers, oh and the shoes WOW!

 Zebra print jumper and distressed jeans

 Electric blue military blazer 

 Wool coat and kitten heel cowboy boots - yes please!

Like what you see? Shop here for Mango online!

Emmys 2012 - Best Dressed

Sunday night's Emmy Awards, held in Los Angeles saw the best and worst dressed celebrities on the red carpet. Here are a few of my favourites:-

 Heidi Klum looked sensational in a Alexandre Vauthier dress with thigh slash. Seal who?! 

Hayden Panettiere looked fabulous in this beautiful Marchesa gown

Julianne Hough (Ryan Seacrest's other half) wore a very wedding like but stunning Georges Hobieka Couture strapless gown. Perhaps the bridal look was a hint to Ryan?!

Edie Falco - I love this Stella McCartney gown Edie wore!

 Kelly Osbourne matched her dress to her hair with this beautiful Zac Posen gown. How good does she look?! 

Christina Hendricks looking as gorgeous as ever, wore a Christian Siriano gown

A pregnant Claire Danes looked beautiful in canary yellow (favourite colour of mine!) in this Jeanne Lanvin gown

 Despite Sofia Vergara's Zuhair Murad dress splitting later in the evening, Sofia still looked a million dollars!