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!