Gold Glorious Gold

The Christmas Season is upon us and I am loving the colour of the moment: Gold. 

This beautiful, gleaming colour sits well with anyone and looks pretty darn 'HOT'. So style your self with one of these sparkly numbers and be on trend for the end of 2014.

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Weekend in London with my Mum!

With mummy down (yes I do use Mummy) we planned a fun filled weekend.

Lunch

Where: Brasserie Blanc, Charlotte Street, London
The Price: Average price for two courses: £14.95
The Gossip: Tucked away this restaurant is full of character and perfect for a 'warm you up' lunch with a relaxing vide.

We headed down to Brasserie Blanc, a French restaurant group with some delicious items - too many to choose from. The decor was very traditional, warm & cosy with low romantic lightening.

This is definitely a little gem in the heart of London.

To Drink

Matthew Clark has created a new house sparkling wine, Mousseux Premium Blanc de Blancs. Brasserie Blanc’s answer to its popular and not-so-very-French cousin prosecco, the sparking wine is made from a special blend of French grapes resulting in a fresh fruity style.

A perfect acopminant to your meal.

Starter
I has the oh so beautifully arranged Atlantic Shrimp which comes in a quaint pot mixed with nutmeg butter. The best way to eat this is to place the little prawn deliciousness on to the bread and go from there!


Mother had Cheddar Cheese Soufflé - poke a hole in the top then pour in the rich cheddar sauce for fab starter - it also comes in a tiny frying pan! 

• 

Main Course

As it was pretty grim outside so I thought this would warm the UK up with a roast! Pork Belly with Chateau Potatoes, delicious poached crab apples and of course the piece de resistance - crackling!!

Mum went for something that I would never choose the Lamb Kidney Casserole - but doesn't it look delicious?!?

• 

• Dessert

• Dessert? why not we were making a day of it!!! And what better  than something seriously chocolaty - baked Chocolate Soufflé, with a bitter chocolate ice cream. 

  Mum went for the very seasonal blackberry dish - Blackcurrent Mousse drizzled in coulis.

We will be back! 

Theatre Trip - Wicked
Where: Victoria - right by the station
The Price: From £15
The Gossip: It's been out for ages, and has that famous that Rachel from Glee sang 'Gravity' - I am pretty sure that is the reason there was so many children in the audience...

Full after our meal we headed to The Apollo Theatre in Victoria to watch Wicked which I had been wanting to watch since it launched. 

Going to the theatre is a very rare treat for me and I loved everything about it, the songs, the music and the characters, especially 'Gravity' where I think every child related to due to Glee.

Few things I was unsure of :

• What was the point of the dragon, it puffed some smoke at some point but didn't do anything else. Did it get lost from another set?!?
• The music was amazing but the story line  to me had some flaws like why is the main story line about animals losing their voice? Surely there could of been something more realistic? 

Ah well still really enjoyed it!

Kew Gardens

Where: Richmond upon Thames, map can be found here: www.kew.org
The Price: Tickets are £15 for an adult and children under 16 go free! 

The Gossip: If you love looking at flowers and plants of all different colours and sizes with a Peacock or two - this is the place for you!

I can't explain how big Kew Gardens is to explore! You definitely can not do it all in a day - it would be impossible especially if you wore heeled boots like my sister did. 

With a rain forest to explore, green houses filled to the brim with orchids, a treetop walk and a lily pad bigger than me, Kew Gardens surprised me with so much to explore, beautiful array of flowers and the tranquil atmosphere - if you don't go near the kids play area.

I will definitely be going back maybe for the Christmas themed nights.

Also visit the shop it's got some lovely items from the Royal Horticultural society and ornate  Christmas items - I ended up buying some peacock feathers - go me!

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Clarins Ladylike Collection

Ombre Matte Eyeshadow

The Price: £19 Each
Where2buy: Clarins

These beautiful eyeshadows have delicate hues of browns and pinks and go hand in hand together to make the perfect smokey eye or sit elegantly alone.

• Nude Pink
• Earth - A darker brown
• Rosewood

These matte eyeshadows are fast becoming my favourites and are staples in my makeup bag - they look smooth and last the day! 

The silky and lightweight texture comes from going from a cream to powder when the eyeshadow glides on your eye. You get the best of both worlds with the smoothing of a cream eyeshadow but quality of powder!

BUY HERE.

Instant Light Eye Perfecting Base

The Price: £22
Where2Buy: Clarins

Another favourite from the collection is the Instant Light Eye Perfecting Base to highlight your big beautiful eyes and hide any dark circles that might have appeared. The oat sugars are a key ingredient to smooth and even the eyelids which brightens instantly.

This magical product can also be used on your eyelids to create a matte effect to hold eyeshadow on for hours longer.

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Competition Time

At last we have another competition this time it's exclusive to Instagram - very Social!!!

The Prize: Win a Ragdale Experience Day for one person at award winning Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa (worth £90) 

Instagram handles for the Competition: @Fionalouisekay and @Ragdalehallspa

How to enter: 

Follow @fionalouisekay on Instagram and tag us in a picture of you relaxing with #T2GCompetition.

The competition closes on Friday 7th November

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Restrictions on the prize: The prize is Valid Monday - Friday and it expires after 6 months of receiving the gift voucher.

Ragdale Hall, located in the rolling Leicestershire countryside, combines state-of-the-art facilities with the charm of traditional Victorian architecture to create one of the most luxurious and relaxing health spas in the country. Wheather you are looking for total relaxation, me-time and pampering or to kick-start a healthier lifestyle, Ragdale Hall is the perfect choice. Our great selection of spa days and breaks include something for everyone.

You could spend a relaxing day (valid Monday – Friday) at Ragdale Hall in Leicestershire on a Ragdale Experience Day to include:

• Light lunch in the Verandah Bar.
• Plus use of all of Ragdale’s facilities including the multi-million pound Thermal Spa featuring candle pool, indoor/outdoor waterfall and a series of heat and water experiences plus two further pools, including whirlpool bath and cascade
• Gym, exercise classes and outdoor facilities.

NB 10.30am arrival - 6.30pm departure

If you are not the lucky winner, then maybe a Ragdale Hall gift voucher would be the perfect Christmas present.  Available in monetary amounts from £25 or for days or overnight breaks, they are the ideal Christmas gift.

All vouchers are valid for a year from the day of purchase and are dispatched upon receipt of full payment.

To make a purchase or for further information contact Voucher Sales on 01664 433030 or visit our website on www.ragdalehall.co.uk and view our video brochure.

Competition features on:
www.PrizeSpotter.co.uk

Free to enter competitions and giveaways in the UK. Win great prizes and freebies. Competitions UK at AllUKCompetitions.com Win competitions at ThePrizeFinder.com - See more at: http://www.theprizefinder.com/content/experience-day-one-ragdale-hall-spa-worth-%C2%A390#sthash.ae7rMJZT.dpuf

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Beauty essentials for Autumn

From my Fashion must have this is the beauty version!

We have:

• Barry M Dazzle dust which has been a staple product since I was a teen // Buy here.
• Tanya Burr nail polish in Mischief Managed, the bold red is perfect for the season to add a touch of glamour // Buy here.
• A luxurious Cowshed candle // Buy here.
• The essential Batiste Dry Shampoo!! // Buy here.
• One of my best friends has been raving about Bare Minerals and I am just loving the Silver eye shadow // buy here.
• To add a beautiful scent to the autumnal weather why not try Bright Crystal, Versace to take you back to Spring // buy here.
• For a cheaper than chips straightener go for the Revlon Heat ceramic version // buy here.

This little haul is everything you need to start your autumn look!

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Say Happy Halloween with cupcakes

Hummingbird Bakery: Halloween Range

The Price: £19.50 for a gift box of 6

Where2Buy: Hummingbird Bakery

The Gossip: Graves, Pumpkins and Ghosts do not scare me as they are just too tasty!

Hummingbird Bakery has some fantastic ghoulish cupcakes for the season with mini versions and layer cakes available in store and online.

The Hummingbird bakery is one of my favourite cupcake stores in London with deliciously thick icing and red velvet is the all time winner in my books.

The new Halloween range is too cute to be scary with a glittery pumpkin and yummy graveyard with flavours of red velvet, vanilla or chocolate.

Get them quick from now until 2 November for delivery or in-store collection - www.hummingbirdbakery.com. 

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Haircare comes to save the day

With the colder weather creeping in quicker than you can say Christmas, haircare needs to take priority. With hotter showers and the cold unfortunately you can end up with dry, limp hair that no one likes!

But it's ok we have some haircare from TIGI Bed Head that is coming to the rescue to re-vamp and protect your hair for volume & shine to stay all winter long!

Urban Anti+Dotes Re-energize Shampoo 
RPP. £10.18

This powerful shampoo will give limp hair a pick me up revitalising your hair and boosting shine. 

The shampoo is ultra hydrating which is just what your hair need, the more moisture the better and remember when having a shower turn down the heat as it's will dry out your hair to a piece of straw.

If your hair has already been a little destroyed by the weather than wack this baby on:

Urban Anti+Dotes Resurrection Treatment Mask
RPP £12.51

This is perfect for hair that is looking fragile and needs dealing with ASAP.

Use weekly and leave on for 5 minutes then rinse through - voila!!
Buy here.

And now we having something small but extremely powerful to finish off your hair.

Mini Small Talk 

This little ball of loveliness not only smells great but adds texture to your hair adding va va voom & volume for the perfect  healthy look. To buy click here.

How is your hair doing this winter, I know I need my roots re-coloured!!!

Fiona

XXX

For some similar products what about these:

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Fab Fashion Finds for under £25

I am more than happy to take requests so after being asked to do a post about buying on a budget. The first one up is Fashion with a nail polish thrown in for good measure!

But these are my favourite picks ranging from casual looks to a more party feel - all these items are for under £25 which is pretty unbelievable - get shopping!

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Restaurant of the month: Ping Pong

Ping Pong, is my favourite Chinese dim sum restaurant enabling you to surround yourself with food so you have no more space on the table for your mobile phone. 

Not only is there scrumptious food but the authentic cocktails and gourmet teas that all have a unique British twist.

Ping Pong is available across London, in eight locations with new artesian cocktails and autumnal inspired dim sum dishes are available.

So we had the special Sunday Special which for just over £15 you can have as much Dim Sum as you would like!

We had:

Nibbles

Garlic and black pepper prawn crackers with a spicy mango dip £1.95

Fried & Gridled

Duck Spring Rolls, £4.45

Prawn Toast with Seaseme Seads, £4.15 

Potato and edamame Cake £3.05
Beef & Chili Parcels £4.15

Baked
Roast Pork Puff £4,15

Rice Dishes
Vegetable sticky rice £4.15
Chicken and mushroom rice pot £6.15

Steamed
beef dumpling £3.95

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My Cat now owns a home

MIAHOUSE is the result of a partnership between Massimo Marchiori, renowned for his design and production of cardboard objects, and architect Francesca Castagnini. It features several entrances and openings as well as a scratching wall for cats' claws. 

We did try to assemble it but with only pictures to follow we didn't get it right first time but it is easy to re-do and you don't need glue! It is made entirely of cardboard and is 100% recyclable.

MIAHOUSE is available from Fabriano Boutique stores worldwide and from the UK flagship store at 21 Neal Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9PU.

And did I mention it's a HOUSE FOR YOUR CAT!!!

Does you pampered pet have any extravagant toys like Dylan?

Fiona

XXX

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Mani Monday: Topshop, Solar

The Price: £6 each

Where2Buy: UK: Topshop   USA: www.topshop.com

This week’s colour is SOLAR from Topshop. This multi-tonal polish has an array of pink and gold hues.

The good thing about Topshop polish’s are that fast drying, and have a real glossy finish with all over coverage.

For best results: Apply base coat, apply two coats of colour and finish with glossy topcoat

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Kiko's Pop - Miu Miu & Jalouse Collaboration

I am loving this new video Kiko’s Pop a film made for a brand I need in my life, Miu Miu and the French fashion magazine Jalouse, featuring their October cover girl Kiko Mizuhara. 

The film is directed by Wriggles & Robins in collaboration with Mathieu Cuvelier and it follows Kiko blowing different coloured bubblegum bubbles - as each one pops it transports her into a new strange and fantastical world…

Kiko's Pop from Wriggles & Robins on Vimeo.

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Time2Travel: Bath Day 2

Day 2

After a lovely, peaceful night at The Francis (Read day one here.) Adam and I headed down to the Thermae Bath Spa.

Thermae Bath Spa

Unfortunately we could not take photos inside but the modern Thermae Bath Spa  was lovely and relaxing although without any treatments for two people the bill came to over £60 and they get you with charging for hiring towels, robes and slippers - so make sure you bring your own or from the hotel to save from this cheeky company. 

There are three main places to visit:

• On the roof is the open air thermal spa which i can imagine would be beautiful in the evening. But with the warm water and relaxing nature you could lie here for hours.
• One floor below is an experience to the senses of different scented steam rooms from lotus flower to eucalyptus mint. This room also has a mini 'waterfall' showers so you feel like you are in a tropical paradise.
• That last but not yet least room is the Minerva Bath - at this room was relaxing yet fun with massage jet and whirlpools which take you on a journey around the pool - remember to grab a floating device!

Victoria Falls Adventure Golf
I love a session of mini golf so when a saw it was a main attraction of Baths I was there and in competition mode after relaxing at the spa!

My Outfit: Top: In The Style (Only £3 ATM) Skirt: Topshop Boots: Carvela

With 18 holes, mini waterfalls, streams and to top it all off a beautiful backdrop of the Royal Crescent this was the perfect setting to WIN. Although I was not on par for many of the holes Adams downfall came on hole number 16 and I swooped in and stole the lead :-)

Loch Fyne Seafood & Grill Restaurant

The Lock Fyne Seafood & Grill Restaurant was the perfect way to end a lovely weekend located at the top of the high street close to the train station for our trip home.

Our waiter was an absolute gem he made us feel incredibly welcome and everyone else we got to take a close look at all the fresh fish before we made our final decisions.

Time2Try an Oyster

It mentioned that it was traditional oysters and I was not really up for trying them on their own but they came on a platter with Shallot vinegar which has a bit of chill in it and Tabasco and i can safety say we loved them - another please!! 

Glass of bubbles
After the oysters we were both brought out a lovely glass of bubbly, I am unsure of the brand as we didn't choose but any bubbles is good :-)

Starters

Chilli and Garlic King Prawns - £6.75

You can not go to a fish restaurant and not have a portion of prawns and garlic and chilli are my favorite combination - nom nom.

Adam and I also had Scottish Rope-Grown Mussels - a word to the wise if you are not that hubgry don't go for this as a starter and there is so much - and you get crusty white bread to dip into the white wine, cream & shallot sauce!

Main Dish

We both thought is was apt to choose from the Fish Bar as we had been so kindly shown around all the fillets.

I went for Sea Bass with a you guessed it Chilli and corriander butter, and you get to choose two side dishes all within the very reasonable price - I choose potatoes dauphinois and a favourite side of mine rocket & Parmesan.

If you have read my reviews before you know Adam always chooses something brand new and off the beat and track and he went for the seasonal fish of the day which was Monkfish a beautiful looking piece of fillet.

Dessert

We were very full by this point so we decided to share a Passion Fruit Cheesecake for £5.45 which came with a rich mango sorbet.

Travelling Home

Heading home is never fun, especially when leaving this beautiful location but we jumped back on a direct First Great Western train back to London Paddington. On the way back I was a bit bored and decided to check out the FGW app, the Inside Track, which provides hints and tips from locals (and also celebs!) about the areas on the FGW network, which includes Bath. This would of probs been best to do on the way up to Bath as it provided the top locations to go.

Till next time Fiona xxx

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