Anniversary Meal at Angels and Bagpipes

This month is a bit special for Ed and I; it's our five year wedding anniversary! It seems like such a long time ago....and it makes me feel a bit...old!!  We would have loved to celebrate with a summer holiday but we can't! Instead, we've got to pack and move house again as our lovely (not) landlords have decided to sell up and be completely unhelpful in the process. They simply didn't care that we'd only just moved in or that we'd need to find a new home right in the middle of festival season...a very difficult task when everyone that has a vacant place is minting it on festival lets!! Anyway, moving on, we decided to celebrate with a nice meal and a day trip instead. We were hoping to get a table at the famous Tom Kitchin restaurant in Edinburgh for our anniversary night but it was booked up for months on end. Ed eventually found Angels and Bagpipes which looked like a nice little place that serve beautiful food. 

Obviously, I wore some of favourite pieces for the evening. Starting from the bottom, I'm wearing vintage Roger Viviers with the most amazing heels sourced from a Stockbridge charity shop!! My dress is Alice Temperley from an online flash sale and 80% off RRP! I'm carrying my beloved Lulu Guinnes mettlic lips clutch, a bargain from a TK Maxx flash sale. And finally, my jacket is Isabel Marant from the Net-a-porter sale...clearly not as ridiculous a bargain as the other bits but I see it as an investment piece.

Angels and Bagpipes has a rather modern setting compared to its neighbours. It felt like a nice place to celebrate whilst being completely unpretentious. The service was impeccable and we were greeted with complimentary bubbly as they'd twigged that it was our anniversary!

The food was beautiful and tasty. However, my soup had a very salty bit of duck in it and my main course was also very salty...even though it was very tasty! Ed was luckier with his course but the salt completely killed my appetite which meant I simply could not face dessert. To be fair, the lades serving us seemed genuinely upset that I hadn't finished my meal and offered to replace it. My appetite however had already gone on holiday. So as to not make her feel too bad, I ordered some tea for afters, even though I didn't want it. I must be becoming more English by the day!

All that said, I definitely recommend the restaurant, more than anything else because  of the impeccable service. I'll love you  and leave you with....a photo of my dear husband...!!  Ann x

Wearing: Isabel Marant Daisy Jacket, Alice Temperley Dress, Lulu Guinness Metallic Lips clutch and vintage Roger Vivier shoes.

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DIY Shoe Rack: Shoe Art and Clever Storage

I love my shoes but that comes with a little problem, I have too many. I usually pick them up from flash sales and charity shops but they are all beautiful and special to me. Ed's been nagging me about storing these properly so I finally found a prefect solution thanks to some inspiration on Pinterest. Here is a simple 4 step way to create your own art display with shoes and also solve any storage conundrums!

Wood from B&Q, cheap as chips. We got two strips for £7

Project area. Wood painted white separately

Tools ready and first row screwed in place. Use could also use  No More Nails

Finished Product!

Emma Y New One-shoulder Organza Short Homecoming Dress Mini Gowns -US Size 4 White

Emma Y New One-shoulder Organza Short Homecoming Dress Mini Gowns -US Size 4 White

Emma Y New One-shoulder Organza Short Homecoming Dress Mini Gowns -US Size 4 White

ASIN : B00HA1GTAM

Rating : 4.2

brand: Emma Y Lady

category: Special Occasion

Description : This dress features elegant one-shoulder neckline and A-line style. We choose high quality Organza to make the dress delicate in all dimensions.It is your best choice for any formal occasions.

Features :

• All dresses are made to order. Please send us your detailed measurements of bust, waist, hips, height without shoes and heel height after you have pOrganzad the order.
• The shooting light and setting of your computer screen may cause slight color mismatches. All products are subject to material objects.
• Back with lace-up
• Perfect for any formal occasion
• Please contact us if any questions with this dress

A little Barcelona gem

Here are photos on the run. Sunday is a bad day for shopping in Barcelona except if you like little boutiques. Most high street and designer shops were shut. The exception was Custo Barcelona. I was obviously delighted to find this little shop called Novedades Dorins that sold handmade and unique clothes. I bought this little top I'm wearing from there and I love it. Not a bad price at 30 euros. Watch out Vivienne Westwood!

IBEAUTY DRESS Mother's Lace Stapless Short Cocktail Plus Size Khaki US 6

IBEAUTY DRESS Mother's Lace Stapless Short Cocktail Plus Size Khaki US 6

IBEAUTY DRESS Mother's Lace Stapless Short Cocktail Plus Size Khaki US 6

ASIN : B00JJDBYJ0



brand: WANTDO INTERNATIONAL DRESS

category: Special Occasion

Description :
In order to your return or exchange to be accepted, we advise you to follow these steps:
We only accept returns for a full refunds because of quality's problem;if it is a size problem because our customer choose a wrong size,we accept exchanges for another size or supply alteration size service free but not full refunds on any merchandise that have not altered and have not been worn or have not body smell or perfume or laundry detergent smell .
The shipping fees of return must be paid by buyer, please send by USPS or Airmail.
Once we receive your item, inspect it to be sure it's as perfect as when we shipped it to you, then we shall give you full refunds or exchange to you.
Before ordering a dress,please offer your accurate body sizes by email.
Each dress for standard size or your body size is customized and unique.
Once manufactured,we cannot support return for a refunds unless our quality problem-we can supply you modify service free if the size is not suitable for you.
You can measure according to the diagram of pictures show bar.
1. Bust =___INCH (This is NOT your bra size. This is the measurement around your chest at the FULLEST part of your breasts. While being measured, your arms should be at your side and relaxed. Please wear thin bra to measure.)
2. Waist =___INCH (Also know as ¡¯natural waist¡¯. Around the SLIMMEST part of your stomach above your hips.)
3. Hips =___INCH (This is the measurement at the FULLEST part of your hips. Find your hip bones and measure there.)
4. Hollow to Floor =___INCH (Shoulder to hem including the height of heel,it is the length of the dress)

Features :

• After you pay an order,we shall send email to you by amazon system within 2 days to check your bust,waist,hips size and your needing time,pls check your amazon emails and give a reply timely.
• Each dress for standard size is customized and unique,pls measure your chest,waist,hips size,arm circumference,height by a measure tape when you wear a dress,it is different with your casual clothes's size.
• Making dress's time is 1-3 weeks & normal shipping time is 2 weeks/expedite shipping(DHL) is 3-5 business days,if you need it urgently,pls tell us your needing time.
• If dress's size is not suitable for you,we supply you alteration size service free or exchange another size free.Every dress for every size is custom made,unless quality's problem,we don't accept return request for a full refunds.
• More styles of dresses,pls click the brand"IBEAUTY DRESS".

Women's Summer Half Sleeve Hollow Lace Sexy Short Dress Small Black

Women's Summer Half Sleeve Hollow Lace Sexy Short Dress Small Black

Women's Summer Half Sleeve Hollow Lace Sexy Short Dress Small Black

ASIN : B00R3DZ534



brand: imomoco

category: Casual

Description : Available size:

Size: S Shoulder:42cm Bust:86cm Sleeve:45cm Length:80cm
Size: M Shoulder:45cm Bust:92cm Sleeve:49cm Length:82cm
Size: L Shoulder:46cm Bust:98cm Sleeve:50cm Length:85cm
Size: XL Shoulder:48cm Bust:100cm Sleeve:51cm Length:88cm

Please allow have 2-3cm error.
Have any question, please contact us




Features :

• When you finish the payment we need 2-3 working days to process your order.

Sunvary Vintage Woman Lace Mother of the Bride Dress with Short Sleeves Floor Length Evening Party Prom Gowns for Pageant Speical Occasion US Size 18W- Black and Red

Sunvary Vintage Woman Lace Mother of the Bride Dress with Short Sleeves Floor Length Evening Party Prom Gowns for Pageant Speical Occasion US Size 18W- Black and Red

Sunvary Vintage Woman Lace Mother of the Bride Dress with Short Sleeves Floor Length Evening Party Prom Gowns for Pageant Speical Occasion US Size 18W- Black and Red

ASIN : B00MUHJETY



brand: Sunvary

category: Special Occasion

Description : This wonderful dress is your great option for the formal occasion. A-line skirt with v neckline, it has beautiful lace fabric. Floor length. Customized colors are also available.

Features :

• This dress is Made-To-Order. In order to make the most suitable dress, please measure yourself as the "how to measure" Image, use the Size Chart Image on the left and send us your height without shoes and with shoes
• We will contact you to confirm the measurements details. If no reply from you, we will make this dress as our Size Chart
• Customized sizes and colors are also available
• The shooting light and setting of your computer screen may cause slight color mismatches. All products are subject to material objects
• Dry clean only. Back with zipper, natural waistline, built in bra

Inspired by the Anthropologie Sol Pompom Necklace

Anthropologie Sol Pompom Necklace

Inspired by my recent visits to the Anthropologie store in London and their terribly gorgeous yet very expensive ( over £250) Pompom necklace, I decided to embark on yet another DIY project. I looked around the Internet for ideas and found these two blogs that were really helpful- Artzy Creations and Small Good Things.  I followed the first one pretty closely so rather than repeating all the instructions, I'll let you check out these fabulous sites. Most items were purchased off eBay and it all cost me just under £20. I chose a bright happy green and fuchsia combination and they help compensate for the summer we never had! Happy jewellery making!

 

Jewellery Making Kit

Sewing the rhinestone chain on to the velvet ribbon

This is what it looked like from the back when I was done sewing

Close up of the necklace

Nearly finished. I'm sure I'll touch up a bit soon!

VILAVI Women's A-line High Neck Halter Short Tulle Crystal Graduation Dresses 4 Champagne

VILAVI Women's A-line High Neck Halter Short Tulle Crystal Graduation Dresses 4 Champagne

VILAVI Women's A-line High Neck Halter Short Tulle Crystal Graduation Dresses 4 Champagne

ASIN : B00KIBLIBG

Rating : 5.0

brand: vilavi

category: Special Occasion

Description : VILAVI Women's A-line High Neck Halter Short Tulle Crystal Graduation DressesGross Weight (g):1000
Brand:VILAVI
Silhouette:A-line
Neckline:High neck,Halter
Waist:Natural
Hemline/Train:Short/Mini
Sleeve Length:Sleeveless
Embellishment:Crystal/Rhinestone
Back Details:Zipper
Fabric:Tulle
Occasion:Prom, Homecoming, Graduation, Cocktail
Fully Lined:Yes
Built-In Bra:Yes
Style:Chic & Modern
Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Accessories: The Ornaments Of Model(Such As Earing, Necklace, Bracelet, Veils, Etc) Are Not Included In This Product. Due to the variation of light and display brightness, the color of the picture is only for your reference. The actual color shall obey the color in the product name.

Features :

• In order to ensure that you can receive form-fitting dress, if any of your measurements including waist, bust and hip are difference with VILAVI standard size more than 4cm, please contact us immediately.
• Normal delivery is 10-20 days. Because of international shipping, if you need rush order, please contact VILAVI after your order
• Due to the variation of light and display brightness, the color of the picture is only for your reference. The actual color shall obey the color in the product name.
• Dry Clean only
• Designed In HongKong, VILAVI brand is applied for trademark protection, and counterfeit will be sued.

NuoReel Women's Allover Lace Three Fourth Sleeves Dress Small Size Pink

NuoReel Women's Allover Lace Three Fourth Sleeves Dress Small Size Pink

NuoReel Women's Allover Lace Three Fourth Sleeves Dress Small Size Pink

ASIN : B00OIJG43G



brand: NuoReel

category: Night Out & Cocktail

Description : Ooh-la-la-lace! Striking lace delivers signature glamour and romance in a sleek but accessible silhouette. It's a head-turning choice for the season's social events.

Round neckline

Allover lace

3/4 sleeves

Padded shoulders

Curve-hugging fit

Center back zipper

Size (CM):

Small: Bust 76-94, Waist 64-80, Hip 82-100, Length 84(cm)

Medium: Bust 82-98, Waist 66-84, Hip 86-104, Length 86(cm)

X-Large: Bust 86-110, Waist 70-90, Hip 94-112, Length 90(cm)

Features :

• 100%polyester
• Small: Bust 76-94, Waist 64-80, Hip 82-100, Length 86(cm)
• Medium: Bust 82-98, Waist 66-84, Hip 86-104, Length 88(cm)
• X-Large: Bust 86-110, Waist 70-90, Hip 94-112, Length 92(cm)
• Occasion: Party, Outdoor

PAKULA Women's Business Casual O Neck Midi Pencil Dress

PAKULA Women's Business Casual O Neck Midi Pencil Dress

PAKULA Women's Business Casual O Neck Midi Pencil Dress

ASIN : B00M49HEC2



brand: PAKULA

category: Night Out & Cocktail

Description : PAKULA Womens Lace Splicing Evening Pencil Midi Bodycon Dress

Features :

• High quality blend fabric keeps you comfortable
• DO NOT BUY CHEAP KNOCK-OFFS FROM OTHER SELLERS, FOR GUARANTEED QUALITY MAKE SURE TO PURCHASE FROM MoonBeach
• For Most Accurate Measurements, Please Use the Sizing Chart Image on the Left. Do Not Use "Sizing Info" Link
• Click on PAKULA brand name above title for more GREAT styles!

iBaste Casual Pink Spaghetti Strap Backless Maxi Skirt Floor Maxi Dress for Women Summer Chiffon Dress

iBaste Casual Pink Spaghetti Strap Backless Maxi Skirt Floor Maxi Dress for Women Summer Chiffon Dress

iBaste Casual Pink Spaghetti Strap Backless Maxi Skirt Floor Maxi Dress for Women Summer Chiffon Dress

ASIN : B00MO99D58



brand: iBaste

category: Dresses

Description : Color :Pink
Material :Polyester
Style :Casual
Neckline :Spaghetti Strap
Sleeve Length :Sleeveless
Silhouette :Shift
Dresses Length :Maxi
Pattern Type :Plain
Bust(cm) :S:82cm , M:86cm, L:90cm
Length (cm) :S:140cm ,M:141cm ,L:143cm


Features :

• Gorgeous women prom party dresses
• Sexy v-neck design
• Both the lining and the chiffon are 101% polyester.ziper, Lining, no stretch
• Versatile design makes this dress appropriate for a wedding, a evening party, holiday wearing,or other occasions
• Detailed Size Info Please Check Left Image, Not Size Info Link. It is US Size when you place order

*Maillsa tulle strapless short bridesmaid dress prom dress party dress PP668

*Maillsa tulle strapless short bridesmaid dress prom dress party dress PP668

*Maillsa tulle strapless short bridesmaid dress prom dress party dress PP668

ASIN : B00MXRR03S



brand: Maillsa

category: Special Occasion

Description : Delivery through express. To select the right size, you can send us your accurate measurements for reference. Customization is also accepted. It is free of extra charges. Custom made dress can also be returned. For more information, please contact us directly at any time. We will reply as soon as possible.

Features :

• Built-in Bras/5cm Wide Secure Band/Multi-colored
• Strapless
• Tea Length
• Lace-up(if you need zipper. please let us know)
• ATTENTION: 1. We have our OWN size chart as shown in the product images column. The sizes are DIFFERENT from what you normally wear. Please remember to check our size chart BEFORE purchase. 2. We just offer sizes that you can choose from the drop-down menu. If you need special sizes, please ask for customization.

Cozyin flowers Strapless Slim sexy evening dress XXL

Cozyin flowers Strapless Slim sexy evening dress XXL

Cozyin flowers Strapless Slim sexy evening dress XXL

ASIN : B00FS4UMZQ



brand: Cozyin

category: Special Occasion

Description : Red lace dress skirt three-dimensional flower decoration.Note: Please tell us your specific data about Bust,Waist and Hips when you place your order.

Features :

• Hand pressing rosebud, chest pressure pleated design three-dimensional super.

Glitter Flecked Hi-Lo Jersey 2 PC Dress Jacket Set (8P, Fresh Navy)

Glitter Flecked Hi-Lo Jersey 2 PC Dress Jacket Set (8P, Fresh Navy)

Glitter Flecked Hi-Lo Jersey 2 PC Dress Jacket Set (8P, Fresh Navy)

ASIN : B00KIRQLYE



brand: S.L. Fashions

category: Casual

Description : This set includes dress and jacket. Dress features lined top, V-neck and back, glitter flecked jersey fabric, hi-lo skirt hem, and pull over sheath style. Jacket features no lining, spit dolman sleeves, glitter flecked jersey fabric, and cascade open front-no closure.

Features :

• Lined top dress
• Open front-no closure jacket
• V-neck and back dress
• Glitter flecked jersey fabric
• 2 piece set

Enchanting Red Skull Roses Gothic Short Sleeve Skater Dress (M/L)

Enchanting Red Skull Roses Gothic Short Sleeve Skater Dress (M/L)

Enchanting Red Skull Roses Gothic Short Sleeve Skater Dress (M/L)

ASIN : B00Q8WW7W8



brand: Insanity

category: Dresses

Description : Loving This Print To Death! Very Enchanting And Surreal Artwork With A Beautiful Skull Rose Detail. The Bold Colours Make It Even More Stunning!



This Gorgeous Dress Has Short Sleeves And A Crew Cut Neck Line. It Is Fitted At The Top With a Full Flared Skirt Accentuating Your Figure For That Retro Hourglass Shape.



Highest Quality Stretchable Material, Very Comfortable To Wear!



These Gorgeous Dresses Are Professionally & Lovingly Made In England!



Approximate Un-stretched Measurements:

S/M (US 4-6) - Bust: 32 inches, Waist: 26 inches, Length (From Shoulder To Hem): 31 inches.

M/L (US 8-10) - Bust: 34 inches, Waist: 28 inches, Length (From Shoulder To Hem): 31.5 inches.

XL (US 12-14) - Bust: 37 inches, Waist: 30 inches, Length (From Shoulder To Hem): 32 inches.

XXL (US 16-18) - Bust: 40 inches, Waist: 33 inches, Length (From Shoulder To Hem): 32.5 inches.



Material Stretches Up To 2 - 3 Inches.

Features :

• Stretchable And Comfortable Material
• Enchanting Red Skull Roses Gothic Short Sleeve Skater Dress (S/M)
• These Items Are Not Mindlessly Mass Produced, Each Piece Is Lovingly Hand Constructed In England With Attention To Detail And Craftsmanship And We Are Happy To Announce That We Are The First To Showcase These Beautiful Items Straight From The Manufacturer!
• Available In US Size: S/M (4-6), M/L (8-10), L/XL (12-14) and XXL (16-18)
• Dispatched from the United Kingdom, Delivery time of 9-10 working days after dispatch.

Chocolate Tour of London

In case you were wondering, no I haven't given up blogging. Its been a long and manic few weeks (and I suspect will continue like that all of March) with the big move to Edinburgh and the lack of time off to do it all. Note to self, take a week off for the next big move, whenever that is! That said, in the midst of all the mayhem, I continue to seek out new adventures and experiences to draw energy from. One such fabulous adventure was the Chocolate Tour of London. My friend Katherine and I took an impromptu afternoon off to savour the chocolatey delights of the Big Smoke.

We met our lovely tour guide Lisa outside the Algerian Coffee Store on Old Compton Road who offered us a selection of coffee and raspberry flavoured chocolates to munch on whilst waiting for the remained of the group. We quickly figured that Lisa was a bit of a walkie-talkie chocolate encyclopedia of London. We listened on to Lisa's stories of the history of the Algerian coffee stores, Hotel Chocolat ( the next stop) and other nearby foodie establishments. The passion fruit flavoured Hotel Chocolat chocolates we sampled were scrumptious. I asked for seconds and that was the start of a pattern.

I was most impressed by the delectable creations at Paul A Young. The chocolates are made on the store premises itself and are available in a range of very unusual flavours. Stilton and port wine anyone? Marmite perhaps? Each of the chocolates we sampled were truly divine.  They also stocked Mast Brothers, Menakao and Duffys, winners all the way! I also loved the Prestat store ( bright colours, friendly staff and great chocolate) but was most impressed by the custom made Lulu Guinness bag on display.  We stopped by Freggo for ice-cream and I sampled far too many (as evident from the rainbow of spoons in the picture above). We passed by Laduree (Burlington Arcade store) but didn't go in. I didn't mind as I seem to go in to their Covent Garden outfit every time I'm in London!

The Charbonnel and Walker store was very swanky and the chocolates were amazing but the air there was perhaps a tiny bit too snooty for my liking? My favourite store of all on the tour was Fortnum and Mason; I love love love their wonderful window displays! Lisa then took us to the East India Company which was one of the friendliest stores by far. They even had snacks and tea out for visitors at various corners of the store; if I worked/lived in the area, I'd be visiting every day! Lisa stopped by a number of other shops along the along, proving a bit of history and gossip as part of the tour.  One such stop was Choccywoccydoodah and OMG, it bonkers. 

Our last stop was Liberty of London (another favourite of mine) where our group parted ways, so full of chocolate that we even took some samples home! Katherine and I headed back to to Paul A Young to buy some pressies for our boys before heading to Yauatacha for some nibbles, macarons and drinkies before taking a late old train back home.

We got our tickets through TimeOut London at 50% off but full price tickets are still available on the Great British Tours website. There is a similar tour in Edinburgh although I think I could try doing a self-planned version myself.  Hope you are all having a lovely week! Ann x