Happy Holidays!!

I just wanted to quickly pop by and wish you 

all the best of Holidays whatever you may be celebrating.

But more than anything I wanted to thank you all

for sparing a few minutes out of  your very busy

day to read my ramblings.

It means the world to me as I know how time-starved 

we all are. Many of you have been reading my ramblings

for quite a few years. I'm not sure how you

haven't given up the will to live, and for that,  I thank you 

from the bottom of my heart.

Sending BIG hugs your way and hope you continue

with me on my blog journey (which
is usually filled with lots of pot-holes and twist and
turns) in 2019.

Happy Holidays Lovelies.

May 2019 bring you all you wish for yourself.

xxx

My Gift Guide

I know. It's been such a long time since I last blogged.

What can I say? Christmas just got in the way.

So before I get too way-laid, I thought I  would

bring you some lovely things that you will either

purchase as gifts or maybe you will treat yourself 

too.

Either way I hope you enjoy my picks (or

it at least gives you some inspiration).

What could be better than this stunning statement piece.

A chunk of gorgeous Quartz that will wash you with

super-charged colour for 2018.

More details here

With "Deco Decadence" coming back following the new 'Murder

on the Orient Express' film, I also added a little 1930's 

glamour to my pieces with these sets of stunning

"Deco" drop earrings.

Here

If you are really looking to push the boat out to treat yourself, how

about these (one can dream I suppose ;-)

Splurge on this cuff is by Van Cleef in 18k yellow gold which comes in at

£31,300 / $41,759.

On the other hand you can be savvy but still on trend with this.

This gorgeous hammered cuff will really bring out the

Goddess in you this party season (also available

with turquoise stones which looks fab with sun-

kissed skin).

Splurge on these Nougat earrings are by Dior


Or stay on trend with this savvy buy.
A magical twig effect give these earrings an
ethereal quality.
Perfect for lazy weekends, country weddings......
you name it, it will go with it.

Splurge on these stacking rings by Robinson Pelham

which comprise white Sapphires, white diamonds

or brown diamonds.

Or go "savvy" with these gorgeous bead stacking rings

which come in gold, silver, rose-gold and a gun-metal

(dark grey/black).

This is truly beauty and craftsmanship that will never go 

out of style.

Who wants diamonds anyway? ;-)

 Finally you can push the boat with with these

Christmas bauble earrings by Oscar de la Renta

Or you can go savvy with my baubles which

will not mean you have to sell a kidney to buy them.

Both the red and black are perfect for the party season

(but between you and me, the black are as sultry as a 

Tom Ford perfume).

(The red were also featured in Cosmopolitan Spain).

That's it my Lovelies. 

Hope one of my splurge or savvy buys got you salivating. 

xxx

A Royal Engagement

Here in the UK, the news channels have been prepared 

for this "imminent" announcement since last week.

So on a really cold, crisp November morning

the engagement was finally announced.

The happy couple decided to make the announcement from the site of the

Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace; the site of the memorial created

for Princess Diana. 

During an interview later today Prince Harry said the ring was made of yellow gold

as this was Ms Markle's favourite.

The centre diamond was from Botswana -a place close to Harry's heart but also where 

he and Meghan went camping early on in their relationship (brave girl!!!)

The two outer diamonds are from Diana's own personal

collection. Because of the enormous sentimental value of this ring, experts are saying

it makes the ring "priceless".

The ring was made by the Queen's preferred jewellers Cleave & Company.

During their interview Harry said he chose two diamonds from his

Mother's collection to "ensure she is with us on this crazy journey together".

That was enough to get me blubbing.

Meghan also showed just how articulate and confident she is.

She actually spoke more than Harry and really showed the world's press that

she is more than an actress; more than just a "red carpet bunny". She is media savvy
and a real beauty with brains who wants to continue the humanitarian work
that they both passionate about. Being a Royal will now be a perfect "stage" for her.

It was so refreshing to listen to her speak. She was articulate, refined, respectful of the

establishment she was marrying into and clearly in love with her Prince.

More than anything it was wonderful to see this Prince happy.

No-one who watched Princess Diana's funeral could forget the sad

images of  Prince Harry walking behind his mother's coffin under the microscope

of the worlds media (something apparently the Palace Courtiers insisted he did).
Also, it hasn't gone missed that Meghan is the same age Diana was when she died.

For me, it was great to see Harry happy and to see he clearly did things 

his way, which I am sure had the "suits"

in the Establishment ruffled and worried for quite some time.

It is also encouraging to see how far the Establishment have come.
We all know what happened to Wallis Simpson.
But to see now that race, religion, nationality and age no longer
have a place in the decision making process is hugely inspiring
and refreshing.
We've come a LONG way and that is also good news.

Congratulations to a beautiful couple!!

Would love to hear your thoughts.

Images: Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph

Some Strange Facts About My Happy Place!

First I must apologise for my absence (that's

if anyone even noticed ;-)

I have been in my "happy place"- Switzerland;

a place I spent childhood summers and am 

still very much in love with it.

Yes everywhere really does look like this!

Here are some more of my observations and strange laws/facts 

which makes me love this country:

Yes!!! The Swiss LOVE their chocolate and there are

luxury chocolate shops everywhere. When I say luxury I am

talking about $30/£27 for a mere 100grams of choccy-woocy-doo-dah!!!

That's maybe 3 pieces. Not enough to even tickle your tonsils.

But hey, when have I let price ever stop me when it comes to chocs?

The Swiss have even come up with the first GOLD chocolate.

Don't even get me started on this!

Luxury brands are everywhere. These places are not for tourists either.

These are places the Swiss shop as a matter of course.

When you consider that some of the oldest jewellery brands and most

luxurious watch brands are from Switzerland it is really no surprise.

Every luxury shop I went into had Swiss shopping in them.

Did I buy anything? No.

But the Mr wanted a Swiss watch which he bought and was

given a complimentary Swiss Army Knife with it (which was also on his shopping

list). I don't get the Swiss Army knife "thing" but these objects can sell for thousands!!!

Maybe it's a man-thing but the "Mr" was more excited about his free

Swiss army knife than the actual watch which he paid for.

The mind boggles ;-)

You still see the gorgeous alpine homes synonymous

with Switzerland but now also there is some fabulous architecture

which is just jaw-dropping. I am telling you this place is dripping

in money.

My happy place on Lake Lucerne to watch 

the world (and "old money") go by.

The perfect lunch spot on Lake Lucerne.

But I found out some interesting laws/facts  about Switzerland that I thought I would share

with you:-

* noise is prohibited on Sundays. That means you cannot play music

in your garden, mow your lawn or do anything that can be deemed

a disturbance by your neighbour. And let me tell you everyone

abides by the law. I quite like this law. What do you think?

* growing and smoking marijuana/pot is legal. It is only illegal

to sell it. If you don't plan on selling it then you are OK to smoke it.

What do you think?

* If you keep any kind of rodent as a pet such as a guinea pig

or hamster, they must be kept in pairs so that they are companions

for each other. How cute is that? If one dies, you can "rent"

another companion.

*Switzerland has the most liberal gun laws of any country; 2-5 million

guns in a country of only 8 million. They also have one of the lowest

crime rates in the world

*If you plan on moving to a gorgeous Swiss village (which

the Mr and I keep dreaming about) the villagers

get to vote whether you can move there or not. One factor is how much 

you have in your bank account, but other than that it is simply

a case of whether they like you or not. What do you think of that?

*Switzerland has nuclear bunkers capable of 

housing the ENTIRE population.

So there you have it. A little about 

my "happy place".

I would love to know your thoughts on some 

of the strange laws they have ;-)

Would they work in your country?

xxxx

My Love List

OK, it seems impossible to think that the last blog post I wrote

was just as the Summer had started, and now everything is over.

Hang on though Sweetpea. My Summer is not over yet.

By the time you read this I will be here......

.....in gorgeous Switzerland!!!!

I have family here so really excited about that.

I plan to really relax in our home, re-charge and eat lots

of Swiss chocolate. Did  I not mention that? 

But in the meantime let me bring you some of my favourite 

finds this August/Summer.

OK, so first up is this gorgeous eye mask by Jessica Russell Flint which

is a blackout beauty. They have the most gorgeous designs in silk and

it will guarantee you get your beauty sleep. Great also for using on long

haul flights. Beauty sleep even at 12,000m!!!

Check out all the gorgeous designs here

I am a real sucker when it comes to beauty products and as I am getting

older, oils are becoming more appealing (or should I say necessary;-)

This oil, by Inika has reached cult status and it's not because of its ridiculously low 

price tag. It's formulated from high-quality, certified organic rosehip oil which is

supposed to repair and nurture the skin. Hey! I am all for nurturing so had to try it.

I am loving it so far.

OMG!!! When I first saw this collection by Tiffany & Co. I nearly passed out.

As most of you know, I don't do delicate jewellery too well. So this Hardwear Collection

was right up my alley. All the pieces are supposed to be inspired by NYC industrial

landscape. Cue wrecking-ball-esque pieces. My favourites are the weighty rings.

What do you think? Too chunky for you?

Pictures of the collection have been strategically left around the house where the Mr

is likely to spot them ;-)

See the full collection here

I was brought up a good Catholic girl (well, maybe less of the good) but wouldn't say

I am particularly religious. In fact, I had a huge rebellion against the church in my 20's and never

really looked back. However, I am spiritual if that makes sense. This week I met

someone who was so inspiring with all she had achieved and been through, and yet she had this

intoxicating calmness about her that made me want to velcro myself to her in the hope some of

it would transmit via osmosis. When I got chatting to this woman (who was also hilarious and had

me in hysterics for most of our time together), she explained she was a Buddhist. I don't know why

but I was surprised. So we got talking about Buddhism, which has always fascinated me. By the

end of our time together I really wanted to know more. So she recommended this great book for me to start with and I must say it is a really wonderful introduction into Bhuddism, but written as a lovely story.

I highly recommend it even if you would like to learn a more mindful way of living day to day.

Finally, these gorgeous beauties are new in my boutique.

They are simple, sophisticated stacking at it's best.

They also come in a gun metal black (not shown here but on my website).

Anyway, for my blog readers I am offering to GIFT YOU your 3rd choice 

of ring when you buy any two.

You can get up close and personal with them here

That's it Lovelies. Would love to hear your thoughts on my choices.

Wishing you a wonderful start to Autumn/Fall

xxxx

My Travel Companions

So schools are finished here in the UK and the

travelling madness begins.

I don't go on my hols until September but already I am dreading

getting on a plane.

I am the kind of traveller that needs to keep the air steward within 

my eye-line at all times (if they're not panicking I am not panicking!)

Being a germa-a-phobe going onto a plane is my worst nightmare.

I go armed with my anti-bacterial wipes and won't sit down until the tray table and seat belt buckle and every conceivable surface around me has been well and truly scrubbed/sprayed with anti-bacterial wipes/spray.

I know I look like a demon-possessed. As for using the bathroom?

It's never going to happen.

I once did a 17 hour flight from London to Maui and refused to use the bathrooms which meant I couldn't hydrate by drinking, so got off that flight looking like a dried up prune. 

Anyway, here are some of my must-haves to make my flight

easier and also to make my Husband's life easier ;-)

First up has nothing to do with bacteria, but is because I am

an organisation ninja.

This ensures a hassle-free holiday by keeping all documents together in this gorgeous zipped travel wallet and passport holder by Aspinal.

Tip:  Not sure whereI learnt this but scan your passport, bank cards

and all important documents and email them to yourself before you set off on your jaunt

(this is the worry-wort in me).

Next up is the Travalo perfume bottle.

The aircraft approved Travelo Milano holds up to

65 sprays; the prefect size for a handbag or carry on.

When you decant your fragrance it goes from the 
original sealed bottle to the leak proof Travelo 
without any degradation.

As it is glass free it is the only air-craft safety 
approved perfume bottle allowed in hand-luggage.

So if I am on a long haul flight, it's best for everyone on the air-craft that I use this and knock myself out. Otherwise I am looking planning the quickest escape route or looking for suspicious twitches from my fellow passengers. 
So this is best for everyone's sanity.

It's by ThisWorks  and let me tell you it really does.

Again another companion for long haul flights.

Exfo-Lite is an exfoliator that is a potent mix of sea salt,

diuretic Himalyan pink salt crystals and a shake of 

Amalfi lemon peel.

This is great for lightening the feeling of heavy legs,

promoting circulation and reducing fluid retention.

And so my bacteria-phobe madness rears it's ugly

head again.  Neal Yards Organic Defense Spray 

becomes my go-to wherever I am. I have these in

the car and in just about every bag I own.

If I could drink it I would!!!

It consists of all natural and organic essential oils

plus a dash of witch hazel. I also think the lovely

blue glass bottle is so much nicer to whip out of your

bag than the standard, awful, plastic anti-bac cleansers.

When it all gets too much and you just 

need to shut yourself away then it has to be an

eye-mask.

This eyemask is by Illuminage

This mask is infused with copper oxide fibres that are said to fight wrinkles when your eyes are closed.

Also the copper ions are said to promote natural cell renewal.

All this from an eye-mask can't be bad ;-)

Finally this is a real luxurious buy but so worth it if you travel alot.

It comprises  a memory stick, 

international plugs and a power block.

It comes in a multitude of colourways and you can get it personalised.

You can buy this at StowLondon

So that's it my friends.

I would LOVE to hear what are your

travel musts when travelling apart

from the obvious such as books,

music, pillow, Husband.........

xxx

How To Get Your Whites Right At Wimbledon

So Wimbledon starts today and of course I just love people/celeb watching (rather than watch the actual tennis ;-)

In previous years Kate Middleton has arrived on the first day as the Patron of Wimbledon (that's one way to bag the best seat in the house). 

In the past she has arrived looking gorgeous as always in a polka-dot Dolce & Gabbana dress with what looked like a slightly shorter hairstyle.

She set the dress off with lovely ankle strap sandals and a structured Victoria Beckham bag.

If the All England Club dress code is grueling for players it has relaxed slightly more for spectators over the years.

Technically, torn jeans, dirty trainers, running vests and sports shorts are out. Hooorrraaahhh!!!!

So what is the dress code?

* a form of white dress is welcomed aka Kate in previous years. But white can be tricky if your legs are as pale as your outfit. Just don't go for the orange/fake tanned look.

Kate Middleton in Alexander McQueen (2016)

* If white feels too much I think any summer dress should be your first port of call. However, do not do a Victoria Beckham and turn up in something closely resembling lingerie as she did to watch the Men's Final in 2013. Her Louis Vuitton dress was frowned upon. What do you think? Was it a good call or not? For me, it was a 

cocktail number not really for a sports event.

* the general rule is don't choose too short or too tight.

Good call or not?

* A statement necklace can brighten up your neckline (as this is the part that the cameras will get when scanning the crowds).

Turquoise pendants here and here

* Don't forget your shades to shield your eyes as sun hats are frowned upon for the obvious reasons; restricting the viewing of those behind you.

My favourite Ray Bans of the moment; Rayban Round

That's it! 

I would love to know your thoughts. Do you think there should be a dress code? Is the dress code for spectators and players what make Wimbledon so different to playing at other tournaments?

As always let me know your thoughts

xxx

p.s Did I ever tell you I used to watch 

RF practise when he was my cousin's tennis partner at their local tennis club in Switzerland

when we were all kids (well they were kids, I was a little older? ;-) His Mum and my Aunt were both born in South Africa! and subsequently became close friends when they both de-camped to Switzerland and married Swiss men) If only I knew then what I know now!!! 

Things I Loved In May

My God!!! So much has happened since I wrote my last "love list" and already we are half way through June. As I write this the UK is in the middle of a heatwave. But it's also been a very tragic Summer so far; terrorist attacks in Manchester, London and now also the Grenfell Tower Fire disaster. It seems every morning when I turn on the news there is a BREAKING NEWS strapline and my heart starts to sink.

Anyway, despite all the sadness I have tried to bring you a mix of things that made me smile in May (plus there is also one thing that "should" be in my June list but I just had to share it with you now). 

Enjoy!!!!

There are just some books I need to listen to rather than read, and productivity books are one of them. I usually find them just to dry to read. So I listened to the audio book  'The One Thing' during May. 

Here's the thing, I always convince myself I am very productive. But actually, I am good at being "busy" and a ninja at making lists.   However, when I take stock at the end of the week,  I have never accomplished what I set out to on Sunday night. 

This book is a great book if you want to live life on your terms with no regrets. It offers great tactics for clearing the clutter, overcoming overwhelm and achieving better results.

Providing you take action on what is recommended, I think you will find this book a fabulous masterclass on achieving whatever your goals may be.

I'm really not sure how I came across this French, lifestyle, online boutique called Sezane . You can be sure it was when I was supposed to be working ;-) But let me tell you once I did I was hooked. 

I started off buying these espadrilles which are so comfy and also come with an extra pair of ties. So in the picture above you can see they have the oatmeal ankle ties already on them,  but they came with an extra pair of black also. What a great idea if you want to switch it up a bit.

Considering everything is shipped directly from Paris I thought the price was really reasonable (plus it arrived in 48 hours!) 

Be warned though everything sells out super-fast and they only select a few of each style. I tried to order the sandals below in ANY colour and they literally sold-out within days. So be quick.

I've always known Rooibos (or red tea) was very popular in South Africa where I always saw it being drunk like an ice-tea whenever I visited . But as I am not a great tea drinker, I never really took much notice. 

That was until I watched a programme on the scientific/health merits of Rooibos which included helps to burn fat!!!  That was all I needed to be convinced. 

So I have been gulping (sorry, drinking) 1-2 cups a day. The taste is fine (I prefer it to tumeric tea).  My Husband on the other hand hates it!

Below are just some other benefits of drinking red tea.

This is a memoir by Marjorie Hart of a bygone era. It's set in NYC in 1945 and is a charming read of two best friends who get Summer jobs at Tiffany & Co becoming the first women to ever work on the sales floor. You are taken back to a time of VJ Day celebrations in Time Square, Judy Garland's honeymoon visit to the store and mingling with the Cafe set in NYC.

A perfect Summer read.

OK, so in theory, this should come in my June list, but I just couldn't wait that long to share this with you.

When I first heard this version of one of my favourite songs, I got chills.....real shivers down my spine. Despite it only being released this week I have already listened to it SO many times and cried EVERY time.

You see I am a London girl born and bred and this Summer has been such a sad time for both Londoners and people of the UK.

I know the area very well where this "towering inferno" took place. My Husband grew up in Kensington (altho' not near the fire) but through him it became my stomping ground too. 

I didn't know anyone affected by the fire, but just to see buildings you have seen for years now nothing more than a charred skeleton is so, so sad. To hear the

stories from survivors who have lost everyone or everything is beyond my own comprehension. To see fire-fighters breaking down in tears with the horrors they came across was heartbreaking. I guess this is how the US must have felt after 9/11 but on a much smaller scale. 

Maybe the video won't make you tearful but even so, I wanted to share this beautiful

version with you. Truly heartbreaking!!!!

CLICK BELOW TO WATCH:

That's it from me for this week.  As always I would love to hear your thoughts on

any of the things I have mentioned

xxxx