Black is Back! Did it Ever go Away?

OK, it seems that all I've been seeing with regards fashion is that "black is back". Well anyone that knows me knows it never left (Hubs says there is more colour in a nuns wardrobe than in mine! Not sure which nuns he's been staking out?)

I'm really not good at doing colour (altho' a little more adventurous in the summer), and can't wait for winter to appear so that I can start wearing black again.

It's a colour I feel safe in. I know it suits me. It always looks classy (well nearly always) and most importantly, I "appear" taller and thinner (everything helps when you get to a certain age) :-)

I hate shopping, so I tend to add items onto a list that I would like each season, and try and stick to it.

Here's my winter "wish list":

I LOVE this leather jacket by Amanda Wakeley

I spend a lot of time on the back of Hubs Vespa, hanging on for dear lifeas we zoom around the
streets of Seville .If you've seen the film Night & Day with Tom Cruise, it was filmed here, and I'm
sure Hubs is channeling his Tom Cruise albeit on his Vespa!
So I think these gorgeous biker boots by Jimmy Choo will more than compensate.
Must have a word with Hubs!

I still have not ventured into skinny jeans yet; just haven't mustered
up the confidence. But I love these straight leg jeans by Australian brand
Neuw (model above is Francoise Straight)

As I spend so much time in black, I "try" to add some colour with my accessories. It's not always successful, but these are on my wish-list.

OMG! I so want this Hobo bag by Ralph Lauren. It's called the
Harbridge Hobo. I love all the elegant, equestrian-inspired accents
(altho' have never been on a horse in my life!)
I think this might have to go on my list for Santa, but I know Santa is
going to make me choose between the bag and the boots.
Which would you choose?

I love this cashmere blend leopard print scarf by Alexander McQueen
This would be perfect to break up all my black. I know Hubs will say
"Does it have to be Alexander McQueen?" And my reply will be..........?

With this kind of casual attire, I keep my jewellery to a minimum.
Here's my "go to" day pieces.

LUXURIA JEWELLERY BOUTIQUE

LUXURIA JEWELLERY BOUTIQUE

So what do you think?
What's on your winter "wish-list"?
Are you a lover of all thinks black? Or is black boring, safe and unimaginative?
C'mon all you fashionistas, would love to hear your views.

The Versatile Blogger Award

Well dear friends, first a HUGE thank you for all the comments made on my previous post. My Business Coach has literally been salivating reading them, with that "told-you-so" glint in her eyes.

The majority of comments did say they would like to see occassional jewellery posts, so that's what I am going to put my mind too ;-)

Thank you all though for the honesty with which you all answered, and for caring enough to help and give me your views.

OK, now also this week I was awarded my first award. Yaaaaay! Never had a blog award before, so this was my own little Emmys party (sans dress!).



I was awarded this by the lovely Ivana over at Style in the City

I haven't known Ivana very long, but we have become good buddies; she has helped me with my technical queries about blogger, we tweet each other, and more than anything she has such a lovely sweet nature.

So I have to tell you 7 things about myself, and then nominate some bloggers to pass this lovely award onto.

So here are my 7 things you may, or may not know about me:

* I am a germ-a-phobe. No really, it's true. I won't even touch the handle of a public building without a Medi-wipe in my hand. And if you want to watch me go into dramatic convulsions, just stick me on the London Underground during rush-hour in Winter when everyone is coughing and spluttering;my absolute worst nightmare

* I have a mind like an annonyingly absorbant sponge, that retains the most useless trivia you can imagine, only to be regurgitated at the most in-opportune, and often hilarious times.(Sometimes I wonder if I have a form of Aspergers!) The thing is I can never remember when or where I read these useless bits of information; it just appears. However everyone wants me on their team when playing Trivia Pursuit though!

*many of my friends (not close friends) in the UK had no idea I was a Criminal Psychologist. My job title could be a real conversation killer especially at social functions. Suddenly no one wants to speak with you for fear you are analysing them or, you have sussed the little fibs they are spouting out! A few of my high-flyer friends would introduce me as "just a secretary". It was great seeing those same faces when I told them the truth upon leaving the industry ;-) Needless to say they weren't close friends ;-)

* I hate "wet" food; I mean food with lots of gravy, liquid etc such as stews, casseroles etc. I just can't eat them. I don't know whether I had a bad childhood experience with gravy when younger ;-) Or maybe it was the revolting school dinners I was forced to endure;I don't know. But if you want to see me leave your dinner party swiftly, just serve me something like Beef Stroganoff or some kind of Goulash.

*I got married on the wonderful island of Maui, and dream of one day owning a little "beach shack" (I'm not greedy!) there.

*I am a trained Cordon Bleu "chef" ("chef" sounds really prententious, but I can't think of another word to use. "Cook" sounds like the word used to describe people who cook in schools or prisons!) One of my favorite holidays was a 2 week cooking course in Tuscany, Italy

* I hate shopping and practically by everything I possibly can on-line. I can now buy fresh produce from my local farm on-line too. So I am really happy now.

I´ve been asked to give this award to up to 15 bloggers I love and I´ve chosen the following 7 fabulous ladies I read. I've tried to choose some "old friends" and some newer followers as a way of them introducing themselves to us, and as a way of supporting some new bloggers (well new for me, perhaps they have been blogging for years ;-)

i) Tabitha @Bourbon and Pearls
ii) Lillian @Lillian Harlow
iii) Amateurian @Amateurian
iv)Simone @Ironing Basket
v)Barbara @Hampton Hostess
vi) Looking Fab in your Forties
vii) A Brit Greek @mybigfatgreekmove.blogspot.com

Just in case, these are the official rules:

-Thank the award-giver and link back to them in your post.
-Tell your readers 7 things about yourself.
-Give this award to up to 15 recently discovered bloggers.
-Contact those bloggers and tell them the exciting news!

Can't wait to read all your responses!

You've Lost Your Way!

This is what my Business Coach said to me this week, as she sighed whilst looking at my blog. You see my blog was supposed to be an extension of my business, with posts all about jewellery, my pieces etc. It was supposed to be a marketing vehicle.

Instead my blog has become a portal for my spontaneous ramblings; it's become a "love fest" towards all the wonderful friends I've made (which has proved far more valuable to me). Let me tell you, Coach was not impressed.

"It has no direction", she sighed as we had this conversation this week.
"But this is who I AM" I tried to explain to her.
"Even your pictures are sometimes so random", she said clearly exasperated.

Autumn"randomness" from Pinterest (Barbara Lowe)

I want my blog to be an extension of me, my thoughts, my opinions, my mad ramblings etc. I don't want to use my blog as sales pitch. I hate having products rammed down my throat, so I won't do it to my loyal followers either. Apart from my Giveaways or when a new designer comes on board, I don't blog about my business; it's how I like it.I prefer my followers get a feel for who I am; what I sell is secondary.Also my blog is an escape from my business (altho' I didn't say this to Coach ;-)

Coach was not impressed. In fact she was positively peeved.

More Autumn "randomness"-Pinterest (PaulaHamilton)

So I decided to meet her half way and ask my lovely readers what you think.

* Should I do more posts related to jewellery (I'm really not sure I would have enough to say to do a post at least once a week!)

* Do you find my blog a complete mish-mash with no direction?

* What would you like to see more or less of?

* What posts don't you like?

I guess I should have put this in a survey, but I'm hoping you will feel free to be as brutal as you wish (honestly, all comments good or bad are welcome). Anonymous comments are also welcome ;-)

Thank you so much lovelies xx

Where Were You?

Today as I watched the 9-11 Memorial on CNN, it still felt so raw. It felt like it was yesterday as I could remember exactly what I was doing. I can't believe 10 years have passed already.

It will be another one of those days that will be etched on our memories for ever, for different reasons of course; like the death of Elvis (yes I am old enough to remember!) or the death of Princess Diana (I lived spitting distance from Kensington Palace and I will never forget the haunting silence around the palace on that Sunday morning when the news came through that she had died).

As I watched the 9-11 Memorial, it reminded me of one of my favorite songs/videos, that make me cry every time I listen to it.




Please take a moment to watch it (there are no images of 9-11), and ask yourself, have we made progress? Have things changed?

What were you doing on that fateful day?

I had just moved to Spain, was unpacking some boxes and decided to put on the TV.It was about 2.30pm. Hubs walked past as I put on the TV just as the unspeakable was happening, and said "Oh an action film. Do you mind if I watch it?" Eight hours later we were still watching.

What about you? Please share if it's not too painful.

I Think I'm Sure!

OK, anyone reading my previous post knows I made some life-changing decisions this summer, which I promised to share with you in my first post for September.

What is it I hear you asking?

Well Hubs and I have decided to leave the country that has been our adopted home for the last 10 years! Bearing in mind we had only come for 1 year in the first instance, I think we can rest assure that no-one can accuse us of not having "staying power".



So why are we leaving?
There are a multitude of reasons, but principally we both have lone, elderley parents. When we left, we never envisaged still being in Spain when old-age struck both our parents. Hubs is an only child, and altho' I have a sister who lives 10 minutes away from my Dad, I might as well be an only child.

This summer saw lots of unexpected ailments, emergency calls for the ambulance and hospital stays, that made us realise it was more stressful being in Spain and directing everything from here, than being in the UK.Altho' Spain is only about 3 hours from the UK, it is still difficult to fly out every time they have a problem.



Altho' we won't actully be making moves until Spring (due to work commitments we would like to honour) I made a list of all the silly things I miss about the UK (leaving aside the obvious of family and friends).Here are some of them.

I miss:

* having some of the best hairdressers in the world at my fingertips,and knowing the explanation of what I desire won't get "lost in translation".

*I miss being able to go to the best concerts and theatre productions at a moments notice. I haven't been to a pop concert in the 10 years I've lived here, as Spain is not usually on the concert route for many of the big stars.

*I miss the seasons. Yes waking up to blue skies is wonderful, but too much of a good thing...........



* I miss cosy nights in. It's impossible to do "cosy" in 40ºC heat and the air-conditioning blasting

* I miss being able to spend a Saturday afternoon wandering around some of my fav bookshops in London.The Spanish are not big readers. When I first arrived in Seville in 2001, there was only 1 bookshop in the whole of the city, and that was religious bookshop frequented principally by nuns and friars-really, I'm not joking! During this time Amazon became my best friend.

* I miss living in a city that doesn't judge you by the clothes you wear,the car you drive or the religion you practise. Seville/Spain is an extremely close-minded, classist and traditional country/city.Sometimes the "village mentality" can take it's toll

*I miss the build up to Christmas. There is nothing really like it in Spain, as Easter is the bigger celebration of the two.

* I miss having a pile of Sunday papers to read at my leisure over hot croissants. All my newspaper reading has been done on-line since moving here, as by the time international press reaches my city, it's already out of date. I really do miss holding, rustling, folding, highlighting and tearing bits out of my weekend papers.

*I miss not always being the "foreigner".

So these are just some of the points I put on my list and refer to every time I get a wobbly moment. I am sure I will change my mind a thousand times before the time arrives. But sharing my decision with my blogger friends (only) means I now feel committed to seeing this new chapter of our lives through.And I'm sure I will be blogging about many more wobbly moments, and asking all my wonderful friends for some advice.



So dear friends, what would you miss most about your city/country if you emigrated?
Would love to hear your thoughts as always.

Hanging On By My Fingernails

Today is the 31 August,and for many it marks the end of summer. Many of my fellow bloggers are already reviewing the Autumn fashions and preparing for the the next season



Most Spanish return to work tomorrow. There are a lot of sad looking faces around I can assure you.



It's still very hot here (my air-conditioning is blasting in the background as I type this post) so it's still really difficult for me to think about Autumn. So I am hanging on to the last vestiges of summer by my fingernails



For my final summer post I would like to ask:

* What did summer 2011 mean for you?
* What will you remember most (good or bad) about this summer?
For me, I used this summer to make "another" life-changing decision. I'm really excited but also terrified (more about this decision in my first post in September).
What about you?

Where's Your Bolt-hole?

When I had to cancel my summer hols to the UK this month (due to anarchy over there) I had to come up with a quick solution.

This is the place Hubs and I always run too when we need a quick fix - La Residencia in Mallorca - www.hotel-laresidencia.com



Within minutes we feel completely chilled and miles away from the madding crowds, as you are completely surrounded by mountains .

(It's also the place Princess Diana often used as her bolt-hole when she need to escape The Establishment!)



I lived in Mallorca for some time, and this place became my weekly treat; sometimes it was just to have a cool drink and watch the sunset, or to have my Saturday morning tennis lessons (which were always a disaster as my mind was always on what I would do after in the hotel ;-). Now it's no longer on my door-step I really appreciate it more. When I lived in Mallorca it was owned by Sir Richard Branson, but now owned by Orient Express Hotels.Thankfully, it's maintained all it's charm.

What's your favorite bolt-hole? It can be on your door-step, or some far and distant land. Where ever it is I would love to add it to my ever-growing list of "places-to-see-before-I-die!"

The Best Summer Shoes or Not?

I know many of you fashionistas who follow this blog are going to gasp in horror,choke on your tea or just keel over in disgust when I tell you that my favorite summer shoe used to be (notice the past tense here) my boat shoes.


Image courtesy of Joanna Goddard

When I first came to Spain, I lived in my boat shoes for running errands, jumping on Hubby's Vespa to zoom around the city etc. But I always noticed the look of disdain from other Spanish women!

One day whilst shopping with my Spanish friend Carlotta (translation= Charlotte), who doesn't think twice about running around Carrefour (translation= French hyper-market now found all over Spain) in her Manolos, she looked at my feet decked in boat shoes and this was our conversation:

Carlotta: WHHYYY Van?
Me: Why what?
Carlotta: Why do you wear those 'ORRIBLE shoes?
Me: Don't you like them?
Carlotta: Did you come to the supermarket by boat?
Me: No
Carlotta: Do you own a boat?
Me: No. In fact I am a really bad sailor
Carlotta: Then why are you wearing boat shoes? It's like wearing your bikini to go shopping. Boat shoes should only be seen on a boat or by the beach!

And hence my love affair with my boat shoes was brought to an abrupt end. It wasn't until we had this conversation that I started looking at every woman's feet during the summer, and she was right; Spanish women never wear boat shoes away from the coast. Mediterranean men on the other hand wear them all the time in the city, and even in formal corporate environments during the summer. For men, they are regarded as "dapper" and "smart". But they are a real NO NO for women.

Do you agree with my friend Carlotta?

Friends with Benefits

Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffiths are media sweethearts here in Spain. The media LOVE them. Why? Because they are always polite and gracious to the press and Antonio has never forgotten his Spanish roots. Just last weekend a photographer was following them whilst they were riding their bikes in Malaga. When he caught up with them, he was given a big hug by both and invited into the nearest bar for a coffee.



The Spanish love Melanie because she has embraced Spanish culture. Like me her language skills have a lot to be desired, but she tries, and the Spanish love a "trier".

Today Antonio gave an interview where he was explaining how whenever new Spanish actors come to Hollywood, him and Melanie open their homes to them, invite them to stay at their place(because he remembered how frightened he felt when he landed in LA alone). He cooks a huge paella, invites all his industry contacts, and does whatever he can to help aspiring actors in Hollywood.



In this interview he was speaking in particular about two specific actors who stayed with him (on separate ocassions) for months! When they were not staying in his home, they were on the phone daily asking Antonio to sort contacts out for them etc. He explained how now that "they" have made it big, when he sees them around they just turn the other way. They don't even acknowledge him or Melanie. One of the aforementioned individuals stayed in his home for over a year! Antonio was by no means complaining or sounding bitter. What he was saying was how sad that kind of behaviour was, because as fast as you can make it in Hollywood, it can chew you up and spit you out.

Who do you think he was talking about?


It is really sad when "friends" only use you for what they can obtain. Despite my professional background I am not very good at sussing out people close to me, who are like this; on the other hand my husband is really savvy.

What about you? Do you think there is a place for friends with benefits? Are you good at sussing out people like this quickly? How do you deal with "friends" like that before you kick them to the curb ;-)

Would be interested to hear your thoughts.

p.s you might also be interested in this post "Don't Forget Your Roots".

I'm Sure You Don't Agree (or maybe you do!)

I've always loved Christie Brinkley.

London-Summer 2011

London-Summer 2011

I was so excited to be seeing her in the London showing of Chicago when I returned to the UK for my hols (read previous post as to why it didn't happen).Her body and beauty is quite mystifying. Maybe she has had plastic surgery (I really can't tell), but if she has she must have one of the best surgeons in the world!

Chicago-London 2011


However, I read a magazine interview of hers this weekend, and was surprised to see her say,
"I try to read my news in the paper because online can lead you into the blogosphere, which can be one of the ugliest places in the world".

She's obviously talking about some of the hurtful things she read when she went through her last, very acrimonious divorce. But I am sure if you are reading this post you far from believe that the blogsophere is one of the ugliest places.

I would love to hear from you about:


*why you started blogging
*how (if at all) blogging has changed you in any small way
*what has surprised you most about blogging
* any observations you have about blogging

Please feel free to leave a link to your own blog with your comment, as a way of spreading the "blog love".

p.s If this is the first time commenting on this blog,or you are not a regular follower, links without constructive comments will be deleted. "Great post" followed by your link doesn't really cut it;-)
(Please see our comments policy in the Sidebar).

A Weekend of Improvisation.

This week was a very sad and disappointing week for me. The riots in the UK were startling to say the least. I feet so sad and embarrassed to say I am British. Here in Spain, as a country, they look up to anything that represents the UK. And I've always felt really patriotic . However after recent events I just wanted to hide under the biggest stone as videos of the anarchy were zoomed at lightening speed all over the world.

I'm tired of hearing people saying the riots were caused by dis-enfranchised youths. It wasn't! Teachers, a millionaires daughter, a postman, a care worker were amongst those involved. That just makes things more frightening and despairing for me.

I was also due to fly to the UK for my summer break, and with the situation at it's worse on the day I was due to fly, I decided to cancel everything.

I have no right to complain just because my holiday was cancelled, especially when I think of the people who lost homes, businesses and family in the fires started during the anarchy.

So instead of being with family and friends as was planned for this weekend, it's a weekend of improvisation.Life is all about adapting, so I'm just grateful I can still have a wonderful weekend without getting on a plane.

This is how I plan to spend some days; relaxing and reflecting.






What about you? What plans do you have?

Risky Business

There are many times in our life when taking a risk is just what we need to shake things up a bit.It helps move us out of our comfort zone without destroying our life. Yes, it often leaves us asking the question, "have I done the right thing?". But usually it's a question that we know the answer too.

If your risks are based on logic and not emotion, you can "usually" rest in the knowledge that it was a calculated risk. I say "usually" because I feel that you need emotion to move you forward when fear starts to grip you in the middle of the night as it usually does.

Here are some of my risks and things I learnt along the way:

Leaving family and friends in the UK to move to Mallorca/Spain

Saying goodbye to family, friends, our homes and two very welcome corporate salaries

There are times it feels like you are never going to reach your destination


Believing in your dream is paramount so that when the going gets tough and friends and family put doubts in your head (which they will), your beliefs in your vision will see you through.



The path isn't always sunshine and flowers, but having faith in your dream, makes the journey much easier.


Starting my jewellery business during the recession was a big risk. Sometimes starting something new when others can't see the opportune moment can pay off, but you have to be really passionate about what you want to do because you will be picking yourself up, and dusting yourself down many, many times.

What risks have you taken that paid off? Would love to hear.

And the Winner Of Luxuria's Giveaway is............................

OK Lovelies, I would first like to thank EVERYONE who participated in our Giveaway. So many of you joined in on Facebook and Twitter also which was much appreciated.

However, we didn't reach our target :-(

But as August really is a bad month for doing Giveaways, I've decided to honor the people that did participate and call the draw anyway.



And the winner is : IVANA from styleinthecityen.blogspot.com

Ivana please contact me so I can make arrangements to send you your prize.

Again a HUGE thank you to everyone who participated. And if you didn't win, don't worry there will be another Giveaway in Autumn.

Happy Monday everyone!

We're a Little Late for the Party!

I know for my American friends and family, summer holidays will be starting to wind down shortly. But here in the Med, the 1st August officially marked the start of the holiday season. Most big cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville (where I am) are now like ghost-towns.

When you bid clients and friends farewell in July, they always say "see you next year". For Spanish, the "new year" begins in September;a time when new objectives/goals are set, new diets started etc.

So what does summer mean for this expat?
Heading to the most secluded beach we can find (Hubs and I have found some real gems since living here), away from the madding crowd.


It's time for some real rest and recuperation; catching up on my reading list, setting objectives for Autumn and Winter, which in turn produces lists! And generally trying to just enjoy the silence, broken only by the breaking waves


Summer means more fruit and liquid! Does it matter if the liquid is alcohol? I make a lethal sangria that usually puts everyone into an after-lunch coma!


Summer means casual attire. I don't actually own a pair of flip-flops, but you get the idea.Flip-flops are really popular in the US, but not so much in Europe.What's your "must-own" item for summer?


Summer certainly means not participating in anything that takes too much brain power or physical strength. It really is my time to be lazy, altho' I'm not great at being able to switch-off, and it usually takes me a long time.

So what does/did this summer mean for you? Any new objectives? Perhaps you don't even like summer and prefer the cosiness of Winter. I must admit, by the time September arrives, I really have had enough of the heat, dried hair that is starting to resemble crispy seaweed! I start to look forward to seeing rain, watching an electric thunderstorm from the warmth of my home, and feeling the fresh wind against my face. What about you? Are you a beach babe or more of a little tortoise that is just waiting to go into hibernation?

p.s if you are new to this blog, don't forget to enter our Blog Giveaway (2 posts below which ends on Sunday!)

To Follow or Unfollow, That is The Question

OK Lovelies

As I reached my first year blogging, I started think about the bloggers I have unfollowed,or refused to follow in that time.
I'm not sure if I have been fair, but here's my reasoning. Tell me what you think?

i)You can't be bothered to acknowledge your commenters!
OK, this is the "biggie" for me. I used to follow a very popular blog (I won't mention the name as many of you still follow her). I used to comment religiously because her posts were really good. But "hostess" NEVER, EVER acknowledged anyone's comments. C'mooooooon!! In this day and age when everyone is so "time-starved" surely to just thank the people who have taken the time to respond is not asking too much. Isn't it like asking people to your party, and then ignoring everyone?

Her number of commenters aren't that big, so even if "hostess" doesn't want to respond to each one, just a general thank you at the end of each post isn't too much to ask. A couple of times I e:mailed "hostess" about a particular post, and again she never responded. However, when she wanted me to advertise on her site, I received incessant e:mails all beautifully and sweetly written!! Not the kind of person I would want contact with in the real world. Thankfully with cyber-acquaintances they can be deleted too easily with just a press of a button, which is why I think more effort is needed to nurture these friendships.If you can't be bothered, neither can I?

ii) Backlink Baddies:
You only leave bland responses on a post simply so you can leave a backlink back to your post. Isn't that like gate-crashing someone's party and handing out your calling/business card? (sorry, we are back at the party again!) Usually I spot the same bland comment on a number of posts, by the same person, and it's very clear you haven't even read the post!

iii)I'm scared of you:
Yes, on your blog posts, you ignite the grenade, and then stand back and watch your commenters pull each others hair out. Not the kind of tribe I wish to belong too

iv) Ouch!:
You leave nasty comments on people's blogs. I'm all for discussion and different opinions (and love when someone plays devils advocate), but how you present your opinion will impact on whether I follow or press delete! Thankfully, I never encountered this. As an ex-Criminal Psychologist I would like to think I am a "goodish" judge of character ;-)

v)Originality passed you by:
I'm talking about the bloggers who only post image after image from the glossy magazines. C'mon! If I wanted to see all the images from Vogue, I would have bought it. Of course if it fits in with your post, that's a different issue. But if it's just the images with a "wow" thrown in here and there, you will have lost me.

So there you have it. Am I being to harsh? I just think we are all so pushed for time, that if I am going to spend precious minutes reading your blog, there has to be a good reason.


This means that all the followers I do follow, I seriously LOVE! You have all earned your place on my blogroll, and I appreciate each and every one of you for:
*the smiles you bring into my day
*the recommendations you have given me whether it be for a book, a film, a recipe....whatever
*belly laughs first thing in the morning (you know who you are)
*nuggets you planted in my mind, that really made me think
*escapism with your gorgeous images, art, story-telling (nothing better than breaking up the monotony of the day), and most important of all
*friendships without borders
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH



Are there anymore "nasties" that should be added to the "hit-list"? Am I being too harsh? Would love to hear your thoughts.

p.s don't forget to enter our Giveaway in the previous blog post!

Birthday Blog GIveaway!

OK friends, in honour of this blogs 1st birthday this is our giveaway:


I have selected the first bracelet (in black) as I figured everyone likes black!This cuff is really, really popular in our boutique, and looks good in summer or winter.

So here are the rules for entering the giveaway (you have to work a little for this one my friends):

i)Become a Blog follower and leave a comment.

ii)Follow us on Twitter (link on the right side bar) and leave a comment

iii) Follow us on Facebook (link on the right sidebar) and leave a comment.

iv) Grab our blog button for your blog (on the right side bar) and leave a comment.

(You don't have to do all 4, you can do whichever one you feel compelled to do).

OK, here's the caveat. Our blog followers must increase by at least 50 (from 106 to 156) OR our Twitter followers must increase from 1,197 to at least 1,300. Only if we hit ONE of these numbers will the draw be made on Sunday 7 August at midnight (CET). So this is what I mean when I say you have to work for this giveaway; work persuading your friends to follow our blog or follow us on Twitter or Facebook. Is that fair?

Please may I ask entrants to play fair. Don't just become a follower until the draw and then opt out; we are watching you ;-)

Good luck my lovelies. May the best girl win!


p.s competition is open worldwide!
p.p.s a "thank you" post to all my wonderful followers/blog friends will follow shortly.

Cocoa Power

Well as this blog is supposed to be about all things decadent (altho’ I do digress more often than not!), I thought this post would be on something most of us would agree is decadent............CHOCOLATE! But we are talking about high quality chocolate here, not the chemically-enhanced rubbish most of us snatch on the run.


It’s the Swiss, Belgians and French who spring to mind when considering the world’s great chocolate makers. But it is in fact the Spanish who should be given a congratulatory slap on the back for bringing cacao beans back from the New World in the 16th century.

Chocolate soon became very fashionable in Spanish high society and during the 17th Century, the Spanish court was renowned throughout Europe for its expertise in making hot chocolate sipped from dainty chocolate cups with saucers.

Today Spanish eat a huge amount of chocolate especially in Cataluña where they eat double the quantity to the rest of Spain. This could be because of their close proximity to France, and because of the port were it was previously brought into the country.

Petritxol is Barcelona's "chocolate street". The cafes which specialise in hot chocolate are always packed with customers on a Sunday afternoon.

Typical Sunday breakfast in our house is churros and chocolate.




These are like hot doughnuts sprinkled with sugar; as if these aren't lethal enough you then proceed to dip into thick hot chocolate!! Yes, a heart attack just waiting to happen. But you will die happy!


Where Hubby and I go to partake in this Sunday sin!


Inside the "den of iniquity".


Chocolate shoes! Does it get any better than this?



So friends, what's your poison? Is it chocolate, or is it something else equally as decadent?


p.s please take a look at the blog Hampton Hostess, and see the stunning photos of my adopted city where she holidayed recently.