Here’s a few items you can pick up from my local boutique shops. They’re fun, a little unique and utterly gorgeous.
Bring a little Christmas cheer to your celebrations. And remember,
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas. But if the white runs out, I’ll drink the red!
All gifts from a selection at Aspire Style and Liv’s. This was not a sponsored post and all photographs were taken by myself.
And Touchwood has turned 15 this September so I decided to pop down and partake in a little celebration!
As a local, I can still remember peering through the boards as Solihull’s high street and car parks were transformed into what is now known as Touchwood. This modern shopping centre sits comfortably in the town centre alongside many historic buildings and is host to over 100 shops and restaurants, a John Lewis department store and a Cineworld nine-screen multiplex cinema.
To mark their birthday, they’ve added a Prosecco bar in the Atrium…
…where you can enjoy a cheeky glass of fizz – well it’d be rude not to!
And take a selfie on the crystal throne!
As well as birthday drinks, Touchwood is sharing the birthday excitement by giving away a whole host of prizes in it’s Crystal Code Cracker Challenge! Spend £15 and you will receive a unique code which could hold the key to an exclusive gift. If your code unlocks the safe located in the Atrium, you could win one of over 100 exclusive gifts.
Why not pop down this weekend and partake in a little Prosecco and then enjoy The Big Taste in Mell Square?
See you there 💋
Homer Road
Solihull
B91 3GJ
Touchwood’s Prosecco bar is open to over 18’s only. I did not receive any reward for this review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own and all photographs were taken by me unless otherwise stated.
As someone who wears jewellery every day I have always chosen what I wear for many reasons – to enhance an outfit and to make me feel special, to provoke a memory or thought.
But I also appreciate that there is a time for large chunky, fun pieces worn just for the hell of it.
When I attended a Girls Night In event at Fabulous recently, I had an insight into how this question influences not only what brands they stock, but what message the jewellery is conveying.
Owner Jo Stroud, believes that we wear jewellery for 5 reasons. She believes jewellery is personal and portable, precious, permanent and there to prompt us.
As well as understanding why women wear and buy jewellery, Fabulous emphasises that it can also be inspirational and holistic; with their collections aimed at enhancing mind, body and soul.
Jewellery engraved with words or affirmations to promote positivity and inspire you – like Fabulous’s very own Mantra collection…
…or symbols, for example like Alex & Ani.
Think of the way it makes you feel, how the colours may enhance your mood and lift your soul.
The Take What You Need collection enables you to change your message and colours to suit your day.
And the Fervor Montréal is about having some fun with what you’re wearing.
It’s jewellery that describes you and promotes who you are. Think Thomas Sabo charm bracelets and Cherish lockets; anything that you can personalise so that it fits in with your beliefs.
Life’s journey is Fabulous’s own brand that represents the journey you have been on. The elliptical twists in the pieces show that our paths do not always run smoothly, but twist, turn and change direction.
Choose a piece that represents your life so far.
Is it off the beaten track; following your heart and the the road less travelled like a free spirit?
Or are you trying to find a way; using strength and determination to find a way through life’s obstacles?
Do you light the way; allowing others to follow, giving courage and hope and sharing love?
Maybe you’re a trailblazer; exploring new things and embracing the new adventure with excitement?
Whichever path you are walking, embrace it for all it has taught you so far.
I was blown away by the messages behind the collections. I love a good story – and if I feel connected to a brand or a piece of jewellery, then I’m more likely to choose it as something I wear regularly.
So, I challenge you to only wear pieces of jewellery that inspire you, remind you or simply make you feel fabulous.
3 Poplar Arcade
Touchwood
Solihull
B91 3GH
UK
The Fabulous Collections Girls Night In event was open to the general public and I did not receive any reward for this review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own and all photographs were taken by me unless otherwise stated.
Well, the very beautiful Hogarth’s Stone Manor was such a delightful experience, it certainly caused me to smile when we visited recently.
We are regulars at Hogarths Solihull (read about their amazing fish finger sandwich here) and so I knew a little about Stone Manor and had even glimpsed a few photographs in a brochure. However, nothing had prepared me for just how beautiful this hotel actually is.
Set in 27 acres of picturesque landscaped grounds and unspoilt woodland…
…you feel as if you’ve just walked onto the set of a period drama.
Which is unsurprising as the original Stone Manor dates back to the Doomsday Book. It was rebuilt in 1926 after a fire, became a private members club in the 1960’s and eventually became a hotel in the 1970’s. The Hogarths became the new owners in 2015 and the refurbishment began.
Inside, the hotel has been furnished to an extremely high standard with some of the rooms having four poster beds and spa baths. It is a popular venue for diners, fairytale weddings and conferences.
The restaurant too, is beautifully designed – the perfect mix of classic with a modern touch.
They serve 2 or 3 course fixed price menus as well as a seasonal A La Carte menu which includes their speciality flambé dishes. On this occasion, as it was a gloriously sunny day we decided to opt for afternoon tea on the terrace.
Served between 2pm and 6pm, afternoon tea starts at £5.95 with options including traditional afternoon tea at £18.00, with a cocktail at £23.00 and sparkling afternoon tea priced at £28.00. They also serve a monthly themed afternoon teas for £23.50 – which is what we decided to have.
Behold…the Best of British.
The afternoon tea was served in two parts, with the savoury selection first. This was a tasty selection of ‘British’ classics; a BLT, cheese and pineapple on a stick, a variation on a fish finger sandwich and the most delicious homemade pork pie EVER.
Then after a suitable breather (and a glass of wine!) a delightful collection of desserts arrived.
This carnival of confection included a rich fruit cake and a light and creamy Pimms Cheesecake.
The most incredibly refreshing gin jelly.
And sugar topped scones complete with the usual jam and clotted cream but with the added delight of Stone Manors very own lemon curd.
I’ve written before about how afternoon tea will always make it on my ‘perfect day‘ list, but I honestly can’t think of a nicer way to spend an afternoon than enjoying wonderful food in such a beautiful setting.
Hogarths Stone Manor was a beautiful surprise that deserves to be discovered by everyone in search of a hidden gem.
Stone
Kidderminster
Worcestershire
DY10 4PJ
This meal was not complimentary and I did not receive any reward for this review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own and all photographs were taken by me unless otherwise stated.
…err not this gal!
My dream festival experience would include bunting, a restaurant quality barbecue and the finest alcoholic beverages served in glasses…
And guess what?
The HighField delivered exactly that!
It had all the fun and frolics you would expect to find at a Summer festival – including music, games, food, selfie props and bars.
But rather than a muddy field, camping chairs and pot noodles; we were in a beautiful garden complete with hay bales, sofas and amazing food!
And gin, more gin and guess what..?
G I N!
We had a fabulous time meeting interesting people and hearing stories from gin companies near and far and of course sampling the different varieties of gin.
However, don’t you worry if you feel you have missed out!
As gin is so fashionable right now, The HighField have made sure they have plenty of options for you to choose from.
The HighField stock at least 10 different types of gin – served with ice, fruit and juniper berries.
How about an English Garden? Hendricks Gin, cloudy apple juice, elderflower cordial, cucumber and of course the all important ice.
Or a jug of Pimms (while the sun is still shining)? This gin based classic is served with lemonade and fruit.
Or maybe you can be tempted with a Sipsmith London Cup? London Dry Gin infused with Earl Grey tea and lemon verbena, lemonade and ice.
Tempted?
⭐️ Gin is actually flavoured vodka!
⭐️ Gin is meant to be mixed, not drunk straight – making it perfect for cocktails!
⭐️ Gin isn’t actually British! The English discovered that Dutch soldiers drank Jenever in the 17th century, to boost morale before heading into battle. The term “Dutch Courage” was born, and the English brought the idea of making and drinking gin back with them. It would take another 150 years before they would have their own version!
⭐️ London Dry gin is not always made in London!
⭐️ The Philippines drink more gin than any other country in the world!
What’s your favourite tipple? Is it gin? Let me know in the comments below…
22 Highfield Road
Edgbaston
B15 3DP
We paid for our own tickets to attend this event and I did not receive any reward for this review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own and all photographs were either taken by me or used with permission from The HighField.
*Gin facts courtesy of FoodRepublic.com
The Shimmer Within Her 