Escape to the country: A Londoner's dream weekend away in Wales

After 14 years of living it large in London, I have finally figured out that the key to continually loving this city is leaving often, as often as possible in fact. That may be why so many of you have country homes. You escape to blissful silence and regain some sense of normal in the world and then return to the hustle and bustle of the city with renewed spirit and wonderment. Last month, I met a cottage that confirmed that this was the way forward. Mr. FFG and I found a fabulous place via Sugar and Loaf,  a website that specialises in hiring out private cottages in Wales. I say a "fabulous place", but really I should call it a "famous place" as I knew all about the property before I read a single word on the site. If you're a fan of the show Grand Designs, you are in for a real...

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Style Update: Autumnal Bliss

If it seems like I'm hanging onto that dear pumpkin for dear live in all pictures herewith, it's because I most certainly am. This is my favorite time of year not only because of the crisp and chilly weather but also because of the food. Big surprise there, right? All foods become about comfort and every other recipe seems to call for pumpkin. Hello, baked bliss. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup, pumpkin ravioli, pumpkin .... ok, I'm starting to sound like the pumpkin version of Bubba Gump Shrimp, I'll stop now. The point I'm trying to make is that pumpkins may get their big debut on Halloween, but they truly are an all season staple. Whether you are setting out for a pumpkin latte or just keeping your front porch in an autumnal spirit, this is the "fruit" (yes, I looked that up) that keeps on giving.  What...

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How to choose decorations for a cozy bedroom

Everybody knows that the bedroom is a special area of ​​relaxation and comfort at home. Comfort in the bedroom depends on many things, the color of the walls and ceilings in the bedroom is no less important than the details of decoration and bedding. When making a bedroom people often do not consider many essential things that affect the whole mood of the room. For example, decorations. You may choose nice wall colors, but some drawing can improve the whole look! What are the colors that are the most preferred ones for the picture above the bed? You can select the picture that will reflect the color of your bedroom, or add a small splash of bright color in the dark corner. Paintings of contrast color will suit well the linens of the same or similar colors. Decorative pillows The...

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Outfit du Jour: My go-to holiday skirt!

Shop The Look: Marina Rinaldi Fringed Tube Skirt, Uniqlo Sweater, Fendi Clutch, Aquazzura Heels ...

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Style Update: Country Roaming in Wales

An exciting, non fashion related update, folks: a UK driver's license is officially in the works. Don't get me started on the fact that I have to retake every test even though I've been driving in the USA since I was 16. Frustrating to say the least. But, once said license comes through you will be seeing a lot more country pictures, like the ones you see here now. These are just the beginning and they are in part thanks to a rather lovely and obliging boyfriend who plays chauffeur on the weekends and knows how to throw around a camera. Wait a second, does that make him an "instagram husband?" Eek. If it seems as if my smile is a little more natural and my general "atmosphere" is more pleasant, it would be because I am no where near a city. I am in the country, in Wales, where the air...

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Beauty Brand to Know Now: Allies of Skin

I have friends in high places in this crazy industry we call "beauty." Wait a second, rereading that I see that it makes me sound pretentious and idiotic, but I promise it's worth me putting my arse on the line to prove a point and it goes a little something like this. When a friend, who sits high atop said beauty world, hands me a trio of products and says, "this is your sleep in a bottle, thank me later," I naturally take note. I then go home, read as much as I can about said product and put the regime into action. Now, the trio in question is from the brand Allies of Skin, a newbie on the block that's already causing quite the hoopla and the trio is called the 24/7 kit. And guess what? That's all the brand has to offer. They haven't launched with a product range of 73, just three. Well,...

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Style Update: The Notting Hill Colour Wall

I have this love affair going on with this particular wall. I can't walk past it, to get coffee, without stopping and taking some sort of picture. Pretty sure I'm averaging two shoots a year here, but then again so is everyone else. This wall has become prime real estate in the neighbourhood. If Kate Hudson isn't there, some other celeb will be. If it isn't occupied by school girls having fun with selfies, it's being used as a shoot location for a local accessories company. Basically, I'm saying this is "The Wall" if you are looking for colour in Notting Hill. There's no denying it. And so, yes, I'm playing into the pack. But I like to think Mademoiselle Robot I am starting shooting our selfies here long before the masses. Time to hunt for something new. For now, however, I'm turning the...

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Style Updating: Fringing from chambray to suede

There I was, just minding my own business and picking up a present for a friend when I spotted a most unlikely love, a dress I'd never in a million years suspect myself loving. Full disclosure here, my first thoughts when I saw this dress were of Little House on the Prairie. Remember Laura Ingall and the pinafore dresses she used to wear? For some reason, that's where my mind went and where my mind goes my Amex follows. The dress came home with me and the rest is history. It's part of my layering squad now for the winter months. But, just before the cold winds blow, here's how I wear it in the last days of warmth.  Wearing: Debenhams Chambray Dress, Boden Leopard Crossbody Bag, Next Fringe Boots (similar) ...

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