Lifestyle and Parenting blog based in Surrey.

Friday, 30 November 2012

Chocolate afternoon Tea at Podium

My friend Vikki was badly injured in a horse riding accident and to aid her recovery and cheer her up I took her out for a girly afternoon tea this week at The Park Lane Hilton's Podium restaurant.




Vikki is an afternoon tea connoisseur having frequented The Berkeley's Prêt-à-Portea, The Ritz and others so I was slightly nervous whether my choice would be up to par.

The hotel isn't the prettiest from the curbside, however once inside, seated at our table and sipping our Pommery champagne this was long forgotten.

The tea started with a selection of open sandwiches which I was a big fan of, the reduced volume of bread would mean more room for scones and cake!


The tea is named 'confessions of chocoholic' and this was revealed when the tea tray arrived. The chocolate chip scones were accompanied not only by the traditional cream and jam but also with a praline chocolate spread. Yummy.



The cutest selection of cakes made up the next layer, composing of the mandatory wedge of chocolate cake, our favourite raspberry and elderflower cupcake among others.



The top layer of miniature fancies were served on an edible chocolate plate, which we didn't even notice until we had devoured the treats it held - they were so beautiful! 


We just about managed to finish the tea, minus the chocolate plate which was popped in a box for us to take home (with another raspberry cupcake or two!). The cake and fancies menu changes frequently so I'm sure I'll be tempted to visit again soon!

The Podium's Confessions of a Chocoholic's afternoon tea is £37.50 per person with champagne or £29.50 without.
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Tuesday, 27 November 2012

Herbal Aloe strengthening shampoo and conditioner

We are all aware the havoc cold winter air and central heating can play with our skin, however I often forget that this time of year can be just as damaging to our tresses. Typically in the lead up to the festive season is when we want out locks to be there most glossy and shiny - beach hair just won't cut it in December!

In order to give my hair some much needed TLC I have started using Herbalife's Strengthen & Soften Herbal Aloe Strengthening Shampoo (£9.22/250ml) in conjunction withe the conditioner (£9.22/250ml)  in the same range. Their scientists have found the combination to improve hair breakage by 90% after just one use and as half of mine ends up in my hair brush, I thought it was worth a shot.



The products contain wheat protein helping to to protect, repair and strengthen with soothing Aloe Vera to restores hair to its supple best without overburdening. The colour-preserving formula ensures locks are left smooth and shiny, repairing damage from the inside out.

Both products smell really fresh and leave my hair feeling really clean and smooth and I have noticed less hair on the floor after my slightly vigorous brushing and styling, I might have to keep using all through the season.


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Monday, 19 November 2012

Dove Limited Edition Winter Care

Winter is now in full swing and my skin is a ready feeling the dryness from fliting between the cold, windy outdoors to super-warm central heated snugness. These alternating conditions can really suck the moisture from your skin do you need to use a body moisturiser that's going to prevent you turning to scales under your winter woollies!

The lovely girls at Dove recently sent me the two new body creams in there first ever limited edition collection: Winter Care.

The Rich Nourishing Cream (£3.29/150ml) is really thick and luxurious, perfect for adding a must needed moisture hit to your thirsty skin. I think it's perfect in my limbs, but would avoid using on any blemish prone areas like the chest and back, using the more lightweight Nourishing Body Lotion (£3.99/250ml). They both smell amazing, with notes of Amber flower, vanilla must and white florals; sweet but far from sickly with just a hint of festivities, oh and they are both current half price at Boots!
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Wednesday, 7 November 2012

Nails of the day: Butter London Scouser

I am still loving my Shellac in Midnight Swim, however, today I'm having some serious manicure-envy. My colleague Maddie is rocking Butter London's Scouser (£12) shade fresh from her trip to the states.
A lighter and more glittery blue than my current talons - I think I might be tempted to purchase a bottle of my own!


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Tuesday, 6 November 2012

17 Mirror Shine Lipsticks

A/W 12 catwalk trends screamed rich berry tones and I am stocking up on luscious knitwear and silk shirts in these gorgeous shades. To complement these gorgeous winter lovelies team with a slick of a rich chocolate reddish brown or crimson lipstick.

Friday saw the launch of 17's Mirror Shine Lipstick (£4.79) collection which features 13 new shades to complete your look. Roasted Red or Plum Perfect really hit the berry notes.

Reddish
The collection features a broad selection of other colour pallets, such as the super girlie Pinked and Bolshie.
Wearing Pinkish

Pinkish
Or if your not a loud lip colour girl, Camisole is a creamy nude shade to give a fresh faced look. Which ever your choose, all of the lipsticks have a cute lip mirror hidden within the lid, which is perfect for me, as I'm always worried I've got 'clown lips' when I touch my lipcolour up on the go.

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Thursday, 1 November 2012

Skyfall: OPI nails

We all love a good Bond film, the reason why may range from the action, patriotism or pure lust for Daniel in those swimming trunks but I haven't spoken to anyone in the last fortnight who hasn't been or planning a trip to check out Sam Mendez's take on the iconic double 0.


I must admit that I have developed a girl crush on bond girl Bérénice Marlohe who is just oh-so-glamourous with her smoky eyes, wine coloured lips and tumbling locks. She also has the most highly manicured talons in a number of luxurious shades.


I was so excited to find out the OPI have launched a seductive range of nail polish colours to celebrate the premier of Skyfall which have been specifically chosen for their strong pigments and the impact they have on your nails. Named after all the favourite James Bond films, you can choose you colour according to your favourite movie.



My obsession is 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' which is a royally wonderful shade in hazy green pewter lacquer. I'm also loving 'The Living Daylights' a clear polish containing an explosion of coloured glitter which you could either where on a bare nail or over another shade!

These little Bond treats are £11 a pop and you can choose your favourite at look fantastic.




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