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A Wedding Top Seven: Bridal Robes

02 Thursday Jun 2016

Posted by lotales in wedding

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BHLDN, blogging, Bridal Robes, Bride to be, lingerie, Uk Blog, Uk Blogger, Wedding Blog, Wedding Top Seven

a wedding top 7

We all know it’s all about the dress…. but when the dress comes off…what then? Bridal Robes…(before and after the main event) are a big thing and wedding favourite BHLDN has some STUNNING  robes in at the moment which I am utterly lusting over….

So, without further ado… my wedding top seven bridal robes (a BHLDN special)

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Araminta Robe | $165

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Queen Anne’s Lace Robe | $250

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Adoria Robe | $100

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Starlet Robe | $280

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Monteverdi Robe | $260

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Danika Robe | $135

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Edo Robe | $100

So there you go… I hope you’re feeling inspired…

To view BHLDN’s full robe collection (including fru fru fringed, floral and kids versions click here.

A Toddler at The Dockyard

27 Friday May 2016

Posted by lotales in Family

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blog, days out, Dockyard, Family Blog, Family Days Out, family time, Historic Dockyard, portsmouth, The Historic Dockyard, Uk Blog

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A little while back D,C & L joined Mumma, Maxwell and I for a day out at the Dockyard.

I’ve written about Portsmouth Historic Dockyard before and what a great resource it is to have literally on our Doorstep! The Dockyard with a toddler however was a little different (as most things are I’m sure)

DSCF2174 DSCF2177 DSCF2179We started the day as all good days out should begin, with lunch, stickers and being terrified of your Dad’s Zoolander impression…

After lunch (with complimentary balloon of course) we headed into the Dockyard for some wonky head shut eyed posing… It’s all the rage don’t ya know!

DSCF2184 DSCF2182We decided to begin with Action Stations, somewhere in the Dockyard I’d never been before.

Set in a historic boathouse (built somewhere between 1845 and 1848) Action Stations is a high-tech, interactive indoor attraction which features a unique series of physical challenges, simulators and technological experiments, which put visitors at the heart of the modern naval experience.

It was actually fab, more targeted for slightly older kids (Lilly is only just two) but she absolutely loved the Sky Tykes rope course (built especially with little ones in mind) It’s a series of rope bridges and balance beams with no set route or time limit so they can go round and round and round and round! (You get the picture) She was great though and got really confident with the different obstacles… The fact she’s strapped in with no where to go probably helps too!

DSCF2198 DSCF2191After that there was just enough time to make a few important Naval phone calls then we headed on…

DSCF2200 DSCF2203We decided to check out the recently opened M.33. HMS M.33 is not only the sole remaining British veteran of the bloody Dardanelles Campaign of 1915-1916, but also of the Russian Civil War which followed. The ship is one of just three British warships from World War I still in existence.

It was fab… I was lucky in that i was actually allowed to step foot on it before the restoration as we did a photoshoot on board for a project I organised but the renovation and tour we had was brilliant.

I admit it’s probably not the most interesting place to be if you’re 2, but I think when she’s about 4/5 she will love running round the ships and pretending to be a sailor!

DSCF2215 DSCF2217So there you have it…. a few pics from our whistle stop Dockyard Tour…. We brought annual passes as they’re so cheap so we’ll definitely go back again sans toddler and continue to do so… In the mean time a touristy snap of family in front of big boat… check!

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Met Gala Lustworthy Gowns

09 Monday May 2016

Posted by lotales in Fashion

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celebrity blog, Celebrity fashion, Fashion, fashion blog, Met Gala, Uk Blog, Uk Blogger, Vogue.com

I cant be the only one who loves a browse through Vogue.com at the Met Gala’s outfits, from the bizarre to the stunning I always enjoy seeing who wore what and casting my fashion judgements…

Below are a few of my fave outfits and if you haven’t checked them out yet, head over to Vogue and have a look at the Met Gala Best Dressed 2016!

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Elle Fanning in a Thakoon dress and Tiffany & Co. Jewellery.

Emma Watson in Calvin Klein collection and Paige Novick and Walters Faith Jewellery.

Kate Bosworth is Dolce & Gabbana.

Nicole Kidman in Alexander McQueen and Fred Leighton jewellery.

Lily-Rose Depp in Chanel and Gianvito Rossi shoes.

My Mate Matilda

29 Friday Apr 2016

Posted by lotales in Family

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Baby sitting, blogging, cute kids, Lifestyle blog, Uk Blog

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Today I had the pleasure of looking after one of my fave little ladies and future mini maid Miss Matilda…. By Golly this little lady is a charmer… We had a lovely day of giggles, long naps, blowing raspberries, eating strawberries and playing in the sun… Here’s a few snaps I snapped…

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oosssh what a cutie pie… those curls and eyes! x

Lilly Turns Two

29 Friday Apr 2016

Posted by lotales in Family

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auntie, birthday party, blog, celebration, cute kids, family, kids, Lilly, turning 2, Uk Blog

A little while ago I shared with you the present I made for my darling niece (you can see it here) I thought it was only right that I shared some photos of the little lady too on her 2nd birthday party weekend.

Now I know I’m biased but she really is the most amazing little girl! She had a small party with family and a few of her little mates… an afternoon tea party, an easter egg hunt and a brand new slide… what more could any two year old want?!

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one | opening special cards with ma & pa

two | such serious tasks take serious concentration

three | a close look at special book cover notes from uncle maxwell

four | with grini

five | time for cake

six | butterfly cookies

seven | sunshine, shades and slides

eight | a pretty special present from grini

nine |a favourite umbrella

Wedding Series #3

11 Monday Apr 2016

Posted by lotales in wedding

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Tags

Blogger, Bride to be, Bridemaid, creative, designer, DIY Wedding, Engaged, Hitched, Uk Blog, visual, wedding, Wedding Blog, Wedding diaries, Wedding planning, Will you be My Bridesmaid

I know I know I’m late with my third wedding post… I had fully intended to be good and stick to a regular posts but life has a funny habit of getting in the way doesn’t it?!

I do have an excuse though I promise… I have been patiently waiting to hear back from 8 special little ladies… And little ladies can’t be rushed don’t ya know. You may have guessed from this previous post that my thoughts were on my aisle companions and whilst I had fully intended to do this as one big post I thought I’d stop keeping you waiting and do it in two parts.

So… how do you go about deciding on your bridesmaids and flower girls…. It can be a bit of a minefield can’t it!? I have spoken to various friends about this over the last couple of years and it seems one of those things that you can so easily offend people with. I have the best bunch of girls anyone could wish for and whilst I’d love for them all to be my maids, financially and realistically it wouldn’t work so I have long said that I’d stick to just one, my oldest friend Onion (technically Katie FYI), Luckily I know that all my other girls get this and wont feel any less part of the wedding. All have offered their skills in planning and making and help if we need it (that’s when you know you’ve got a good bunch of girls)

So whilst I’ve been reserved on the big girls, I may had got a little carried away when it comes to the little ones…. you can’t blame me… Images like this…

5-flower-girl-fashion(source) and this… photo3(source) have swayed me into asking a whole gaggle (I’m still working on their collective term) of little ladies to by my wedding day gals.

In the running we have 8….yep 8 little munchkins, all in mismatched dresses with wild flowers in their hair! (Already I cannot wait to see the photos)

So before I could ask them I have to design a card, and before I could design a card I had to create a monogram. This might feel like an odd thing but I always pictured having something, a logo for want of a better word, which could be used throughout our stationary to tell a story of our day… Luckily for us, drawing is my thing and I spent a pleasant evening coming up with the design below… Its tells a story and hints at parts of our day, rustic wild flowers to represent our reception venue. Art Deco patterns for our ceremony venue and some elephants for well…. (that’s a secret) plus the important addition of our initials and our date.

1lores logoAfter that it was time to add some colour and some words and I was ready for printing…

bridesmaid loresDo you like?? We printed them on pure white textured card and they looked swell! (even if I do say so myself) I wrote to all the girls asking and explaining why I’d like them to be my bridesmaid and also asking them to ‘write me back’….

This is a little selfish (my youngest is only 1) but help from mum/dad was encouraged and I’m so glad I did as I have had some beautiful and comical replies which I’ll treasure forever… I’ll wait to share them till I have received all the responses but so far things are looking good with lots of yes’s and excited little ladies….

Here’s a couple of snaps I took whilst writing them…

DSCF1397 lores DSCF1399 loresIt was such a fun thing to do, and got me all excited about designing all the rest of our stationary… I’ll make sure I post again soon with their responses and also something a little special I’m making for them all (an alternative to a flower bouquet in case your interested!)

Till next time xx

 

Southsea Fun with my Goddaughter and Co.

09 Saturday Apr 2016

Posted by lotales in Southsea

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blogging, Canoe Lake, Clarence Parade, Day at the fun fair, Day Out, goddaughter, Half term, Half Term Fun, southsea, Uk Blog

I don’t get a chance to see my beaut of a Goddaughter (1 of 3) all that often as they live in Basingstoke and lets be honest Basingstoke is a nightmare to get to.

When we do get a date in the diary though a fun filled day is always planned and I have the best time (I know I am biased but she really is a cool little lady)

Last week we spent a fun filled utterly Southsea day at Clarence Pier and Canoe Lake… Here are some snaps I took…

DSCF1752DSCF1756 DSCF1762 DSCF1764 DSCF1767 DSCF1771 DSCF1770 DSCF1792 DSCF1796 DSCF1800one | dumbo fun

two | someones not so sure about the twister

three | others enjoyed it a little more

four | twisting and turning

five | ready for round two

six | taking wind direction into account

seven | on the green

eight | enjoying the high life

nine | swans at canoe lake

ten | someone conquered the monkey bars on her own

 

Easter Birthday Fun

06 Wednesday Apr 2016

Posted by lotales in Events, Things I do

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birthday, Birthday celebrations, Blogger, blogging, Easter, Easter Weekend, Jam & Bowler, Maison Blanc, PLaces to eat, River Cottage, River Cottage Canteen, Southsea Coffee Co, The Black Boy, things to do, Uk Blog, Uk Lifestyle blog

I have been a busy girl of late, not only was it Easter (aka a few days off with my man) but I also celebrated my 32nd Birthday… all in all… a fun filled few days of much merriment and lots of very lovely people…

So… lets start at the beginning – Good Friday (and what a good Friday it was) After a lazy morning we headed to our favourite breakfast spot Southsea Coffee Co. I had a well loved and always delicious Tostada but I must admit I was a tad jealous of Maxwell’s Moroccan inspired special!

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After that we decided to get off the island and head to the nearest bit of green we could think of… We decided on Lyndhurst (unfortunately it seemed we weren’t the only ones) After a bit of a queue we abandoned the car in a lay-by and strolled past car upon car into the nearby town.

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A well deserved pint and a stroll round the vintage and charity shops a few happy hours were spent and we left with a pasty and chips in search of somewhere pretty to sit.

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We enjoyed a late lunch looking out over the stunning New Forest and then headed back home ignoring the still queuing traffic. Once back in local territory we headed to Still & West and enjoyed a drink or two watching the sun set over Gosport.

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On Saturday I spent the majority of the day cleaning in preparation for a dinner party with a few of my lovely friends. 8 of us dined around our little dining table and a blooming lovely time was had by all… such a lovely time that I kind of forgot to take many photos. We got through an obscene amount of booze and enjoyed a rather scrumptious raclette!

Screen shot 2016-04-06 at 20.43.02 Screen shot 2016-04-06 at 20.43.22 Screen shot 2016-04-06 at 20.43.37On Sunday (Easter Sunday obviously) we woke (a little fuzzy headed) and after clearing away the bottles and party remains we started our day how any good Easter Sunday should begin… with chocolate eggs, disney films and a blanket on the sofa. Clear blue skies and sunshine teased us from the other side of the curtains and we gave into it’s promises, grabbed our bikes and headed outside to blow the cobwebs (ahem woozy heads) away.

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I noticed a few days earlier that we’d missed our non-date anniversary (the first day we spent together back on 9/3/12) so in honour of the day my oh-so-romantic fiancé planned a tribute to that day. As the Hayling Ferry is no more, we went for the next best option, the Gosport Ferry….

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Unbeknownst to me a hot soup and prosecco picnic had been packed and looking back towards The spinnaker Tower, nestled behind some plants we took shelter from the winds (hello storm Katie) and had our selves a belated non-date reminiscent date! I have to admit, I think that lying outside, with the sun warming your face is one of the best feelings ever!

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In the evening a few more special friends joined me at Sant Yago‘s new underground speak-easy-esq bar for a few cocktails and more good times! Yay to good friends!   ❤

Easter Monday… (and we’re nearly there I promise) started with a lie in. Storm Katie was a feisty little lady last night resulting in not much sleep… Maxwell, concerned about the welfare of his various boats and vehicles suggested we head to Emsworth, I suggested seen we were in that neck of the woods we make a pitstop in the awesome Sausage and Mash pub.

DSCF1675 DSCF1676 DSCF1674The boats (Maxwell’s own and various ones he’s working on) were all fine, luckily escaping Katie’s windy clutches. Whilst having a mooch around we caught up with Maxwell’s friend who was woking out on the water and considering the wild weather last night the Mill Pond was utterly still and everywhere was ever-so peaceful.

DSCF1672 DSCF1673You wouldn’t exactly call it warm though so we headed for the Sussex brewery to warm up and enjoyed a couple of games and a couple of bangers (and mash). In the eve Pappa Lo & the lovely Rosilyn popped over for a cuppa and to deliver a birthday present.

Finally, after dragging it out all weekend, the big day had arrived! Whoo Hoo…. Unfortunately my weird new morning allergy hadn’t got the memo so woke me up at 6am… I escaped to the sofa, blanket in tow, so not to wake my sleeping lover (as I do most mornings) Luckily I managed to get a little extra sleep and was re woken a few hours later in a much more pleasant way. We started the day by opening a few cards and some pressies…

DSCF1677 DSCF1678Presents done we showered, dressed and headed out for a late brekkie, this time at Jam & Bowler. From there it was onwards to some more charity shops in a bid to add to our ever growing wedding collection of bits & bobs! (Exciting)

DSCF1682DSCF1683Unfortunately Cosham proved rubbish so we headed to Winchester… After a bit of better luck the rain arrived so it only seem right to take refuge inside Maison Blanc and dry off with the help of a savoury croissant and a slice of cake. (It’s a Birthday so calories don’t count ok)

DSCF1684 DSCF1685 DSCF1688From there, a few more shops then onwards to our favourite Winchester Pub, The Black Boy… 

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Nestled on a beat up old table next to the fire, surround by the weird and wonderful, we enjoyed a few (too many) glasses of wine and some games (hello old pacman)

DSCF1695 DSCF1699 DSCF1689DSCF1692 DSCF1701By this stage it was dark outside and I was a little tipsy, Maxwell said he had one last surprise and I had 5 mins to finish my drink… Off we headed and we ended up at the awesome River Cottage Canteen!

I had never been before by by golly it was good! By some strange coincidence it was also Veg Out Night, their monthly vegetarian only evening. If you haven’t been before I 100% recommend you do!

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We had an amazing dinner and literally cleared our plates! Also, (because I feel it needs saying) the food was SO reasonably priced!!

DSCF1706 DSCF1707 DSCF1708 DSCF1710 DSCF1711 DSCF1714 DSCF1715Utterly stuffed and content Maxwell had one last surprise, he had brought me (with help from some lovely family members) a super cool Fugifilm intax mini 90 (wow) and gave me the most beautiful card… (I 100% promise it didn’t make me cry……)

DSCF1709 DSCF1713 DSCF1712 So there you have it…. my utterly wonderful birthday surrounded by good friends, the love of my life and good food. What’s not to like!   ❤  Same time next year?DSCF1703

A Wedding Top Seven: Wedding Heels

21 Monday Mar 2016

Posted by lotales in Shopping, wedding

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Heels, high heel shoes, online shopping, shopping blog, Uk Blog, Wedding Heels

a wedding top 7

So… anyone who’s taken a look under my bed knows I’ve got a thing or two about shoes… Since I’ve been with Maxwell it’s a rare occurrence that my heels get an outing (all hail the girls nights out) and our wedding will probably see me in a fabulous but low heeled option… That however does not stop a girl from day dreaming and doing a bit on virtual online shopping… Here are 7 nude and tan lovlies that I’m crushing over!

a wedding top 7 nude shoes

One | ASOS PROPELLOR Lace Up Pointed Heels | £45.00

Two | River Island Lazer Cut Heeled Sandal | £65.00

Three | Ted Baker Phinium Tie The Knot Bridal Embellished Heeled Sandals | £140.00

Four | ASOS PASTIME Lace Up Heels | £45.00

Five | Miss KG Tan Frenchy Heeled Sandals | £80.00

Six | ASOS HEATH Wide Fit Platform Sandals | £42.00

Seven | Forever Unique Camden Leather Heeled Sandals | £65.00 sale price

 

Eat #2

23 Tuesday Feb 2016

Posted by lotales in Eat | Recipes

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dinner inspiration, Eat, Eat | Recipes, food blog, food lovers, Recipes I want to try, Uk Blog, Uk Blogger, winter food

Another week, another 3 recipes I’m drooling over…

Firstly:

Rosemary parmesan polenta fries courtesy of eastewart.com

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I’ve only tried Polenta once before and it certainly looked nothing like this….

If you, like me fancy giving this a try you can find the original recipe here 

Today’s second offering is a side worthy of a main:

Grilled carrots over lentils with horseradish yoghurt sauce from the awesome happyolks.com 

Grilled-Carrots-with-Horseradish-Yogurt-Sauce-over-Lentils-Happyolks-381-1024x682If this photo alone doesn’t inspire you the stunning photos Kelsey and her hubby Shaun take along the way no doubt will! You can find the original recipe and beautiful images here.

Today’s final offering is another polenta recipe:

Wild mushroom ragout over creamy polenta by emerils.com

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Winter comfort food at it’s very best….. Check out the recipe here.

Till next time… happy cooking!

 

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Ami Lowman is a maker, blogger & owner of the creative brand Mia Mai who lives with her fiancé in the seaside town of Southsea, Uk.

Ami is currently planning the wedding of their dreams, loves all things vintage, takes too many photos and has a thing for the old, weird and forgotten.

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