Well, this is probably my most quaint blog post to date - just in case the pink thatched cottage shown above didn't serve as enough of a clue!  Having long been a fan of everything and anything miniature, it was only a matter of time before I got around to exploring Bekonscot Model Village & Railway.  Located in Beaconsfield (close to London on the map), Bekonscot is the world's first and therefore oldest model village, having opened to the world in 1929.  It's a whole other (teeny-tiny) world...

I've been a megafan of Mii Cosmetics for quite a while - about a year now, come to think of it!  I first came across the brand while on a Champneys spa break last spring, at which point I fell in love with their subtle, flattering lip shades.  Since then, my collection of Mii Cosmetics has grown to the point of every one of my looks featuring at least one of their products.  So, continuing my theme of obsessing over the British brand, I'm taking things to the next level by saying YES to a full-face of Mii Cosmetics!  Featuring products that aim to enhance (rather than hide) natural beauty in a range of soft and feminine shades, this delivery has got me weak at the knees...

So, at this time of year the sun is doing a pretty good job at 'brightening' mornings as it is!  However, I've noticed over recent months that just a little tweaking here and there of a morning routine can make all the difference to the day ahead. Whether it's in what we do or how we think, the first hour or two of the day can have a pretty big impact.  Breakfast in hand and wrapped in this cosy London W11 Cashmere Jumper, I headed out to one of my favourite morning spots to think about 5 shortcuts to starting the day on a (really) good note...

Last night was spent in the best possible way - a summertime #PicnicWithMercure at Somerset House!  After getting absolutely drenched on the journey there, the weather remembered it needed to be on its best behaviour and dried up just in time for me to be able to bring down my umbrella before arriving.  Mercure Hotels is a name I'm already familiar with having stayed at a few of the Accor Group hotels, though one that stands out was my food-loaded stay at the Queens Hotel Cheltenham (now MGallery) last summer - mmm, still dreaming of that afternoon tea!  For yesterday's picnic extravaganza, they truly picked the best location for the event; each and every step you took was watched from above by towering architecture.      

Which Gola Am I?  Surprise surprise, those covered in a decorative/floral print!  Gola is a brand that's been on my radar for many years now, though this pales in comparison to their incredible history stretching out over a century.  Since having been founded in 1905, Gola has well and truly made its mark as a sportswear and fashion brand, forever adapting to current times without comprising its heritage.  More recently, they've collaborated with Liberty Art Fabrics to produce a colourful range of patterned rucksacks and trainers, including these gorgeous Samurai Liberty LL Trainers.

Summer is here!  And then it's not.  But then it's here again!  Nevertheless, I've put together a handful of my favourite skincare products to enter the new season with, a couple of longterm faves and a few new introductions that have got me jumping for joy.  So if, like me, you're on a mission to attain silky-smooth skin this summer, this skincare edit is for you.  Oh and to further prove that summer is at least here for now, I unintentionally tanned my back taking these photos - damn, what a day to wear a cross-back top...

I've long associated luxury lingerie brand Chantelle with delicate, flattering designs, and though the latter still applies, this Chantelle Sports Bra c/o is anything but delicate!  I was actually fitted by Chantelle for this sports bra over a month ago in anticipation of their Beat the Bounce event, however as some of you may remember - I injured my knee.  Talk about bad timing!  Though now that I'm back up and running (literally) again, I've put their sports bra to the test in a multitude of different ways.  Even skipping, and I hate skipping.  So, what do I think?  Does it truly 'beat the bounce'?

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of enjoying breakfast with Lancôme (at the L'Oreal Head Office) for a foundation fitting event.  Needless to say, I was looking forward to it - and most of all at the prospect of finally discovering a foundation more suited to my current skin type!  For the past couple of years, I've been continuously repurchasing a foundation I had discovered at a time when I was experiencing more aggressive breakouts.  I guess I became a creature of habit?  Anyway, now that my skin has calmed down, it's high time to become acquainted with a new foundation, and one that performs like a (very well behaved) second skin...