A sentence or two from a book I was reading nearly six years ago still stays with me today.  Why?  Because it metaphorically punched me in the stomach.  It suggested that by living a life I wasn't content with and not pushing myself to the best of my abilities, I was 'diminishing' and 'dying on the vine'.  Cruel, but true.  Somewhere deep down in all of us, we hate the idea of sitting still.  We don't like to stagnate.  Advocates of change offer a simple solution: do this, do that and pretty much do everything that scares you.  Quit your job, drop your friends and shave your head.  Uh, no thanks.  Thankfully, there's an easier route to shaking that pesky feeling of stagnating, and it comes in the form of opting in to a new hobby.  Factually speaking, it takes two months (sixty-six days to be exact) before a new behaviour becomes automatic.  Apply this same rule to a new hobby and it would suggest that within two months, you will have unlocked an entirely new part of yourself - and most importantly, become familiar with it.  Pretty exciting.  So, what have I challenged myself to try?

Don't worry, when it's just a laptop screen and I preparing for the day ahead, I'm more than happy to grab a packet of oat biscuits and call it a morning.  However (and it's a big however), this doesn't have to be the case on special occasions and when you're surrounded by loved ones, friends and family.  It's a hell of a lot of fun to push the boat out - trust me.  Strangely enough, it's not commonplace to apply the same level of glamour and attention to a breakfast setting as it is for dinnertime, but that's all the more reason to do it!  Thankfully, there are plenty of others who feel the same way.  Case in point: Joanna Buchanan.  Joanna's line of luxe, seasonal accessories, holiday decor and gifts is heavily embellished and never fails to deliver a striking aesthetic punch. I suppose this is why the brand can be found in the new festive department at Harrods!  You'll be able to spot some beauties by Joanna Buchanan in this setting, amongst some of my favourite other accessories.  Right!  It's time to discuss how best to create a luxurious breakfast setting this season...

There's been a little delay since my last blog post, partly because I've been busy working and then more recently, because I've been pretty damn unwell - to the point of having to cancel my flight to Crete over the weekend.  Boo!  Thankfully, I'm on the mend now and heading out to the beautiful island in just a couple of days from now.  It'll be a welcome break from London's miserable weather, although I can't say I'm happy to be turning my back on Autumn styling because gosh I love those cosy, layered warm tones.  Sure, so my entire aesthetic lends towards the warmer tones, but this time of year brings the perfect opportunity to embrace nature's colours and transform your outfits until you embody a human leaf.  Or something.  Anyway, armed with a full look from Odd Molly, a Swedish brand with a vision of producing clothes that symbolise female strength, love and courage, I headed out on a crisp day at sunset with warm tones in mind and an outfit to style...

Woo-hoo!  Finally, a new instalment from this summer's tour through Tuscany - and it's a favourite of mine. Having flown in to Italy via Bologna Guglielmo Marconi airport, it made total sense to spend some time in the historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy.  However, what wasn't anticipated is just how much we'd adore the location, and end up returning at the end of the fortnight-long trip to soak up even more of the atmosphere!  Notepads and pens at the ready, here's the latest in my Chic Girl's Guide series, looking at how best to spend your time in Bologna...

Let's get one thing straight: I'm British.  This means, that along with droning on about the weather on a daily basis, it also guarantees an unquenchable thirst for afternoon teas.  I like to think I'm fairly cosmopolitan, but sure, when it comes to afternoon teas I definitely fit the cliché of scone-loving Brits .  Oops.  With this in mind, it goes without saying I've enjoyed my fair share of them over the years.  However, I was yet to tick Afternoon Tea at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire off my pretty little list!  This all changed on one rainy afternoon, thanks to an invitation to enjoy the creme de la creme of afternoon teas at this beautiful, well-known five star location...

This is no ode, and it sure as hell won't be sung.  However, it is a confession for my love for Autumnal styling, which I've realised lately has no boundaries whatsoever.  I know, I know, we all fall head over heels for sunshine and the opportunity to whip out tiny dresses throughout the summertime, and yet - and yet - I'm still excited that Autumn has arrived.  It's pouring down with rain while thunder rattles through the sky and all I can think is: oh, what a great opportunity to wear my new chocolate brown biker boots!  Do you feel the same way?  Either way, it's deeefinitely something we need to discuss...