Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse

Is life better now than it was in previous centuries?

However long you have been visiting a county there is always somewhere new to explore.  I visited Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse over the bank holiday weekend.  A house for the poor from 1776 it  closed in 1948, then had a short spell as an old peoples home and opened as a museum in 1976.

On approach you see the side of the Victorian workhouse which is probably what greeted those who had ended up here.  Entering through the shop we were given a map of the area which was very easy to follow.  The whole site was fully wheelchair accessible which meant my friend Michelle could get to see everything.

Hatton & Harding

Can interiors be elegant as well as functional?


I love interior design and finding unique home accessories so when I found Hatton & Harding I was seduced.

I was looking for a coffee shop in Warwick that I had visited the previous year, obviously it had closed, as what lay in front of me was the most divine home interiors shop.




I wasn't sure what to look at first, the stunning furniture, the exquisite accessories or the luxurious soft furnishings.  These were all set against neutral 'New England' green walls which compliments everything perfectly.  I wanted to buy everything!

The Perfect Red Dress

Why is finding 'The One' so difficult?


I have been looking for 'The One' for well over a year now but with little success.

It started in December 2009 when I decided I wanted a red evening dress - you know the type of dress that when you put it on you feel like a million dollars.

I was trying to stay focussed but I got distracted by a stunning long black lace beaded dress.  I know I shouldn't have tried it on.  It fitted my hour class shape perfectly and I knew I could find occasions to wear it, I just couldn't leave it in the shop.

Urban Coffee Company

Can independent coffee shops survive against the corporates?


I became aware of Urban Coffee Company an independent café emporium about a year and a half ago, through Twitter, this month they celebrated their 2nd birthday.

Whenever I am in Birmingham I have to visit the emporium in Church Street.   Situated in the heart of the business district in Birmingham city centre it has the feel of a community coffee shop, you certainly don't feel like you are in the centre of Britain's second city surrounded by beautiful architecture.  The second emporium, which opened last year, is in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter.

Now I love my coffee, although I don't profess to be a connoisseur, but I know what I like.  The first time I tasted their skinny latte I was in heaven, it was so smooth and creamy and not too strong, just the way I like it.

Mulberry handbags

Do you use or wear a handbag?


I have coveted Mulberry handbags for many years.  To me they are iconic as well as classic and defy fashion trends.  They are quality investment pieces. This year they celebrated their 40th birthday, not bad for a truly English brand who are still producing handmade bags at their Somerset factory.  I am not surprised they won Designer Brand 2010 at the British Fashion Awards in December.

I brought my first Mulberry about six years ago and considering I wanted one so much I rarely use it, due to the type of leather it is, so it stays in its dust bag.

Malmaison Brasserie

Do restaurants deserve a second chance?

Since Malmaison opened at the Mailbox in Birmingham I have visited the Brasserie on several occasions. However, on an earlier visit this year I had been disappointed with the quality of the food.

So it was with a little trepidation that I paid a return visit this week with LBA and SBA.

The evening started with mojitos, even though these were quite strong, we did enjoy them.

The Cupcake Revolution

Are cupcakes over rated?

I have known about Daisy Cupcakes now for six months since I first got to taste one of Alison's creations.  They looked so gorgeous and with every bite I can definitely say they did not disappoint.

I instantly became a follower of Daisy Cupcakes on Twitter and Facebook, where Alison regularly posts tempting images of her cupcakes.  Whether they are for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries or to say thank you, I haven't yet seen any that I haven't liked.

Of course I have my favorites, I love the vintage inspired cupcakes in pastel greens, blues and pinks - accompanied by cameos and pearls, I also adore the two tone rose effect cream topping with glitter.  For men or chocolate lovers you can't beat Alison's version of rocky road, which is personalised with your favorite sweets.

It is fair to say I have been dreaming of these cupcakes since I had my first bite.  I raved about them so much that one of my friends had to see what all the fuss was about, she too now delights in seeing what is next to come out of the Daisy studio.

So it was with much anticipation that I made my first visit to the Daisy Studio.

I had decided to celebrate a dear friend's birthday with cupcakes, but not just any cupcakes, I wanted them personalised just for her.  You see that's the beauty of Daisy Cupcakes you get to personalise your cupcakes  making each and every one unique.

Alison - Daisy Cupcakes