Cotswold Lavender

Is lavender natures healer?

I absolutely love the smell of lavender, it is one of my favourite smells.  I've had lavender plants in my garden for three years now, pruning them each autumn and praying that they make it through the winter, which they have done so far.  If I am struggling to sleep, I pop the lid of my Bella Bougie essential lavender candle and breath in the lavender scent and it's not long till I drift off.  Last year we visited the Cotswold Lavender fields at Snowshill but they had already harvested and we always intended to visit again this year.  So when Dad mentioned last week that they had driven past the fields and the colours of the lavender were wonderful, we decided to visit this weekend.  Double checking the website, we were in luck the harvest was going to start this weekend so we had just timed it right.  On Saturday we made our way through the sunny Cotswold lanes and Dad was right, the view of the lavender fields is wonderful.

The smell from the lavender is amazing and there are so many different varieties.  I particularly love the dark purple plants.  There were quite a number of people wondering through the fields, taking photos, admiring the plants and soaking up the views.

Washington D.C., New York, Boston

What are the ingredients of a fabulous holiday?

About this time last year I was out to dinner with SBA and LBA, nothing special just an opportunity to catch up and us a voucher that we had.  Conversation turned to holidays and one thing led to another and by the end of the evening we had planned our holiday for this year.  The grand plan was to visit Washington D.C., New York and Boston.  To say we were all a little bit excited would be an understatement!  It's not like we haven't visited the States before we have and to these places, although not Washington D.C. for me, but not all in one trip.  After the holiday was booked at Christmas the excitement increased as the months went on.  There were planning nights, I poured over guide books and websites to plan what I was going to do in each city.  Brought pop out maps to keep me on the straight and narrow whilst trying to find each of the locations, venues and activities.  I felt well and truly organised and ready to enjoy a fabulous holiday with SBA, LBA and her husband.  

Over the coming weeks I'll be writing about my thoughts on each city, our hotels, places we visited, activities we undertook, restaurant reviews and the lovely purchases I made.  I hope this will give you an insight into each of these cities as well as what made my holiday fabulous.

Sunshine and smiles.........make for a fabulous holiday!

Lula Belle x

Afternoon tea at the athenaeum hotel London

Would afternoon tea everyday be too indulgent?
#5

When I received an email from my cousin asking if I would like to join her, and other female relatives, to celebrate her forthcoming birthday over afternoon tea, how could I refuse?.  She was looking at a few London venues which did include a couple that I have already visited, so I was able to let her know what these were like.  I also commented that the athenaeum had won the Tea Guild's prestigious award for 'Top London Afternoon Tea 2012' for its afternoon tea and would be a worth while option.  After investigating these options further, I'm happy to say she settled on the athenaeum.  As a place I had yet to visit, I was excited to see what the award winning venue would deliver.

So on Saturday we all met at the athenaeum.  The outside of the hotel is lovely and green, standing out from the other buildings on the Mayfair street and opposite to Green Park.  The reception area is small and I instantly loved the decor, which I would describe as modern chic with a twist of vintage.   I particularly liked the pearl button screens and the vases of sunflowers - which reminded me of our hotel in Boston.  

Lekeux vintage salon

Which era do you love?

I know vintage means different things to different people, for some it is the fashion, for others the music and for others the interiors, I could go on.  I love the fifties and early sixties, personally I don't think you can beat the glamour that surrounds this period. I'm sure it has a lot to do with Marilyn Monroe and the Hollywood film stars of the day.  So when I got a tweet asking if I would like to visit* the Lekeux vintage salon in Birmingham's Custard Factory, I had a browse of their website and was instantly excited about what they offered.  It might have had something to do with the words - Visit our 50's themed premises - that got me hooked.  After arranging a date with Lynsey Le Keux, the owner of Lekeux events, I waited in anticipation of the day.  Standing at the entrance of the vintage salon I was immediately take back in time to a 50's diner - I loved it!

Lynsey greeted me whilst I took everything in, it was like being a kid in a candy shop, I didn't know where to look first.  There were the starlet dressing tables, retro counter, Coke lid stools, car booth, Marilyn wallpaper and gorgeous 50's frocks.  The pink roller skates didn't escape my notice either.

After I'd stopped cooing Lynsey offered me a drink, of course all retro flavours and I opted for a cream soda.  I cannot begin to describe how good this was.   I'd visit the salon just to drink cream soda and sit in the car booth.

Whether you are celebrating a birthday, engagement, wanting a pamper day or just fancy getting your girlfriends together for a girls night in, there is a pick and mix menu from which you're sure to find something you like.  They cater for small groups up to parties of about 20. Take your pick from vintage hair styling, vintage make-up application, vintage manicures, pin up photo shoots, pin up academy, afternoon tea, vintage cocktail mixology, massages or dance classes. There is sure to be something for everyone in your party.


The beauty of the Salon, is that you can also just book to have your hair and make-up done, or have a vintage manicure - perfect for giving us girls a lift or for those special occasions.  While I was at the Salon I took the opportunity to have 50's style hair and make-up.  I'll show you in a later post the results, which I was very happy with.

What I love most about the 50's are the fashions and with my hour glass shape I'm fortunate to be able to carry them off.  I give a nod to the era through my pencil skirts, shift dress and coats.  I'd noticed when I came into the salon some gorgeous 50's dresses.  These are from the designer Viven Holloway and my favourite was the red and white spot and also the cherry pattern.  Whilst I don't dress in fifties style all the time, with these dresses I'd be tempted to.

If you don't live in Birmingham or surrounding areas, don't worry as Lynsey and her team will come to you and give you the full vintage salon experience through their mobile service.  You can choice from the same pick and mix packages and either host this in your home or local venue.  Sounds a perfect excuse for getting the girls together if ever I heard one!


I had a fabulous time with Lynsey and loved the Lekeux Vintage Salon experience.  I wouldn't hesitate to recommend you try either visiting the salon at the Custard Factory or try one of the mobile salons.  If you do, I'd love to hear what you choose to do and how you get on.

Channel your inner vintage goddess..........at the Vintage Salon!

Lula Belle x


* Thank you to Lynsey for inviting me to experience the Vintage Salon.  


All views are my own within this post.

Marmalade Meringue Hinckley

What's in a name?

You'll remember from are there vintage treasures to be found? that I recently met up with fellow bloggers Sam and Teresa from I Am Into This and had a fabulous afternoon looking around the Vintage Treasurers vintage shop in Hinckley.  Hunting out vintage treasures makes you hungry and the place that the girls had recommended for lunch was called Marmalade Meringue.  Just from the name I was intrigued as to what sort of place this would be.  The entrance is on the corner of the street as you enter there are lots of vintage styled merchandise, shabby chic furniture and a food counter to the left hand side.  The owners, mother and daughter, Trudy and Tilley were busy behind the counter getting lunch ready for customers frequenting the tables upstairs.  There were lovely and friendly, not surprising it is one of Sam's and Teresa's favourite places and made it into their Little Black Book.

Marmalade Meringue is the kind of shop that you can spend a limitless amount of time and come out having brought things you never knew you needed.  It is a great shop for finding that unique present or something a bit quirky for your home.  Downstairs there were lots of clocks, hearts, plaques and a huge selection of cards.  As we had come for lunch we headed upstairs to find a table.  I love that they have tables where you can eat right in the middle of the merchandise.  What a great way to view and make your shopping list while you eat.

We chose a seat in the window and perused the menu.  We'd already spotted which dessert we were going to have, so we ordered our drinks and sandwiches too.  Whilst we were waiting for our lunch Sam and I popped and had a look around the store, there really is something for everyone and every occasion.

It wasn't long before our lunch arrived.  I was really pleased with my beef sandwich, it was fresh and packed a punch in the flavour stakes.  But is was their raspberry Victoria sponge that really set my taste buds alight.  I think it was the raspberry ripple coulis that made it just that little bit more special.  I can say this is the best Victoria sponge I have tasted in a while.

On our way out we browsed more of the merchandise and had a brief chat with Trudy and Tilley, who had been at an awards event the night before at the Lancaster Hotel, London, but were pipped at the post.  With this winning formula I dare say an award is not too far away.

We had a lovely afternoon and I really enjoyed meeting the girls, they were just as nice as I thought they would be.  It was great to explore some new places and exchange tips.  Teresa has said she'll be coming to the next Blighty Boutique, so it will give me a chance to show them around my favourite shops in Warwick.


Discovering new places.....while meeting new friends!


Lula Belle x

Vintage Treasures vintage shop Hinckley

Are there still vintage treasurers to be found?

A few weeks ago I arranged to meet up with, Sam and Teresa, the lovely ladies behind the lifestyle blog I Am Into This.  We'd been having many conversations over Twitter and thought it was about time we put a face to a name.  The girls said they knew of a lovely little vintage shop and a great place for lunch.  So I hopped in the car and made my way to Hinckley in Leicestershire.  I recognised Sam and Teresa immediately and as soon as I got out of the car we were chatting away.  Sam had been right about the vintage shop, I wasn't disappointed with Vintage Treasures.  I'd had a quick look online before my to see what they stock, so I'd already got a feel as to what to expect. It was only a small shop but it was certainly brimming with lovely vintage treasures.

There were all sorts from furniture and kitchen equipment, to mirrors and tea sets.  It is the kind of shop that you can spend quite a bit of time in, looking on the shelves and rooting in corners.  

Teresa found editions of Elle from the 1980's and was amazed to see that the models weren't airbrushed then.  There was a young Claudia Schrieffer and Yasmon Le Bon, with blemishes and lines for everyone to see.  It made me wish I'd kept copies of my old magazines.

After we'd spent time reminiscing about various objects in the shop, it was then time to find somewhere for lunch.  Sam said she knew just the place, Marmalade Meringue, I was intrigued. 

We had a lovely afternoon and I really enjoyed meeting the girls, they were just as nice as I thought they would be.  It was great to explore some new places and exchange tips.  Teresa has said she'll be coming to the next Blighty Boutique, so it will give me a chance to show them around my favourite shops in Warwick.


Celebrate by gone years.......get vintage inspired!


Lula Belle x

Blighty Boutique

Have you got a favourite vintage item?

You'll remember from do you love all things vintage? I paid a visit to the Blighty Boutique on the Jubilee weekend and found so many lovely vintage treasures.  What caught my eye, on the second stall I came too, was a gorgeous red leather case.  It was being sold amongst an array of china and jewellery.  I had been thinking that I needed something to carry my notebooks around.  This was fate!

The case is a old correspondence wallet and was used on the ship R.M.S. "Pretoria Castle" Union-Castle Line. The seller has lad left an original note-let in the wallet, which I think is just wonderful.  

There are two sections to the wallet, To Do and Done, with an open pocket between the two sections.  

Since I brought the wallet I have used it every day and love using it.  It helps me to keep organised so I can remember what I have planned and where I am with my writing.  I feel very glamorous getting it out when I need to use my notebooks.  I have had some admiring glances and comments about it, which is always good to have.

Be organised .........be vintage inspired!

Lula Belle x

Clinique Chubby Stick

Which make up product do you love?


For many years I have been a lip gloss girl.  It didn't take me long to convert from lipstick to this new shiny addition to the make up counters.  My love affair with lip gloss started with Clinique gloss pots.  These were the best lip gloss I've ever used, they were little pots of gloss that had a separate brush which is how you applied the gloss.  The coverage was great and so was the fact that you could get every last bit from the pot, they really did seem to gone on forever.  I wonder if that is why Clinique stopped them? Why do companies do that, discontinue a really good product?  I only found out they were discontinuing them when I went to stock up.  I subsequently left disappointed as I had to find an alternative, which took me quite a long time, until I was brought Clinique superbalm moisturising lip gloss and fell in love all over again.  I've been faithful to this for several years now and have many shades. However, recently I've wondered about trying lipstick again.  I especially thought an orangey shade would be great for summer.  Even though  haven't worn this colour since my early 20's.

I then saw an advert for Clinique chubby sticks, they looked just what I wanted, colour but without the slippy/ heavy feel of lipstick.  I tested a few shades and opted for two ton tomato and whole lotta honey. Even after the first few applications I was in love again!  Since buying them a few weeks ago I haven't even worn lip gloss.  It's great to have a pop of colour as both work with my city chic wardrobe.  If I just want a lip stain I apply a light layer, if I want more full colour, I just apply more, it really is as simple as that.  They work by twisting the barrel to reveal more of the product.

If like me you prefer lip gloss over lipstick, I'd definitely say to try these new chubby sticks, I think like me you will be pleasantly surprised.


The perfect pout........is only a twist away!

Lula Belle x