A few of my favourite things

As I’m writing this post I can’t help but hear Julie Andrews singing in my ear, but there definitely could be worse songs to have in your head all day! I thought it was about time I did a roundup post of everything I am loving right now, from my favourite pyjamas to what I’m reading. Sound fun? Here are a few of my favourite things…

I’ve recently redecorated the master bedroom and I just love it. The chunky knit throw is from The Range and the blush tone suede pillows are from George, Asda. I’ve taken to making my bed each morning which I have never done before in my life- maybe there is an age you reach and suddenly realise the importance and satisfaction of this task??

TU Alice in Wonderland pyjama set: £16

Every time I see Alice in Wonderland products, it’s in my shopping bag faster than the white rabbit. This gorgeous pale blue pyjama set is from TU by Sainsburys and is £16. Super soft and definitely needed after an evening’s work on the sofa with cake and tea.

Hunkemoller push up bra: £30

My favourite bra right now is this stunner from Hunkemoller: it’s the Samara underwired push up bra, which does up at the front, super handy! This just moulds to my shape and I often forget I’m wearing a bra when I wear it- such a pretty design too.

The life-changing magic of tidying by Marie Kondo: £12.99

It’s no secret that my organisation skills have been somewhat hectic my entire life, then I watch a show on Netflix based on this book. My wardrobes, drawers and the way I see my possessions has entirely changed, and I can honestly say that Marie Kondo is to thank for this. If you haven’t jumped on the ‘KonMari’ bandwagon, I highly recommend you see what it’s all about, especially if you are crap at keeping your house and home tidy!

Pandora Sentimental Snapshots Charm: £40

This Mother’s Day I was truly spoiled, and I now have another charm to add to my collection. This is my most favourite yet, as it looks just like an Olympus Pen camera!

Bioglan Beauty Collagen gummies: £18.99

My health has taken a big hit since having Alice in many ways. I try to stay on top of eating a balanced diet and taking care of my skin, so these beauty collagen gummies from Bioglan are the first thing I reach for in the mornings (they’re on my night stand). No effort except a strawberry treat that will help top up collagen levels and to support healthy hair, skin and nails.

Image Skincare recovery mask: £40 (5 pack)
Image Skincare Rose Quartz face roller: £25

The last stop on my list of favourite things is by far the most relaxing. I am loving Image Skincare’s range of products, here I am using their Rose Quartz face roller and recovery face mask. The mask is wonderful on my sensitive skin, and after the magic has absorbed into my skin, I am left feeling rejuvenated and glowing.

If there is anything you see in this post that I haven’t mentioned where it’s from, leave a comment below and I’ll share all my secrets!

Saharasplash x

A Truly Alice in Wonderland Tea Party

It’s no secret that I have been slightly obsessing over everything Alice in Wonderland since having my own little Alice. I think this birthday party had been an idea in my head during pregnancy as soon as I found out I was having a girl and that we would name her Alice. So, a Truly Alice in Wonderland Tea Party was set in motion and I’m here to share a few moments from Alice’s first birthday party…

Sign by The Paper Butterfly

As usual, my head was filled with specific details and I couldn’t wait to get started with the preparations to see it all come to life. We had hired a village hall for around 40-50 guests so we had enough space for us all to have one giant tea party! I used artificial grass which we had kept from our wedding day, and this grass has come in so handy for other uses too! The decorations, plates and food looked amazing when everything was laid out.

Decorations by Talking Tables (the Truly Alice collection)

I had some beautiful Alice-themed biscuits made just for the occasion too, and I think we had about two left when the party was over!

Biscuits by Sisters that Bake

The hall came equipped with a kitchen so we were able to make guests any tea they desired, including this fabulous blend by Adagio Teas.

Some of my favourite flavours were in this special blend, and I can’t wait to explore more of the range this winter.

Tea by Adagio Teas

Party bags were waiting next to the most whimsical cake made by one of our local favourites.

Cake by The Cupcake Kitchen (Ipswich)

Now for some costume reveals. Of course Paul came dressed as the Mad Hatter. Alice’s grandad had an inspired waistcoat that fit so well with the theme.

I came dressed as a big Alice- clearly I couldn’t avoid the sign that said ‘Eat Me’!

Alice’s dress was a limited edition piece from Cath Kidston with quotes and delicate designs.

The Queen of Hearts was inevitably Alice’s nana, her auntie came as a very dapper White Rabbit.

It was such a special moment to see Alice blow out her first birthday candle, an incredible milestone for an incredible little Alice.

Thank you so much to everyone involved and all our friends and family for a Truly Alice in Wonderland tea party.

Saharasplash x

PR samples included, all thoughts and views my own

Celebrating the rose with Cyprus Tourism Organisation

I’m going to take you on a bit of a journey with this post. Don’t worry, it’s a really good journey! A few week’s back I was invited to a rather unique and special event in London to celebrate with the Cyprus Tourism Organisation. Sadly the event wasn’t actually in Cyprus, but they most definitely brought the party, feel and Cypriot style right to the venue.

The event was centred around celebrating the annual Festival of the Rose which is held each May in the rural Cyprus village of Agros. Famed for its bright and beautiful roses, Agros springs to life as visitors flock to learn all about the distillation of the roses, attend exhibitions and take part in workshops.

I turned up to the venue ready and set in my floral trousers (got to look the part) and instantly fell in love with the building…

The whole place was decked out head to toe with Alice in Wonderland tributes! Not for the event mind you, this building near Waterloo is like this all year round- my heart melted a bit as I missed Alice who stayed at home while I came into London for the event.

Roses in shades of red and pink could be found everywhere, it really was a perfect venue for an event dedicated to the power of the rose.

We had a warm welcome from the Cyprus Tourism Organisation who gave us some great background into the festival and the country itself:

  • Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea
  • Cyprus is filled with vast areas of dense forest and valleys
  • Cyprus annually celebrates traditional festivals such as The Rose Festival
  • When rose water is distilled, its aromatic fragrance can be used in hundreds of different ways- in beauty products like perfumes and oils and also in sweets and liqueurs
  • The Rose of Damascus blossoms in between April and May, making right now the ideal environment for growth

Bloggers and press were then taken into the main area for the night, filled with treats and wonderful things inspired by The Rose Festival.

Mahalepi- a traditional dessert made from rose water, cornstarch and rose syrup 

As if this wasn’t enough, we were treated to a one to one tutorial in flower arranging from Rebel Rebel, a popular London florist- just look at what we created..

Finally, after all the hard work, guests were treated to luxury hand massages and manicures- I got some gorgeous rose details by @poppinpolishldn, go check her Instagram out before you leave!

Thanks to all involved for making this event happen, or rather, ευχαριστώ in Greek!

Fun fact- I did actually take a course of Greek lessons while at sixth form and I still  remember the whole alphabet ?

Saharasplash x

I hope you loved reading all about my adventures celebrating the rose with Cyprus Tourism Organisation. If you want to subscribe to my blog and get posts straight to your inbox the link is on the homepage,  just below my photo!

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