City Getaway at The Hampton Hotel Dublin

In contrast to London, Dublin poses the alluring potential of a calmer city break getaway. Small enough yet big enough, it boasts a bustling night life, busy city centre and  all the brands and shops one would expect from a respectable city. A stones throw from the city centre in a beautiful part of town lies The Hampton Hotel, a stunning white front Victorian period building.

Inside you'll find warm modern decor which lends to an intimate boutique feel. We stayed in the luxury suite which boasted a fire place, a sofa and the most comfortable King sized bed I have ever slept in. 

  The large sleek and modern bathroom was 5* all the way. Every detail designed to the pique of luxury. The best thing was I did not have to share any thing with Kieran. His and hers was a common theme, with side by side his and her power showers, his and her sinks and his and her toilets (yes there were two separate toilets. However the pinnacle of this exquisite room was the mammoth sized bath, it had to be the deepest and longest bath I had seen. I could fully lie down in it.

After taking a tour of the room I vowed that I would for once, truly enjoy every feature all 24 hours of it. I cancelled my plans to go out in favour of,  room service ,red wine, a gourmet burger and Netflix.

The next morning, determined to get a dunk in that bath, I somehow managed to detach my self from the beds spongy embrace to run a hot steamy bath. Red wine in one hand Cosmo in the other I laid back and just soaked.

Warm and pampered I thought why trouble my pampered bubble to go down for breakfast? 5 mins after ordering Kieran and I were eating breakfast in bed.  The perfect finish to a relaxing weekend.  Who says that city breaks can't be rejuvinating? If you find yourself in Dublin - look up the Hampton Hotel. 👌🏽

Six Steps to Starlet

My new favourite signature look is red lips, natural contour and highlights beaming to the gods.

This look is not as pain staking as you would think. My essential products to create this look are:

1. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Creme: 

If you want a good highlight you have to be moisturized darling. Ashy skin doesn't glow. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Creme is both a moisturiser and a primer so it's q one step prep wonder.

2. Conceal dark circles with NARS creamy concealer. 

3 Set concealer with bare minerals finishing powder, apply much the same way you would Ben Nye powder.

4. Apply Mac Highlighter Creme to cheeks and cheek bones, then use Sleek 24K gold collection Highlighter to bring out those areas you want your highlight to really pop.

5. Apply starlet Mac Russian Red lipstick  

To complete the look and add a pop of starlet glamour to your pout.

6. Keep eyes simple with Mac mascara 

Valentines Day at The Washington Mayfair Hotel London

This year Valentine's Day didn't look hopeful, Kieran was scheduled to work both days of the weekend and I was scheduled to be sitting on the sofa eating chocolates reduced to clear. However at the last moment Cupid took pity and Kieran's work was cancelled- which meant that last minute ( under duress of me) he had to schedule a Valentines weekend to remember- and oh he did.

An hour on the computer and he as booked (using secret escapes) a lovely city retreat at the Washington Mayfair Hotel. A 4 star hotel tucked behind the back streets of Green Park. Upon entering the rotating doors we were greeted by warm staff who were so helpful and friendly through out our stay. 

The room was a large living room/ bedroom- and sadly larger than many Londoners apartments these days. 

Fresh decor, comfy beds, a mini bar and a sofa made this stay absolutely first class. 

For dinner we headed to I Robert restaurant across the road who accepted our last minute booking and wowed us with quality Italian food. The upstairs dining room is quaint and has an intimate renaissance feel perfect for couples. 

We drank at the bar, ate dinner laughed , drank some more and had over all the best valentines weekend I've had in the 3 years we have spent together.

Top marks Kieran, he works well under pressure. Who says last minute valentines plans don't work? X 

Booking details: 

Washington Mayfair Hotel 

http://www.washington-mayfair.co.uk

Secret Escapes: 

SecretEscapes.com

i Robert restaurant : http://www.irobert.london

Barbados Dreaming

Ahhh! This cold weather has me reminiscing about brighter days in Barbados. When the north wind threatens to blow your fur hat off, it is hard to believe that only 8 hours away and 2 weeks ago I was in a place where a bikini could be worn mid December, and my hair dried within 10 mins. Here nothing dries quickly, at this moment nothing reminds me of that more than my defiantly icy cold sock still wet after a puddle I stepped into what must me 30mins ago.

Two things keep my Barbados dreaming alive : 1 is my tan in winter (winning) 2 is my holiday pictures, which I took to make my friends jealous whilst I was away, but now only serve as a painful reminder of how warm it is somewhere that is not here.

Do winter breaks help make winter easier or do they just make it harder to adjust to winter life?
I don't know to be honest, but if you do fancy a winter break British Airways and Virgin offer breaks after the new year to Barbados for £500 return.

Infact I met an Australian Girl at my favourite bar (La Perla) who after hearing me say I went to Barbados this winter, told me she was headed the next day. She told me she paid £470 for her return flights with BA. Considering I just came back and my flights cost over £2,000 I was so jealous I could have throttled her.  What a difference a few days make!

Contrast Bikini. Perfect for supporting full chests. I got so many compliments, you can buy from a range of places including Asos. If you are lucky enough to be going to a winter break, I have located one is on sale on Asos for £6.00 buy here

Random man no relation lol

High waisted bikini briefs are great for hiding le muffin top. I brought these on sale from New Look.

Weekend Chill.

There is nothing like the sound of St Pauls bells on a crisp Sunday morning. After staying in the city for a quick indulgent city break, Kieran and I took to the east London Streets to enjoy the sun. Even if it did come with ice cold gale winds. Not taking any chances with the cold I went the whole 9 yards and just piled on those layers. I think I did a good job of remaining stylish, I wore cashmere fur lined cape as a scarf, because a regular scarf just wouldn't do and I didn't want to wear the cape under my jacket as it just makes me look fat. Wearing oversized capes as scarves is s good way to get a new fresh look and add an extra layer of warmth. I also wore my vintage fur hat for £40 second hand this is one of the best items I have brought, from Canada to Ireland to the UK this hat has kept me warm through so many winters. Both items were purchased from iconic London markets, the cape from portobello and the hat from a vintage shop in Camden market which sells a range of 2nd hand fur.