Goddess Guides

Books

Gisèle Scanlon has written a few Goddess Guides, all of a similar ilk. They are factual books based upon her experiences of life. And are a lifestyle guide, offering you style, location and experience advice.

The books are her experiences in life and advice but are a little gem of a book, each has a beautiful flocked cover (no use buying on kindle), with gorgeous illustration on most pages.

There are recommendations of secret style places, eateries, clothing, gift stores in the major cities she has been to / worked in. I think this is a lovely treat to buy yourself or ideal for a gift. As usual Amazon is the cheapest place I could find them on, averaging just over £7 per book.

Tiny Tower - Secret addiction

IPhone Application

Um I feel slightly ashamed admitting this but I have a secret addiction. My partner thinks I'm having an affair all the secret grabbing of my IPhone to make sure my tower is still building. Tiny Tower is a free app on IPhone that, bear with me, allows you to build a skyscraper, get residents and open up shops. And that's it....! Yet I still find myself addicted.

I do have a love for silly iPhone games and a few have got me more addicted than others. Angry birds annoyed me, I think I'm too impatient. But this one has a nice gentle feel and I'm trying to keep my residents happy whilst getting me a big tower block :)

Storrs Hall - Great romantic hotel

http://www.elh.co.uk/hotels/storrshall/index.aspx

Whilst thinking about what to post for today's blog I had a good think about which amazing hotels I've stayed in in England which I really recommend.

The first one that popped into my head was Storrs Hall in the Lake District. I remember deciding I wanted to spend a little more on a room for a long weekend and picked here. So let me emphasise it is a little out of my normal price range but I was truly not disappointed.

When we entered the room I can only say i was slightly taken aback, the view from my room was AMAZING! I normally get lumbered with the car park view. All we could see from our gorgeous room was the lake, how beautiful. Also when i got closer to the window, the family of rabbits that lived on the lawn outside our window. The grounds were a lovely way to spend an hour,  to walk around as the hotel, as it is right on Lake Windermere. The hotel has history, character and is warm, intimate and inviting.

If you have a little more to spend and plan to stay in the area, you wont be disappointed.

TK Maxx - online..!!

www.tkmaxx.com

I'm sure that if you've shopped in any high street in the last few years you'll have experienced TK Maxx. It is a high street staple and fabulous for picking up designer bargains. I got a CK bag for £29!!!. However I really have to be in the right mood to shop here., i.e. plenty of time spare and strong elbows to get stuck in.

However did you know they are online......? And there is a clearance section. I understand this may take away some of the actual rummaging appeal that the store has to offer but I have found it alot easier to search for a named bargain quicker than spends ages in store. Free P&P over £75 so good  deal if you intend to spend a bit and cant be bothered to get off the sofa.

http://www.artisanalbistro.com/

Restaurant

Now this restaurant will be like marmite for you. Question before I begin....do you like cheese? Reason being this restaurant is a fromagerie, i.e. specialises in cheese.

When I visited New York recently some colleagues visited here and I was desperate to try it but didn't get the chance. Reason being I love cheese, however I do know some people who don't like to small chunks of salty creamy goodness, how odd.!

So this post comes not from experience of how brilliant this place is, but how desperate I am to go and try it. Let me know if you've had the pleasure?

Le Bistrot Pierre - My favourite restaurant chain

http://www.lebistrotpierre.co.uk/

Restaurant chain

This small chain of restaurants is very Midlands / Northern based. Its principal is gorgeous fine quality tasty french food at a very reasonable price. The decor is clearly sourced from France and the feeling is intimate and classy with a wonderful atmosphere.

My favourite bit is the amazing french bread and butter they serve pre starters, gorgeous herby olives, deep fried Camembert, fresh salads, dauphinois potatoes, yum yum. visit if you're in one of the areas.

Graze - Healthy Snacks

www.graze.com

Graze promises to deliver healthy snacks to your door or office desk in that impossible endeavour to get us off the unhealthy muffins and chocolate. Can't say it has stopped my unhealthy obsession but I am eating more nuts and fruit so can't be a bad thing.

There are a selection of options to choose from, I get 4 (reasonably) fresh healthy snacks for £2.99 however you can a variety of delivery options. Worth checking out the website for the full range. I used to get delivered to work and LOVED the days when it arrived on my desk. I now have it delivered to home and relish taking in a little pot every day to work, means I don't wolf all at once.

If you'd like to try I have a code for a free box and will re post this on twitter.

JBFJXLZ           

Worth trying for the free box, then can always cancel if you don't like. Trust me this wont happen :)

Liberty - Free P&P

http://www.liberty.co.uk

Update on my Liberty post.

They now have free P&P if you spend over £100. Not sure for how long so get spending!!

Victoria Health - Holistic approach to beauty

www.victoriahealth.com

Beauty Website

There are numerous websites out there selling premium brand make up an creams, however this one stood out for me due to its slightly different approach. This site started off with more of a holistic site and now how turned more mainstream. However I still love the beauty from the inside out feel rather than the more traditional site. Not only does it sell some top quality products but it also has articles and contributions from people I respect (heard of the beauty bible?).

This is their about us comment, which I think sums up their motives:
"We are both passionate about health and well being and have long held a vision of radically changing the face of natural health.
We believe the products we recommend will make a difference to your health and we travel the world to source the most pioneering and cutting-edge supplements currently available."

This site has a few brands you may have heard of but seems to show more up and coming or famous in the US brands. I have purchased a few times from here, mainly supplements from their monthly newsletter recommendation. I have been very happy with both service and price so heartily recommend if you like this kind of thing.

Aqua Sana - Twilight Spa

http://www.aquasana.co.uk/sana/spabookings/spa-days/twilight_spa_for2.jsp

Those of us who love our spa's may already be aware of Aqua Sana. Its the Spa in, (bear with me on this one) Centre Parcs. I know the image that springs to mind is kids in swimming cossies tearing round on their bikes. Well let me tell you you're wrong.

Ok Centre Parcs is a family destination, but I had the fortune to go to Aqua Sana whilst on holiday there one year and I was bowled away with the Spa facilities. In Sherwood Forest at least there were 15, let me type it again, 15 sensory experiences, so steam rooms, saunas, warm rooms where you lay on warm things, dead hot rooms, you get my drift. I paid for the twilight experience which meant you had access to all facilities in the evening which includes an amazingly warm swimming pool which goes outside, and an outside balcony where you can relax in warm snugly blankets. After two hours I was so relaxed I felt like a dead weight. I have been back several times since as you can visit the Spa without staying on site.

There is an offer at the moment for two for the Twilight Spa for £59 which I think is amazing value, link above. Treatments are, of course, extra and normally bump up the prices significantly but the Twilight Spa option alone was enough for me, if you like Spa experiences do it.

And relax........

Groupon - Discounted lovely things

https://www.groupon.co.uk/in/.E5R99E/,712340

Apparently there are some people who haven't heard of this site, for those of us in the know, it is hard to believe. Someone recommended this site to me a few months ago and since I've spent .. and saved... a fortune.

It works by offering a deal, which can only be redeemed if a certain number of people accept the deal. Tends to be beauty / hair salons, restaurants and activities. So it is often a great place to try new places / experiences at a discounted price. The discount is heavy and normally comes in at about 50% reduction on normal RRP.

I've tried several new beauty spas, I am on a constant hunt for the perfect one. I think it works by getting footfall through a place hoping that it will generate repeat business. Its free to join so recommend you sign up and just keep an eye open on the daily emails to see if anything takes your fancy.

Portmeirion - A slice of history

http://www.portmeirion-village.com/?lID=1

I had little preconceived ideas about this quaint little place. It was one of the stars of the 70's drama "The Prisoner" and that was literally it. When I visited here recently I was slightly taken aback. It is a purpose built town that was built to encapsulate the beauty of the environment and how buildings should complement this.

It's a small warren of gorgeous buildings that meander down to the amazing coastline. I spent a lazy sunny day there and discovered the maze of houses and woodland walk. There are a few little shops selling amazing presents and the "Portmeirion" branded platewear, cafes and a hotel.

The pinnacle moment for me was whilst having an ice cream on a shell encrusted seat, as I watched a family staying there for their holiday unload their luggage from their 50's sports car. The curly haired daughter got out the back with a parrot and private school blazer, whilst the father and his mother unloaded the luggage, several bags, a velvet cape and a teddy bear! How Brideshead.

Definitely recommend a visit if you are in the area.

Krispy Kreme - I died and went to heaven

Food

http://www.krispykreme.co.uk/

Ok this may not be classed as a luxury brand, but just the thought of a Krispy Kreme gets my mouth salivering.!! Chocolate iced with sprinkles or an original glazed, cookies and Kreme or Butterscotch fudge oh yeah! Anyway you get my ramblings,

The ONLY issue I have with these guys and unfortunately its a big one. Ok calories and expanding belly aside, thats not really their fault. The distribution across the UK is limited, well limited in the North so have to save my yearnings till I visit the big smoke or I suppose nearer Birmingham. Anyway come on guys build one near me :)

Elemis Eye Cream - Miracle!!

Eye Cream

www.elemis.com

Let me say to start this post, I'm not a beauty expert, I don't claim to be, there are alot better qualified out there to blog....however... I do spend alot on products so when / if I blog about a beauty item, trust me it really worked for me.

I had been searching for the ultimate cream that gets rid of my crows feet, don't we all. And had got to the stage of realising creams can't do anything, when, I stumbled across this product. I used the Eye Renewal Cream along with the Absolute Eye Serum regularly and noticed a tightening up of this area. This made me use it less all around the eye and more the corners and under. No word of a lie my crows feel have improved by I'd say 60%. I suppose it does this by hydrating and tightening the area concerned.

Its not cheap, I think you can expect to pay about just under £100 for the 2. I know..... But if you can afford it, it will last a few months. Also you do need to give the products a good month to try, so a sample from the counter for a week wouldn't give the full effect. I'm not buying any other eye cream so theres an endorsement!

Cole and Sons - Wallpaper

Wallpaper

http://www.cole-and-son.com

I'm going through a bit of a wallpaper obsession at the moment. I've long been admiring the Birch wallpaper from Cole and Sons (swatch as above) and have recently been to a few houses that have the one wall draped in gorgeous paper which really offsets a room and makes it look very glam. My issue is that the whole hanging is slightly beyond me, however I do have plans to add some wallpaper to my lovely little home.

Have a flick through the Cole and Sons websites, there are some truly original designs, I've recently seen one of their striking designs in a small room and it looked absolutely fab. Good thing with wallpaper is that its very easy to replace when you get bored.

Laduree - Les Macarons

Website / Shop
www.laduree.fr/en/scene

Have you ever seen a picture of macaroons, yum those lovely brightly colours slices of heaven, just google the images. Well Laduree are one of the most famous producers and French in origin oh lala. I first tried them on a trip to London, I made a beeline for Harrods and picked up a few in an equisite little box and carried around the bag with pride. when I got home I made each one a little mini flavour experience.

I can't actually remember what they tasted like to be honest yet I'm gagging to go and get some more. Classic example of judging a book by its cover, but what a lovely cover.....

Website / Shop

http://www.astleyclarke.com/

I'm not a woman of means unfortunately, but if I were, I'd be decked out in gorgeous jewellery, perfect hair and nails, Chanel clothing and a tanned toy boy on my arm. Real world.....I like nice jewellery :) and this website gives me a little grasp at my loaded self. I have purchased a few (of the cheaper) items from this website and although yes they are expensive these are those pieces you know you will be handing down to your grand kids who in 50 years time will be saying on "Antiques Roadshow" Grandma always wore this necklace, ring, "insert item".

I haven't visited their store but I'm sure it will be as lovely as their website. If you're a lover of beautiful great quality jewellery why not save up for a special occasion and treat yourself.

Lipton Tea Experience

Tea

http://www.lipton.com/gb_en/#LiptonFruitandHerbalInfusionsandGreenTeaswithFruit-2,172

Well let me start this blog by firstly saying I love coffee, no I adore coffee. If I were locked in Starbucks overnight I would come out a happy if not jittery woman. However I found my body started telling me to stay off the caffeine so with a reluctant heart I went down to route of herbal teas.

Now my past experience was of those fruity teas that taste like a strawberry was dunked in water for 15 seconds. It felt pretty pointless so I moved to Chamomile and found my way. A year later the much calmer person, in fact almost too laid back, felt a little more adventurous and actually enjoy my herbal teas. I discovered Lipton Tea Moroccan Tea which I have managed to get several people hooked on. It tastes Cinnamon, minty sweet and not at all watery like my previous experience. Now drinking one of these feels like a guilty treat....ok not comparable to a marshmallow laden hot chocolate. I have now advanced to fruity green tea and theres no looking back. If you've like to reduce your caffeine would definitely recommend trying the Lipton Moroccan Tea.

Love is a losing Game - Amy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L9-AvjsB6g

Song

This has to be one of my favourite songs and since her tragic death I can't stop singing it in my head. What ever your thoughts are on the late great Amy and her lifestyle I challenge you to listen to this song and not hear the pain, emotion and lost love in her voice. I felt she was truly a great and this song was one of most poignant. Her Back to Black album clearly tells the story of the love she had in her life and how she felt when losing it. She will be sadly missed.

A Model Recommends - Great advice

Website / Twitter / YouTube

www.amodelrecommends.com
twitter - @modelrecommends

Ok she really is a model...and she recommends....
Have followed on twitter for a while now and watch her YouTube posts from time to time. I'm a woman who's a sucker for a recommendation, love those top ten beauty products postings you get. However the reason I love her is that she regularly uses all her products and is in the industry so knows what people use and whats hot. Ruth mainly talks about beauty products (my weak point) but also has make up tutorials, clothing and the odd other "she loves" things.

Every post is from a point of view of this is something I love, try it, rather than a why not buy this I'm getting paid commission standpoint. If you're on twitter recommend this is the best way to follow, then you can dip in and out of the website and Youtube on items that spark your interest.

Instagram - Photos Like a Pro

Website / Application

http://instagr.am/

I'm afraid this post mostly relates to those with Iphones as Instagram is an app, I'm not sure if you can upload piccies online but the pleasure in using this is definately with a smartphone. I download quite a few applications each month and rarely use any of them more than once but this has become a frequent use.

The premise is you take a picture or use one from your archive and using Instagram's selection of filters make your picture look professional. I follow a few people who's pictures of their pint in the pub even looks amazing,...!I was seriously blown away by how great this can make your pictures look, see my picture from the car in Porthmadog. You can then save, upload to facebook, twitter etc.

And best of all its free.

Jo Malone - Those lovely smells

Website / Store

www.jomalone.co.uk

I have experienced the loveliness of both shopping instore and online with Jo Malone. They specialise in unique fragrances with a twist. D&G perfumes this aint! I developed a strong liking for Pomegranate Noir which was, I felt an amazingly heady fragrance with so many warm undertones. My partner however completely disliked it. I think that was because it wasn't an obvious fragrance, who likes obvious....!

Both online and in the store the products arrived in lovely Jo Malone boxes, wrapped in tissue paper, ribboned up. A delight to open. The fragrances are not cheap however they are clearly of great quality, not many perfumes lasted as long on me as these do. Would recommend you visit one of their shops and have a few sniffs, see if you like the smells, if so dive in :).

The Scarlet Hotel - Look at those views

Hotel

www.scarlethotel.co.uk

What a name, doesn't it conjure up a warm, cinnamon smelling chill palace! This luxury Eco friendly hotel shares some of the most amazing views and looks like heaven on earth. Have a look at the gallery and check out the relaxation terrace....!!

The hotel is located in Mawgan Porth in God's country Cornwall. It boasts delicious, unpretentious and local food, yum yum. The owners claim is that this is a dream that they created and cherish, luxurious without costing the planet and it shows.

Makes you want to be a travel writer for a career doesn't it!

Magnolia Bakery - Cupcake heaven

Webite / Book / Shop

www.magnoliabakery.com

Magnolia was made more famous by the SiTC girls (like they ever eat cupcakes...). It is a beautiful little bakery in Greenwich New York that is yumminess personified. Now if you arent lucky enough to go to The Big Apple they do a cookery book meaning you can channel the loveliness in your own home.

Of course cupcakes and lovely cakes are ten a penny now, but original is best i think. Try Amazon for the range of books, pretty reasonable prices, as always on there. Just remember the American cup measurement thing and you'll be Martha Stewarting in no time!

Not on the High Street

Website

www.notonthehighstreet.com

And what a fabulous website this is. Its like shopping in a new town and stumbling across one of those boutique shops that sells pretty silver jewellery, a little Cath Kidson and some unique greeting cards, you know the shop! The principal behind the website is to sell unique gifts from individuals / small companies who don’t currently sell on the high street, clues in the title.

What is gives is a vast choice of really special gifts, at differing price points, that make fantastic presents for a special person or who’s more special than yourself!?

Liberty - THE shop!

Shop

www.liberty.co.uk

Lets just say for one crazy minute you haven't experience Liberty, well why not firstly, secondly what a joy you have when you discover it!

This fabulous shop is located close to Oxford Street, yet what seems hidden from the hustle. Liberty is famous for its prints, silk scarfs are its thing, yet it sells so much more. Personally I love the fresh flower department, stationery (its my obsession) and the beauty hall. Yet there is a lovely bathroom, home, clothes etc etc. section. If you happen to be in London, happen to be in the vicinity, and happen to be curious.... go! The building has a lovely Tudor feel, not actually sure if its genuinely old, but it creaks when you walk up the wooden stairs.

I'm now pleased to announce they sell online, but that doesn't mean I don't plan to visit every time I'm in the big smoke :).

Delilah fine foods - Deli

Shop

www.delilahfinefoods.co.uk

Afraid this one is very specific to my home town of Nottingham. Delilah is the sort of place that you happy to walk past and happen to go in. Its just before you get to the lovely Lace Market area. The first time I went in I had a little browse. The shop is a deli cum sit in diner, for only a very few fortunate people (about 6 seats). I purchase some little biscuits and fortunately a seat became available. It was a Sunday morning and I had a little snack with a coffee, Sunday papers were spread all over the counters.

Very quaint and tasty little place. It has now expanded its seating to the front, sitting on the road is not as appealing to me as the counter seats but any port! I believe they have won a regional deli competition and well deserved, pop in if you're passing.

Tiny Buddha

Website

www.tinybuddha.com

A healthy mind is a pretty good start to a happy and beautiful life I think! I stumbled across this website when looking for inspirational people to follow on twitter. I followed a link and read an rather touching article on how different people cope with and overcome grief.

Since then I have subscribed and relish the daily email sent. I actually save some of the emails as I love their wisdom and inspirational quotes. Such as "Peace of mind is not the absence of conflict from life, but the ability to cope with it" Unknown. Adopt a yoga pose and hmmmmmmm.

Mr and Mrs Smith

Website

http://www.mrandmrssmith.com

The fact is I could spend hours looking at this website, with the benefit of not actually spending any money, now theres a rarity!. This is a travel site that shows all those amazing hotels you'd love to stay in and have a romantic tete a tete in, hence the name.....

It is priced as expected, the hotels are boutique, unique and glamerous. So hence you'll have to save up your pocket money to stay here. For me the pleasure is looking at the amazing pictures and dreaming. One day..... :)

As an aside it now has a smart phone app, so good to have a browse over whilst in the dentist.

Perfume – Story of a Murderer

Film / Book

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0396171/

This film is one of the reasons, and there are many to be honest, why I decided to start the blog. Have to confess it is one of my favourite films and I ashamedly have not read the book, film buff treason I know. I did try to entice a good friend to watch it but she unreservedly couldn't get past the title, despite my pleas. Admittedly she still holds it against me that I made her watch The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

So how can I entice you, if you've not already had the pleasure! For me the story took second place to the atmosphere of the film. From the scenes in cobbled Paris to the "I can almost smell it" scenes in Grasse, this film makes me feel like I've had a short break in the best bits of France (ok I exagerate, no sun tan, no duty free). It spins a real yarn in a fairy tale manner, for me especially the Dustin Hoffman scenes. But there is no doubt this is a gothic dark fairy tale, so please do not expect singing birds a la Disney. But this is truly one of those gems you stumble across from time to time.