Gifts For Him | Christmas

I don't know what it is about guys (well maybe it's just mine) but I really struggle to find gifts. I always feel like I'm doing the same old thing & unless you know something with a high ticket value that they definitely want, then it's impossible.

Hand & Flowers | Food

Eating out is a great hobby of my husband & I. We love exploring new places, new foods & spending our time eating out but this can sometimes come with a hefty price tag.
We have been waiting to be able to visit Tom Kerridge's 'The Hand & Flowers' for a while now & so I was pleasantly surprised to find that a part of my birthday present this year was for us to take that trip.
We were booked in on a Sunday which only meant one thing. A Sunday roast. Actually, the BEST Sunday roast.
Having scoured the menu as soon as I'd been seated, I decided to have the salt baked swede & haggis tart with crispy lamb & "chantilly de chèvre"

The Big Day | Hair & Makeup

I think deciding on my hair & makeup had to be one of the hardest decisions I made. I wanted to look flawless & natural but also wanted to have a slightly smokey eye. When it came to my hair I had decided on a neat but boho hair look. So you can imagine the trouble I had...

September Favourites

Seeing as I've recently moved into our very first home together, this months favourites have managed to become fairly homeware based. I mean, it was bound to happen at some point with all the wish lists & that!
1. The White Company Diffuser

As we've been doing our house up, it really smelt of plaster, paint, gloss etc etc. Whilst we were away for Stephen's birthday in Bath, we nipped into The White Company & just happened to leave with this divine fresh fig diffuser which I can't get enough of. I'm already dreading the day the scent dies out.

The Treat Kitchen | Review

This week, I was lucky enough to receive a delicious looking parcel in the form of sweets. Now, if there's one thing I like to review, it's definitely food. All kinds. So this was right up my street!

OOTD | Exploring Bath

Continuing my love of denim, I opted for these comfy beauties for strolling round the streets of Bath. They're the perfect accompaniment whether it be sunny or cloudy. Paired with some Ray Bans & my super soft Paul Smith top, I was all set to go.

Something Special

A few weeks back, I received an email from a company called Invaluable asking if I'd be willing to share my story on my most prized jewellery. Usually, I'd file this kind of thing away & forget about it but for some reason it really got me thinking.
I'm not your typical girl who can't leave the house without any jewellery on. It's the last thing I think about & quite often tend to forget. Since I've been engaged, I've gotten even worse & sometimes I can go for months upon end without even opening my jewellery box.
Having said that, there is definitely one piece in there which stands out to me & really means a lot. 

Travel | Torrevieja

Spain is one of those places that I always tend to visit when I'm looking for a relaxing but inexpensive holiday. It has everything to offer; sunshine, sea & great food.

A few weeks back, I took a week's break with my girl friends to Torrevieja in the South of Spain & my goodness did I do nothing but relax!

Penta Hotel Launch Party

Last week, I was lucky enough to be invited to a launch party in Derby for Penta Hotels. To be honest, I'd never heard of this hotel chain before so was a little sceptical as to what it would be like. I did some research & discovered that it's actually a worldwide hotel chain with hotels in places all the way from China & Belgium to Birmingham & Warrington.

Not wanting to be a loner all night, I took fellow blogger Sarah from Seriously Shallow which definitely helped with my nerves & meant that we could have a good old chat & giggle!

The hotel chain itself claims to be a new generation of hotels. They provide a relaxed & informal atmosphere & have a very rustic interior design. Each of their hotels has a "lifestyle lobby" which is multi-functional being a reception, bar, cafe & a place to relax.

Fabulous Five | Blogger Style

Recently, I found myself looking through posts from last year when I first started my blog & I came across one I did about my top 10 favourite bloggers.
A year on, I thought it'd be interesting to do this post again...
(only this time with 5 extra special recommendations)
1. The Londoner I love everything about The Londoner's blog. She seems down to earth, offers expert advice & lives the high life! Oh what we all dream of! I can't say that there's a style of post I prefer as I love them all whether it be food, travel or style! Definitely worth a visit!!
2. Ivory Lane I absolutely love Emily's blog. Her style is classically perfect & makes me want to buy everything! If you're looking for some style envy or should I say style inspiration then this is the place to go.
3. Classy Girls Wear Pearls Another style icon of mine. Sarah's style is quite different to the two bloggers above but I love it just the same. Her adventures are also definitely something to admire & aspire to.
4. The Little Magpie This blog is a fairly new discovery of mine but I've quickly fallen in love with her style posts above all. Her instagram is also to die for! A classic styler with some edge.
5. Oh January Another new blog for me to read & another new favourite. I love how she covers such a wide variety of topics & keeps me thoroughly entertained.
Make sure you go over, give them some love & check out last year's favourites here!

Thanks xx

March Favourites

How quick has a year flown by since I started up my dainty blog?! Here we go again with another favourites!
1. Double Denim

I've always been a fan of double denim but only find I can pull it off with my white jeans. Now that the sun has decided to come out, I can double denim all I like!

LFW Wish List

I'm not usually one to follow the trends via London Fashion Week but this year, there was so much going on it was hard to miss.
Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely not "cool" enough nor do I have the cash to buy these items so I've found some high street alternatives to fall in love with.

January Favourites

Oh em gee! How is it already the second month in 2015? This year is going to fly!
Anyway, here are my January favourites!

1. Philosophy Shower Gel 

Review | Bobbi Brown Tinted Eye Brightener

I've never been much of a fan of these tinted eye brighteners. I always find that they don't give me the coverage that I want & claim to be better than they are.
My sister bought this product a while back & I didn't really think much of it. She said I should give it a try, I did & was instantly hooked. I was so surprised how much it brightened my eyes & it also gave me a better coverage than other products I'd previously used.

Christmas | Merry Mince Pies

I just love all things festive which of course includes making some homemade mince pies.
I decided to make own this year from scratch & thought I'd share my pictures with you!

Guest Blog | The Battle To Balance

Let me introduce myself, my name is Aj and I am a 42 year old wife and mother of one gorgeous little boy. I work full time in a stressful role and have taken fingers to keyboard to try and share some of my wisdom in all matters of Lifestyle and Beauty. Recently I have set up my own blog fortyfiedbeauty.com for this very purpose.  I would like to take this opportunity like to thank Dainty Bride for generously permitting me to write a guest blog to her readers, I hope that you all enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it. 

Thank You.

Guest Blog Post | Stocking Surprises

Hey ladies {and gents!} It's Chelsea from East Willow Grove and Charlie has graciously let me guest post today, wahoo! While you will find my blog loaded with mommy and kids chatter you will also find beauty, lifestyle and now bridal tidbits as well! I'm a makeup hoarder lover and nail polish addict and recently newly engaged so I'm trying to plan our wedding while raising two little boys and working full-time {woof!} I also weekly vlog over on my YouTube channel, so pop on over and say hi!

The Holiday Of Your Dreams

The Honeymoon.

October Favourites

The leaves have fallen & it's starting to get crisp outside. Here are my October favourites.

1. Dressing gown

It's got to that time of year when I really appreciate my dressing gown. Putting that soft & fluffy coat on every morning is a joy! I do miss it during the summer so as soon as it hit October, I whacked it out again!

2. Foundationless

Back in the day I wouldn't have been caught dead outside my house without a full face of foundation. This month I've loved having a break from it. I got to a point over summer where I felt like my face was just full of makeup so I decided to take a break & only use a bit of concealer to cover any blemishes. 

May Favourites

I can't believe that we're already in June! How fast is this year going? Ridiculous.

Anyways, seeing as I really enjoyed doing an April favourites, I thought that I would make this a monthly post for you :)

1. Abercrombie & Fitch White Shorts

I bought these shorts last year in Amsterdam but I've recently found a new love for them! They're perfect for lounging around in now that the weather is getting a bit better & it's becoming slightly warmer. They go with anything so I can match any top with them & I can also wear them to the gym if I really want!

2. Vegetable Bake

Whenever I have a day off work in the week & I want a healthier lunch option I make a vegetable bake! I love it so much. I literally raid the fridge & select as many vegetables as I can find, chop them all up, add some tuna or chicken, chopped tomatoes & put a small bit of cheddar cheese on top :) delish!

3. MAC Liquid Eyeliner

I have a love/hate relationship with this eyeliner. I'm the kind of person who'd love to be able to create the perfect flick but it's never going to happen :( I love creating a cat eye but most of the time I get really annoyed at myself when trying to do one. This eyeliner has been really good lately & I forgot how easy it was to use :)

4. Victoria Secret Spray

My friends Viki & Mel bought me a spray for my last birthday which I absolutely love! I thought i'd lost it until I recently found it again it the back of a drawer & have been using it every day since. It really reminds me of summer & smells so fruity!

5. Kindle

I feel like this post is one of those where I haven't necessarily bought new things but I've rediscovered old products! My kindle is another one of those. I always have it by my bed but I'm always too distracted on YouTube or my blog to read but since the weather has been a bit nicer, I've been sitting in the garden & catching up on some reading :)

6. Mulberry Handbag

This was a present from my fiancé for my 21st birthday & I absolutely adore it! So much so, that I never used to wear it because I was scared of getting it dirty or ruined. I am now obsessed & it is my most worn bag :) I love the long strap which makes me feel like I can dress it down for the day or use the smaller strap for an evening handbag. (Thanks fiancé :) x)

7. Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm

Finally, a new product!! I have been absolutely LOVING this during May :) my skin went a bit mental in April for some reason which I think was due to the anaesthetic I had during an operation so I was in desperate need of some skin repair. This has definitely done the trick! It feels so luxurious on my skin &  leaves it feeling beautifully re-hydrated. 

8. MAC Bronzer

I love this bronzer. I must have had it for about 5 years, no joke! Probably shouldn't admit that but ah well. I went off it because it's quite shimmery & I went through at matt contour stage but I've recently rediscovered this & am loving using it to create a summery look.

9. Topshop Necklace

This necklace is so versatile its amazing! I've worn it to work, on a night out, to a fancy restaurant & just on a standard day. It goes with so many of my clothes but can also dress up an outfit really nicely. 

10. Primark Flannels

These have become a necessity in my skincare routine. I have about 12 flannels as I use one a day so that means a lot of flannel washing but it's definitely worth it. They're so cheap but are also soft as well :) I used to use the Liz Earle muslin cloths but I felt like after a few washes they lost the umph they first had so I decided to switch to flannels.

Thank you for reading

Love,

Dainty Bride xx



(Pictures on this blog post are property of DaintyBride unless stated otherwise with an asterisk *. Any images marked with an asterisk * are sourced from the internet & are believed to be public domain & have no rights affiliated with DaintyBride)