Visiting Standen

Arts and Crafts is one of my favourite design movements. This is the reason I was very excited to visit the Standen House (East Grinstead) which was built and designed in this style.

Nature was a great inspiration source to Arts and Crafts motifs. Looking around the house garden I admired so many interesting and colourful plants which could easily fit into a stunning pattern.

Hope you like the photos...

 

 

Mushroom Hunting { Lithuania }

I know that for most people mushroom hunt is a strange business. Going around a forest, spotting and picking mushrooms might be quite an alien thing to do for some :) On one of our walks to the seaside we met some mushroom hunters. Here are some photos of our new acquaintances...

Have you ever been mushroom hunting?

 

My Current Skincare Heros

Its been a while since I shared some of my skincare favourites. So here are things which I use and love at the moment. Please keep in mind I have a combination skin. I try to target oily areas of my face without over-drying my skin. So here goes:

1. Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel - I decided to buy it after some good reviews around this product and I must say I love it. It is an overnight treatment gel which helps to keep my skin clear. It has a Salicylic Acid which means it unplugs pores and helps to prevent future breakouts by reducing access sebum. I apply it at night after I cleansed my face. It works its magic while I sleep and wash it off in the morning. I used it 2 or 3 times a week.

2. CHANEL PURETÉ IDÉALE SÉRUM - Yes, this luxury serum really does the trick. It nicely sinks into my skin leaving it matte and super soft. It is so light but effective. I use it in the morning so it last me a bit longer :)

3. Bioderma - Sebium H2O Cleanser - I use this product to remove my make-up (not eye make-up though). To be totally honest I think I will get back to Bioderma Sensibio as its suitable for the eye make-up removal, but for my combination skin Sebum H2O is a good choice too.

4. Kiehl's - Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado - This cream is rich and creamy which means a tiny bit goes a long way. The texture is enriched with Avocado to gently moisturise the delicate eye area. I mostly use it in the evening or long weekend mornings as it takes a bit of time to absorb but I can see my eye contour area staying firmer and hydrated.

5. Dermalogica Active Moist - I found another product I love from Dermalogica. This is a lightweight moisturiser which hydrates my skin. Although I have a combination skin sometimes it looks dehydrated. I also love the lavender smell of this product. 

Have you tried any of this stuff? Would love you hear about your skincare findings :) x

Summer Break

I had some lovely days in Meloneras, Gran Canaria this July. My mum and I decided to get away from it all and have proper quality time together. We were soaking the sunshine, doing lots of swimming, trying out refreshing cocktails, reading and catching up... What can be more fabulous and relaxing!

I really like islands for our holiday destinations, as they seem so remote and peaceful. There is no continent rush or serious business going on...

Yes, my heart fills with joy when I look at the photos from our summer gateway : )

Click here to see more

My Lavender Craze { Mayfield Lavender }

There is nothing better than an evening walk before going to sleep. Especially on those warm August evenings when the sun is setting and the manic rush of the day is over.

Every year I am waiting for lavender to bloom at Mayfield Lavender Field. It is one of my favourite plants and I simply adore its calming fragrance and purple colour.

This year I decided to enter a photo competition and I would greatly appreciate your comments. Which photo shall I send to the competition?

Have a look at my previous photos from the lavender field here.

Wish me luck xx

 

 

The Summer Breeze { Cannes and Nice }

I was not in a rush to visit Cannes but as one of a traveller book guides said: 'a trip to Cote A'zur cannot be complete without a trip to Cannes'  and I must say this is very true!

I loved Cannes and its sandy beach, strolling down the promenade to Armani Café for afternoon cappuccinos, admiring and walking around the couture shops. But its not just all about the hedonistic lifestyle, Cannes has a beautiful harbour, the bay and old town quarter...

The photos below are from Nice and Cannes :)

Hope you are having a beautiful summer! x

The Taste of Summer { Strawberry Soup }

Cold strawberry soup with mascarpone cream topping is beyond delicious, so refreshing and light! This is one of my favourite desserts at the moment. 

This is how to make 3 portions:

• 400 g of fresh strawberries
•  2 tablespoons lemon juice
•  4 table spoons of sugar
• 100 g of mascarpone cheese
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Take about 10 strawberries and dice them into small cubes. Arrange them into serving glasses. Take the rest of strawberries and put 2 table spoons of sugar, 2 table spoons of lemon juice. Blend everything together with a blender. Pour the strawberry 'soup' into the serving glasses on the top of the diced strawberries. 

For mascarpone cream take 100 g of mascapone cheese, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a splash of milk. Mix everything together to make a cream. Put the cream mix into a piping bag and pipe it on the top of the 'soup'.

Decorate with a half cut strawberry and dive in. This is how the summer tastes!

What is your favourite summer dessert? x

Good Life { Cote D'Azur - France } Part II

I loved our evenings spent at the medieval hilltop village St Paul De Vence. The village is full of artistic charm and calmness in the evenings. We enjoyed our dinners and sunsets... It felt amazing and exciting to realise that once upon a time, Chagall and Picasso enjoyed the same views to the sea.

One of the highlights of our trip was a visit to Villa Ephrussi De Rothschild and its nine themed gardens which are out of this world. I was bowled over by the sweeping views of the Riviera from the villa... have a look at them and tell me what do you think?

{ Click below to see more }

Good Life { Cote D'Azur - France } Part I

Clear azure sea water, floating yachts, bright parasols, white stone narrow streets and pastel roses. This is how I would describe the French Riviera. A sun-soaked playground for many travellers. No wonder that my body and soul got seduced by the regions glorious beauty. I kept falling in love with every breathtaking vista and every evening dinner :)
 
I must say our trip was perfectly timed because busy Monte Carlo Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival were over :) We took our time to enjoy it. The Riviera is all about living a good life after all...

This is the first part of the photos from Haute de Cagnes, Monaco and Cannes beach.

Click here to see more

{ The Chartwell Charm }

A couple of weeks ago we had another beautiful weekend and a marvellous place to visit.

This time we set our foot to Chartwell, the former family house of Sir Winston Churchill. They say he bought this house 'for that view' and believe me what a view! This wonderful setting was to provided Winston Churchill with inspiration and strength for over 40 years. 

Truly inspiring place to go visit :) 

  

The Country Retreat { Polesden Lacey }

Finding and exploring historical places and houses is one of my passions. Polesden Lacey has become one of our favourite places to visit because of it's wonderful Surrey hills surroundings. It is a beautiful Edwardian house and estate built to impress and serve as a country retreat for English royalty and celebrities of its time. 

The house and it's grounds are looked after National Trust now and everyone can get a glance into lavish house interior, Mrs Greville's collection and gardens...

Here are some photos from our last visit on a very sunny Sunday :)