So, I’ve been gluten-free for a while now. Not in a militant ‘not a husk of wheat must pass my lips’ (I have no diagnosed intolerance or allergy that could warrant this totalitarian approach), but saying that, now that I’ve been pretty much gluten free for 4-5 months when I…
A GENIUS Secret Santa gift idea
Ha ha ha. Imagine, you draw your office arch nemesis (everyone has one) in the Christmas party secret santa. Don’t panic, buy this for the perfect passive aggressive present that will convey your distain perfectly. The W Anchor Mug, £5.95, www.prezzybox.com
CF Christmas: my first ever homemade Christmas cake
Gulp. I’ve gone and done it, I’ve written my first Christmas post. This year we are taking over the mantle of hosting the Christmas Day celebrations. As a family, we would rather not spend our first year without Daddy in our family home. Understandably. So, we figured by doing everything…
5 of the best: winter lip balms
I am strongly resisting putting on the central heating as I know it is the beginning of the end for my skin, lips and hair on the hydration front. But it’s not all doom and gloom, it gives me the perfect excuse to start purchasing an array of lip butters…
CF Beauty: DIY Rosehip facial oil
This has been on my ‘DIY beauty’ wish list for a while now. A home-made anti-ageing rosehip facial oil. As a huge fan of Trilogy’s nourishing elixir and subsequently Boots’ Botanicals range budget version, rosehip oil is my ‘go-to’ booster for adding a bit of ‘oomph’ for winter skincare. And…
Off on a Countryfille adventure: foraging in Somerset and a city break in Bristol
How amazing are these cobwebs, heavy with dew against the autumn berries? This was our front garden at 6.30am this morning. I’m off on my own solo adventure for the next few days, today I’ll be working in Bristol, then come 5pm, I’ll be checking in at The Bristol Hotel…
CF Recipe: Sausage, leeks and cream – one-pot wonder
Full disclaimer: I have no idea where I learnt this recipe, but I am 110% sure that it is not something I made up myself. I remember reading it and thinking 1/ YUM! 2/ god that looks easy. Basically the two credentials for any mid-week supper in our household. You…
Autumnal cleansing: L’Oreal Skin Perfection range and Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm
So, other than the big wardrobe update, my beauty cabinet has undergone a bit of an overhaul with the change in season, too. It’s a bit of a L’oreal love-in this season. Specifically their Skin Perfection range. I’m not sure if it’s turning 30, but this season I am being…
Downton Abbey Series 4 – RIP Cousin Matthew, we’ll miss you
So, Downton Abbey’s series 4 is going to start in precisely one hour. I have had rather a red wine fuelled girly weekend with my best friend and I’m currently sat, curled up on the sofa, straight out of the bath (Dr. Hauschka Spruce bath oil – the only cure…
CF Gadgets: iDrated app – hydration tracker
So, for the last couple of weeks I’ve been trialling a few health apps for a new project I’m editing (sorry to be mysterious, I will spill the beans shortly) and I wanted to share with you this week a few of my favourites that have made a real difference…
CF Design: polar bear magazine rack, Ben de Lisi for Debhenhams
This little chap has come to live with us, to tidy up Country Bebe’s library of books that seems to find themselves everywhere – under the sofa, in his cot, in my wardrobe – isn’t he cute? He’s part of the ‘designers at Debenhams’ range, specifically from Ben de Lisi.…
Snapshot: The living room – UPDATED
I did a ‘snapshot’ post on the (slow) progress of our house renovations a few months ago, namely the amazing Charnwood woodburner and the living space. In the last few days we have started using the stove in the evenings and without a doubt, it is the best investment we…