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Tuesday 28 February 2017

A weekend retreat at River Reach

I hate this time of year. It's generally cold, grey, dark and miserable. Post Christmas I need something to pep me up and to look forward to so with that in mind, my friends and I decided a weekend getaway was in order. 


Last year four of us went away (which you can read about here) but we doubled our numbers to eight this time round and came across this stunning property close to the famous Stratford Upon Avon. Just a few miles from Stratford in the quaint village of Alveston and equipped with a village pub a stones throw away, this was the perfect weekend retreat for eight people.


Inside, boasted beautiful bright open spaces with tasteful country decor. Each of the social areas of the house, seated all eight of us and two dogs very comfortably.





Three of the four large bedrooms had their own en suite bathroom, with the master bedroom housing a free standing bath. Naturally I nabbed this room as I'm a human fish and with that got the stunning view over the river and a very extensive dressing room/walk in wardrobe which I didn't utilise anywhere near enough as it deserved!





The adjacent river made for spectacular views and the perfect fishing spot if it took anyone's fancy.



River Reach, Alveston Review

River Reach, Alveston Review
Photo by Phil Hepworth

Our first night at the house consisted of lots of food and plenty of alcohol (naturally), with the log fire being put to good use as well as the board games supplied by the owners too. Chris got to work with a hearty feast of mac n cheese with chorizo which left us all suitably stuffed and satisfied!

Photo by Phil Hepworth


We certainly found some time for tea and wine that first night which left some of us a little sleepy, particularly our four legged friends...


River Reach, Alveston Review

The next morning Chris and I had chance to take in the stunning bedroom view and Harry was rather taken with it too!



After a suitably hearty fry up, we all went for a wander with the dogs and found a welcoming pub for lunch before rambling back to the fort to watch the rugby.


As I'm not the biggest fan of rugby out of the group, I felt this was the perfect time to take full advantage of the free standing bath which I did with the help of prosecco and a bath bomb! Absolute bliss.


Finally for our last night we did what we all do best which is eat, drink and sing very very badly to our favourite songs.


River Reach, Alveston Review


I loved this weekend away and really needed it to let off steam and relax. My only complaint is we didn't stay another night like we did the year before but thats something we can change for next years trip!

I also did a bit of vlogging over the weekend too which you can watch below:



Have you stayed anywhere nice of late? I'd love to hear your recommendations and preferably dog friendly places too!


Tuesday 14 February 2017

Valentine's at The Brampton Mill*

It's that day again where we declare our undying love for one another and woo our other half. Cards are purchased, presents too and bottles of bubbly are popped open. This year I decided to go out for dinner with Chris to one of our favourite restaurants- The Brampton Mill.

The Brampton Mill

Tucked away between Huntingdon and Brampton, this beautiful old Mill is set on the River Ouse. The building itself boasts tasteful decor- set out over three levels, with plenty of cosy nooks to dine and drink in and the water wheel being viewed in motion from the bar area and level two of the dining area.

The Brampton Mill

The Brampton Mill

The Brampton Mill

The Brampton Mill

The Brampton Mill

The Brampton Mill

The Brampton Mill

The bar itself was instantly welcoming with the cosy log fire crackling and a vast array of beverages to choose from. Chris' favourite beer St Stefanus was an instant pick for him and I opted for rose bubbly- the perfect treat for a Valentines date night.

The Brampton Mill

Our table was set on the third floor which is probably my favourite of all the dining areas with the high beamed ceilings and rustic decor. The low lighting in the room made for a lovely romantic setting and atmosphere for our date night. Now onto the important stuff- the food! Queue all the foodie pics which will make you drool...

The Brampton Mill

The Valentine's menu consisted of three delicious courses to choose from. I started with the Chicken Liver, Sherry and Balsamic Parfait with Crostini. This was delicious with the crostini being fresh and crisp with the cucumber balls being a refreshing accompaniment to the rich pate.

The Brampton Mill

The Brampton Mill

Chris chose the Fiocco Di Culatello Cured Ham with burrata mozzarella dressed in extra virgin olive oil. Both dishes were presented beautifully as always at the Brampton Mill and were greatly enjoyed, making us excited for what the next course had to offer.

The Brampton Mill

The main course didn't disappoint for either of us. Again it came looking scrumptious and appetising, Chris choosing the pan-roasted lamb rump accompanied by asparagus, chorizo, fondant potato, baby onions and minted red wine jus.

The Brampton Mill

I had chicken on the brain and had chosen the corn-fed chicken supreme which came stuffed with 'nduja sausage, seasonal greens, cashew pesto and heritage potatoes. Choosing chicken for two courses could have been a mistake but definitely not. This dish had a total different taste with the fresh greens and succulent chicken. The potatoes were to die for and melted in the mouth and the mix of the sausage stuffing and cashew pesto made for an interesting and incredibly delicious dish.

The Brampton Mill

We were feeling suitably stuffed at this point but then we saw the desserts and well...what's a three course Valentine's meal without a dessert!? Instantly the Melting Golden Chocolate Bomb stood out to both of us and naturally we both ordered it. My shot doesn't do anywhere near enough justice to it but this Heston Blumenthal style dessert came out as a ball of golden chocolate with caramel ice cream inside. The waiter poured hot Devon cream toffee sauce(!!) over the top which revealed the ice cream and made for a seriously melty dessert heaven. To top if off the dish was generously sprinkled with chocolate popping candy which made the whole thing even more fun and delicious. Both Chris and I were giggling away and thought this would be the perfect dessert to break the ice on a first date.

The Brampton Mill

After the dessert we really were well and truly stuffed and adjourned to the bar for after dinner drinks and discuss how good our date dinner had been. Each time we go to The Brampton Mill we are never disappointed with the food and the service, making for many happy memories.

Now if you're still looking to do something for Valentine's but didn't fancy a manic restaurant tonight, this menu is available until Friday 17th February. The set menu includes three courses and a glass of prosecco for £29.95 pp. I would highly recommend going but if you can't make this week their normal menu is just as delicious and there are plenty of upcoming reasons to go- one being Mother's Day next month!

I hope you're all having a lovely Valentine's Day whatever you're doing.


Sunday 5 February 2017

Date Night make-up with M∙A∙C*


The ultimate date night is almost upon us- Valentine's Day. Whether you love it or loathe it, in a weeks time it'll be here and I personally like to embrace it. Give me any excuse to get my glad rags on and look pretty for dinner and I'm there but this year I decided to seek the professional help of M∙A∙C to get my make-up date night ready.


At the tail end of last year, M∙A∙C opened a store in Queensgate to many Peterborough women's delight, making it easy to swatch new shades and get expert make-up advice including appointments.


 I opted for an appointment with one of the team to have a full makeup look from lips to lashes, applied by a M∙A∙C Artist in 60 minutes. My make-up artist was the fabulous Jordan who instantly made me feel relaxed and excited to get started.


We started off by talking through the look I was going for before moving on to my skin type and colours and shades I liked. I requested a romantic make-up that was big on the eyes with a light flawless base.




Jordan set to work with finding different palettes and shades for me to try and with her array of brushes, tools and knowledge, she started creating my look.


After skincare was applied, we started with the brows and eyes- something I would never normally do but as Jordan explained, any fall out from the eye shadow etc can be easily cleaned away before putting on your base, making it less messy. It also gives your skincare time to sink in and really work it's magic.



So that I could learn the tips and tricks Jordan was doing, she had me do the opposite side of what she had done, giving pointers where I needed them, I must admit I felt pretty nervous having a professional watch me stab at my face with brushes but Jordan was brilliant, encouraging me and praising me for the areas I did well.


To finish the look, I couldn't resist some lashes as lets be honest, they're kind of perfect to flutter at your date am I right!? I went for the 36 lash to add length and fullness but still look a little more natural.

Before I knew it my 60 minute makeup was over but luckily it included a face chart to help you recreate it at home and listed the products used so I can purchase them at a later date. I also got some samples to take away and try before I buy (which is tempting fate as I've already begun to ear mark what to get from my next pay cheque!)

And this is the finished look! Queue posing photos in 3, 2, 1...




Teamed with heart print dress, I'm ready to be wined and dined by my loved one this Valentine's Day feeling super pretty and feminine with my new found look.


P.S A big thank you to Jordan for making me feel pretty and to hubby Chris for being my photographer!

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