Claridge's - Afternoon Tea

A few years ago my mum and I popped into Harrods and it was here we experienced our first ever Afternoon Tea. Of course, since then I have had the urge to visit other London establishments which serve Afternoon Tea. The lovely Bettina over at BeautySwot is the Queen of Afternoon Teas; if you want an honest review, then she is the lady to ask or simply read her reviews. It was in fact one of her blog posts where my eyes were drawn to Claridge's; I don't know why but there was just something about it. Towards the end of 2012/start of the new year BBC Two did a short series of 'Inside Claridge's' which instantly made me think ''Yep, I have to go there''. I didn't even finish watching the first episode before I quickly jumped onto my laptop and reserved a table for my mum and I to visit Claridge's in the summer. The day eventually came last week (Tuesday 11th June) and we both had an absolute blast. This blog post I thought I would review my time at Claridge's, showcasing a few snaps (albeit there aren't many as I was too busy eating!) . .

As I said previously, I booked the table for my mum and I back in Dec/Jan, as bookings at that time required a 3/4month advance booking! I thought ''SHEESH, it must be incredibly popular if booking is required for so far in advance''. Anyway I thought nothing more of it until last week whereby I was given a courtesy call to double check I was still coming. Mum and I 'toodled' off to London Tuesday morning, arriving mid morning. This gave us the chance to have a breather, catch up with my Aunty before making our way to Claridge's. We got to Claridge's well before our allocated time of 3pm, but we still went inside anyway hoping that we'd be able to have a rest and chill-out before our table was ready. The minute you enter Claridge's, customer service is just out of this world; absolutely brilliant. The Gentleman who greeted my mum and I on the door welcomed us with the biggest smile ever before saying ''Have a wonderful afternoon ladies''. Entering the revolving doors and pushing with much force we were greeted to thee most grand entrance of a hotel I have ever seen. The marble floor just gleamed brightly, the fixtures, the architecture, the ambiance just everything was absolutely phenomenal. We were greeted by numerous people who were so welcoming before we made our way to the desk in the Foyer to check in for our afternoon tea. The lady was so so friendly; she explained that we're slightly early (which is fair enough), but we were allowed to explore the premises, use facilities whilst we waited for our 3pm afternoon tea slot.

 

Of course me being me I couldn't help my self but explore; first stop was the Ladies toilet which you can see from my picture was just amazing. The maid in the background was very friendly and helpful. I then decided to go on a little walk upstairs which just seemed to go on and on and on. A little exhausted from making my way to Claridges and having a little look around, I decided to take a seat in the lobby and wait until it was our time to be seated.

We were seated just after 3pm near the entrance which both my mum and I found very cold. We politely asked if we could be moved and our request was granted. The section we were based in was very quiet, with 4 gentlemen who were extremely attentive and friendly. We were greeted by a lovely young lad, who was so adorable; very charming and very knowledgeable. He looked after us so so well. We were given a menu which consisted of over 40 teas from across the world; I chose Bolero (infused with summer fruits) and my mum had Earl Grey with Lavender. Sounds odd but she informed me that it was very nice. After our teas arrived we were given a short talk about what the sandwiches for that day contained. The young lad also checked if any of us any dietary requirements which I thought was really good. Shortly after we were presented with a plate of gorgeous sandwiches which don't look a lot but they were incredibly filling. We were offered a top up of sandwiches to which we declined as quite frankly we were stuffed. Sipping our teas and waiting for the sweets/pastries to arrive I spotted a Hollywood star sat quietly in the corner; Sandra Bullock! I almost choked on my tea! My mum noticed the expression on my face and said ''What's wrong?'' I said who I just spotted, and she too was left gobsmacked. I was keeping my eyes peeled for well known faces at Claridge's but I honestly did not think I'd see Sandra Bullock, who looked amazing I should add. Anyway following our little moment of celeb spotting, arrived the next course which I have to say was to die for. Everything was so light, fresh and tasted absolutely divine. In fact I was so full I couldn't stomach eating anything else and kindly asked if I could take the rest of my pastries home which was no problem whatsoever.

 

All in all both my mum and I had a wonderful afternoon at Claridge's, and if given the chance I would most definitely go again. Afternoon Tea for 2 costs £45 per person, plus 12.5% discretionary charge. Yes, it's sounds awfully expensive for a few sandwiches, tea, and cakes but you pay for such much more and I can see why. It's definitely worth the money.

Hope you have enjoyed this blog post.

Have you ever had Afternoon Tea?

VICHY Aqualia Thermal Lévres - Lips

. . . .And so my lipbalm addiction continues! I honestly do not know what is wrong with me and my addiction to lip balms but the minute my eyes see one I have to own it! Anyway ever been online and wondered ''Wouldn't it be fab if there was a website that sold loads of well known brands but also acted like an online chemist?'' Well fear not as I may have found that website.

''Chemistdirect.co.uk is Europe’s leading online chemist, providing over 20,000 health and beauty products and prescription medicines online at the lowest guaranteed price - with the highest pharmaceutical standards. The aim is to supply cheaper products to everybody who has access to the internet and deliver those products to their door within 24 hours. Through harnessing the power of the internet and supplying you directly, this website will save up to 90% off the cost of many well known products found in your local chemist''. 

(Chemistdirect.co.uk. 2013) 

Having had a good browse around the website, I spotted some great brands at competitive prices. There was one brand however that caught my attention due to constant talk and blog posts from bloggers, and that's Vichy. I have seen this brand from time to time in Boots, but I never really took much notice of it as I thought ''It's high-end, and it probably wouldn't agree with my skin type''. However curiousity got the better of me and I thought I would try at least one product to see what all the fuss is about. Although what I have chosen to trial is not skin (face) care base, I thought I would start small and try the lip balm (might as well seeing as I have a weird obsession!)

'' . . Repairs and soothes damaged lips''

First impressions of the product it is the standard looking lip balm. The use of colours (white/blue) are eye catching, with easy to read font. The lid easily comes off with the bottom part (blue) being the mechanism that twists the lip balm out. The lip balm itself is white in colour, with a slight sweet but not overpowering scent. The product is smooth and glides on nicely to the lips. The brand claims that this lip balm is moistursing, soothing and nourishing, and I am inclined to agree. I found it very pleasant to use; I haven't found myself reapplying within minutes of applying which is great, and it has great staying power on the lips. I tend to suffer with dry lips quite frequent when the weather gets a little cold or if I'm a little under the weather. But this product I think is great at combating dry, sore lips.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Lévres Lipbalm* is currently £3.99 at Chemist Direct.

Are you a fan of Vichy products?

Brantano - shoes, shoes, shoes . . .

Ever been shoe shopping and thought ''Wouldn't it be nice to have lots of name brand shoes under one roof?'' Well in case you didn't already know Brantano does exactly that. I remember my mum dragging my brother and I into this shop just before the new school term, trying to find a pair of school shoes. (I think many parents had the same idea as the store was always heaving with screaming children not wanting their feet measured). Without fail though my brother and I always came away with a fabulous sparkly new pair of leather shoes for school. Even til this very day I still pay Brantano a visit as the store just has rows and rows of women's shoes fit for every occasion. One thing Brantano tends to offer its customers is good value for money, as 9 times out of 10 the shoes will be a fraction cheaper than the highstreet. And not only that you will find a lot of well known brands hidden away in this store, such as Hush Puppies, Clarks, Kickers, Sketchers, and many more.

Although many people perhaps may not consider venturing to a Brantano store assuming not much is there, you may well be surprised to see just how much is available in these stores.

Have you ever shopped in Brantano?

Get set . .GO . . .Ascot Ladies Day . . .

So that time of year again is fast approaching . . yep you've guessed it Royal Ascot. For those of you who aren't familiar with what Royal Ascot is, quite simply it's a 5 day horse racing event, held at the prestigious Ascot racecourse in Berkshire, UK. What makes it that more special is the 5 day event is attended everyday by the Royal family. This event is well attended each year with many travelling from across the globe to attend Ascot (I won't even try to guess how many people as I simply do not know). Of course, with attending such an event with the Royal family on the premises there is a stringent dress code that must be adhered to otherwise no entry! Therefore it is a must to ensure your outfit is suitable and appropriate for the day. The Gents attire is pretty simple to piece together; smart suit and they're sorted. However for us ladies, it can often become a chore/stress finding the right outfit. I thought I'd do a blog post on outfits/ideas for Ascot, as sometimes it can often leave many of us struggling for ideas as to what to wear.

 
1. Comptoir Des Contonniers Leather Clutch £125.00

With the selected dress, I specifically chose a clutch handbag to match. I thought choosing this type of handbag makes a statement with the outfit. It is big enough to fit the 'woman' everyday essentials, yet still remains classy and not too over the top. The silver trim on the outer part of the handbag gives the handbag a bit of detailing without being too much. And the loop allows you to carry it on your wrist should you become fed up of it being under your hand/in your hand(s).

2. Christian Louboutin Filo Patent Leather £510

To match the selected handbag I chose a pair of nude patent courts, and of course every girls dream Christian Louboutin. I was unsure whether or not peep toe shoes would be suitable (which I suppose you could wear with this outfit if you wanted to), but I felt the courts were more suited to the dress. I felt this style of shoe would elongate the leg, and hide your toes if you hate your own feet.

3. Amy Childs 'Millie' Dress £65.00

I love bright, statement colours. Ascot is in the summer time where many tend to embrace the bright vibrant colours in their outfits. I chose the 'Millie' dress from Amy Childs collection as I felt this just oozed summer. To some this may be a little too bright and perhaps not suitable but I just think it's a gorgeous statement colour that is bound to catch the attention of many.

4. Crislu Pearl Nouveau Short Drop Earrings £48.00

Of course a lady can't go without a fab pair of earrings. I think I have some sort of obsession with pearls as I just find them so classic and classy. Depending on what your outfit is 9 times outta 10, they will go with just about anything. The pair selected here caught my attention purely because of the pearls but also the little diamantes which just finish the earrings off beautifully.

5. Fascinator £5.99
The fascinator accessory isn't for everyone, but I feel having one with this outfit just finishes it off beautifully. Putting the hair up into a low bun, placing it on the side of your head, with this fascinator put in simply finishes off the look.

One thing I forgot to add to this collage was either a nude pashmina/jacket. The racecourse at times can get quite 'nippy' so it's definitely a good idea to take something to cover your arms/shoulders.

Below are a few more dresses I came across whilst having a browse online.

 Next
Lipsy
ASOS
Chi Chi Clothing
Missguided
AX Paris

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As of last year Ascot have now become very strict on dress code. It was felt that the standards were slipping and it no longer reflected how Ascot use to be many moons ago. Those who attend and are based primarily in the Royal Enclosure will find that they are not permitted to wear the following anymore:

• Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted.
• Midriffs must be covered.
• Fascinators are no longer permitted; neither are headpieces which do not have a base covering a sufficient area of the head (4 inches / 10cm).

Those who attend and are primarily based in the Grandstand are not permitted to wear the following:

• A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times.
• Strapless or sheer strap dresses and tops are not permitted.
• Trousers must be full length and worn with a top that adheres to the guidelines above (i.e. strapless or sheer strap tops are not permitted).
  
• Jackets and pashminas may be worn but dresses and tops underneath should still comply with the Grandstand Admission dress code.
• Midriffs must be covered.
• Shorts are not permitted.

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 I attended Ascot a few years ago with my family and close family friends, and we had an amazing day. We went on Ladies Day, and as you can imagine the place was heaving with cackling ladies lol We were very lucky in that we had a glorious hot sunny day, which made such a difference to the whole day. We had no winners on the horses (boo) but it was still a lovely day. I will say this now though - it's not cheap (drinks/food/tickets/car park) but it's definitely a great day out :).

Hope you've enjoyed this blog post.

www.ascot.co.uk

PS: This is not a sponsored post, just getting into the Ascot mood (even if I am not going, and working allday next week instead - boo lol)