A gentle breeze rustles across the field, bringing with it the drowsy scent of lavender. For a minute, I can pretend I’m in a remote farm in Provence, but the chatter amongst tourists reminds me that I’m still in London – Mayfield Lavender Farm to be exact. Some may claim that it’s not London at all, but when you live outside the M25 you know what the real suburbia looks and feels like. As I…

I’ve always thought that National Trust memberships were for older people. Now at 31, I don’t consider myself ‘old’ just yet but as James and I entered the gates of Ham House at the weekend, we seriously considered signing up on the spot. With an entry fee of £10.80 each versus a monthly direct debit of £9.00 between us that covers access to 100s of places, the numbers certainly add up. Yet, what appeals to…

After being taken down by the flu this last week, the beginning of January seems like a long time ago. (Doesn’t the month drag its heels!) Whilst I don’t love January, I actually don’t mind the down time too much as it usually means I feel less guilty about staying in to keep cosy, I’m more motivated to do life admin and my wages go further than they usually do (I get paid mid month,…

You can never make too many visits to Kew Gardens and I’d even say it’s a must-visit if you’re spending a week in the capital. Its 300 acre patch on the banks of the Thames is enough to keep you coming back again and again. But, as I’ve said before, it’s the changing seasons that will have you captivated each time. Originally the gardens to Kew Palace, started by the same man that created Chelsea…

I’ve been engrossed in some real #firstworldproblems recently so sorry for the blog silence of late. The effort of not doing my usual pre-holiday panic of getting myself sorted just days before flying has just felt a bit consuming at times. Then there’s working out the craziest year yet for events and weddings, where I’m managing the fine art of being calendar controller, hotel booker and finance magician all at the same time. Not to…