Happy Friday everyone! Hope you’re looking forward to the weekend (3 days in the UK thanks to the Bank Holiday!) – do you have anything fun lined up? I’m off to wedding #2 tomorrow, this time in the very grand surroundings of Hampton Court Palace… a bit of a change from the Yorkshire farm of last weekend, which was amazing in itself. Really looking forward to seeing friends and re-living uni days. Although better behaved, of course, it being a royal palace and everything.
Today I have a little end of the week treat for you. Who doesn’t like to unwind after a hard week of work with a well-deserved cocktail during Happy Hour. That wasn’t a question. I’ve been noticing that cupcakes are becoming ever more creative, encompassing every flavour under the sun, thanks to my friend Pinterest. So next time you have friends over, how about coordinating cocktails and cupcakes, and being forever known as the ‘Hostess with the Mostess’. I just dribbled on my keyboard a little bit.

{Recipes: Skinny Margarita & Margarita cupcakes}

{Recipes: Spiked Blueberry Lemonade & blueberry cupcakes}

{Recipes: Peach Sangria & peach cupcakes}

{Recipes: Smores Martini & marshmallow cupcakes}

{Recipes: Grapefruit Mojito & grapefruit cupcakes}
Diane Kruger, how on earth do you do it? On anyone else the sequins, feathers and embroidered details on this Prabal Gurung creation would equal a big old mess, but of course Kruger pulls it off with aplomb. I love that word, ‘aplomb’. Anyway, she doesn’t even try! Minimal effort, immaculate result… look and learn, ladies. For my room of the week, I do like a bit of monochrome preppiness and since this living room comes complete with Hermès blanket (as lusted after here), no other contender came close:

{images via prphotos & pinterest}
I hope you have a lovely weekend whatever you’re doing and wherever you may be…

Since today has been the epitome of the truly lackluster summer we’ve had in the UK, I thought it called for a splash of colour. Enter interior designer Anna Spiro. Anna runs the interior design store Black & Spiro in Brisbane, Australia, and it’s a riot of bright hues and sumptuous fabrics. In short, it’s a little piece of sunshine (something that Aussies know a thing or two about). Her shop and room designs are filled with unique pieces from around the globe, with ikat, chevrons and florals mixed together to create a busy but not overwhelming effect. And piles of coffee table books and gallery walls are always a winner with me. Anna’s bio states that she hopes she, “can inspire you to live a bright and colourful life surrounded by the things you love.” As grey clouds reside over London, I couldn’t agree more.

{images via Absolutely Beautiful Things}

I wonder if in years to come we’ll look back at panelled walls and wince in the same way that we do when we see paper borders now. I hope not, as to me they’re a timeless way of decorating your walls and giving your house an elegance that you see in Jane Austen-esque homes. Whether the panels are completely covering the walls or just reach halfway, I love this effect… especially in bathrooms where it’s a stylish alternative to tiling. Are you a fan of the panelled look?

{images via Pinterest & Country Living}

Hurrah, it’s a sunny start to the weekend, I love it. This weekend I’m heading up to Yorkshire to attend the wedding of someone I’ve known since the age dot, and I can’t wait to spend time with my family and friends. The wedding is taking place on a farm, so we’re talking barn dancing, hog roasts and probably a bit of a festival atmosphere. I’m just praying that the sun continues to shine, because mud and my nude Zara peep-toes just won’t do! Do you have any plans for this weekend?
Now, I spend an inordinate amount of time on Pinterest. It’s an addiction, but a healthy one in terms of creativity. I can honestly spend hours just scrolling through the thousands of images – all the while being inspired, noting down ideas, drooling and repinning. I’ve created a number of boards (see here), but I’m sure many more will spring up with time; lately I’ve been inspired by chic neutral ensembles, fresh turquoise palettes, soft feminine interiors, breath-taking destinations, and a little bit of sparkle. With that in mind, here are some of my recent pins:

{images via 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16}
What do you think of my choices?
My look of the week goes to a newcomer who is starring in The Inbetweeners movie (definitely on the list to see), Laura Haddock. She’s far more glamorous than her name suggests, and at the recent premiere for the film she stole the show in sheer D&G. The gaggle of Z-listers in their shiny, showy gowns didn’t stand a chance. If this effort is anything to go by, we can expect big things from her red carpets appearances. For my room of the week, this kitchen really does it for me… the double doors to the garden, the rustic bench, the slightly industrial feel, all combine perfectly to create a space that would certainly be the heart of a home:

{images via prphotos & Elle Decor}
I hope you have a superb weekend whatever you’re doing and wherever you may be…

Fancy nosing around some amazing holiday rentals? Yep, thought so… and I’ve got some absolute corkers for you. The company Luxury Country Rentals has six properties on its books and each one has been tastefully and sympathetically decorated according to their environment. They consist of two beach houses in West Sussex (this is how I got lured onto their website in the first place, quelle surprise), a Cotswolds townhouse, a thatched cottage in Marlborough, then overseas they have a ski lodge in Wyoming and a “beach castle” in Uruguay. That’s quite a collection! I picked my four favourites – although I’d quite happily stay in them all – and the elements I like about each…
Buttoned chairs, an outside kitchen, sequined cushions and distressed shutters. Oh and a giant bathtub with a view directly out onto the beach. That is what you call perfection, my friends.

I love the patriotic touches and the cosy farmhouse feel of this place. Check out the uh-may-zing candlelit terrace. Sold. And nice how they’ve put out a bottle of red waiting for me.

Beaten up leather armchairs? Check. Bright and light-filled open plan living? Check. Big squashy sofas suitable for napping? Abso-chuffing-lutely.

I mean, really? That covered deck area? Seriously? I die. And then they throw an infinity pool and obscenely beautiful views into the mix, and my head just about explodes.

{images via Luxury Country Rentals}
Which of these properties appeals to you?