Return of the blog

OK I'll admit, I've not been the most committed blogger of late. I'd love to say its because I've been having so much frickin' fun that I've not had time to sit and write, but the truth is I have been working. Working, and working a bit more, owing to the fact it is the dreaded exam season, and I have 100 odd elves ready to take GCSEs and A Levels. So boo to blogging and hello to hours of revision sessions, marking mock papers and tutoring pupils needing extra help. Still, it will all be over next week (huge sighs of relief), and I'd be lying if I said I hadn't had a bit of fun of late. This week is half term, and I've just returned from the beautiful Budapest!

With this blog post comes a smidge of smugness, as I feel I finally managed to crack successful packing for short mini-break type city breaks. In the past, much to hubby's dismay, I've insisted in putting a gigantic suitcase in the hold, filled with enough shoes to kit out my own mobile shop, jewellery, multiple day and night outfits depending on weather, occasion, mood etc etc. Exhausting, and never needed. This time however, I planned. I (shamefully) wrote out my to-pack list during mass with year 8, squiralled away at the back, pen and notebook balanced on one knee, one eye on the pupils placed strategically around me. This list was re-written, as weather predictions were checked and re-checked. I packed light summer outfits, light layers and just enough accessories to provide a change of look when needed. The case closed with ease and I earnt an extra good wife point from hubby (enough to earn me a new Pandora charm at the airport, score). So now for some of these outfits for you perusal... ; )

Travelling to Budapest outfit
Nude vest top (unseen) H & M
White linen oversize jumper new season Zara
White beaded Pashmina Mint Velvet
Floral jeans Zara
Ballet pumps Marks and Spencer (old season)

First day in Budapest
Swapped the jumper for a light Mango tee
Beaded toe post sandals by Marks and Spencer

Dinner outfit
White linen oversize jumper new season Zara
Zebra pattern scarf Zara
Jacquard pattern trouser Zara
Cheapie Primark matt gold flip flops (aka lifesavers - new sandals had caused blisters, bugger).
Mulberry postman's lock hobo bag

Dinner outfit
Same items as above but with my amazing Primark floral jeans - so similar to the Citizens of Humanity floral jeans I had my eye on... at £13 the Primark ones seemed a money savvy option, particularly for an item that may prove a bit of a one season wonder. I love.

Beautiful sunny day
Sheer dress DKNY
Sunglasses by Missoni
Beaded toe post sandals by Marks and Spencer
Mulberry postman's lock hobo bag
Chunky necklace Forever 21

Outfit as above, closer up of necklace

Back bustle detail of DKNY dress

Well back to earth now, back to insane wind and rain and weather that more closely resembles bloody October than June! Hopefully the blog posts will be more frequent from now on, particularly as exams as so close to over... gulp... ; )

2011 sign off

Happy last-day-of 2011 to all my lovely followers! Today I have been reminiscing a lot on the year, and I cannot believe how quickly it has gone! This time last year I was frenetically planning my Wedding ready for April 7th, now I am rapidly approaching my first anniversary! Nuts!

Thinking back over the year, and the many experiences and achievements of 2011, I decided to put together a photo story of some of my favourite moments, days out and adventures : )

March 2011: My hen weekend in Brighton. I had such an amazing time with some great friends, we shopped, rolled down massive hills in zorbing balls and danced the night away in Brighton's amazing clubs!

April 7th: My Wedding day aka the best day of my life so far! I spent the majority of 2010 planning my dream day,  with no stone left unturned. We married in a gorgeous old church near our home and held our reception at the 17th century Jacobean manor, Boy's Hall. We had exclusive use for three days and could not have been any happier. The sun shone, every little detail was taken care of and everything was just perfect : )

A shot of us in our Wedding finery and our gorgeous cupcake tower. My father sourced all of the Vintage china tea cups, plates, saucers and cake stands for my big day : )

April 2011: For our honeymoon, we took the trip of a lifetime to Thailand for 2 weeks. We stayed in a luxury 5 star resort and spent our time sight seeing, swimming, sun-bathing, trying out as many restaurants as possible and as the shot shows, meeting new friends! We were so excited about our elephant ride, and we were not disappointed.

Beautiful clear sea in Thailand

'Our' pool, right next to our room. One of the many we were able to use.

May 2011: Overnight trip to London to see Legally Blonde. An amazing show!

July 2011: Trip to Hever Castle. We took advantage of the good weather we had this Summer and went on lots of trips to National Trust and English Heritage properties.

Another sunny day enjoyed in July, picture taken at Littlestone beach.

Hubby's birthday weekend in August was spent in Herefordshire at the Big Chill festival. We had a fantastic day and enjoyed so many amazing acts.

Picture of Kanye West performing at the Big Chill festival, our ultimate favourite : )

September 2011: Night out in London with the girls, to say goodbye to Anna (left) and good luck for her work placement in Moscow. Girls nights have remained so important to me this year, for all their support, fun and laughter, I could not be without them XX

October 2011: Purchase of my first Mulberry bag, the East West Bayswater. Gorgeous, classic Mulberry.  A love affair has begun!

November 2011: Christmas begins! I went to the Country Living Christmas fair in London with my best friend and our mums. Perfect for festive spirit and pre-Christmas purchases!

December 2011: 4 day mini-break to Berlin with hubby. A perfect way to celebrate my birthday and finish off the year nicely. We saw so many sights, shopped and had an amazing time.

Just a selection of some of my highlights, 2011 has proved to be a very good year for me for so many reasons! Work has gone from strength to strength for me and hubby, I am officially 'outstanding', we have spent another year in our amazing house, and our baby rabbit Woody is healthy and happy! We have travelled, seen a great deal, married, made some big purchases and stayed blissfully happy and in love! I am so excited about 2012 and all that it may bring, so all I can say is, watch this space!

Here is to a happy and healthy New Year for all my lovely followers, may all your dreams come true in 2012! XOXO