Frills 'n' Spills

Last weekend, Mark and I headed down to Devon to spend a few days relaxing with my in-laws. We stayed at The Old Torcross Hotel which was converted into apartments and it was the perfect location, literally 20 steps to the beach with the most amazing views. I have always loved being by the sea and I could feel the stress lifting as soon as we stepped out of the car.

It almost feels like summer has been and gone but I'm clinging onto the last of it with my long weekend to Barcelona in a couple of weeks and I cannot wait. I am only there for a few days but keen to fit in as much as possible so if you have any recommendations, please let me know! This dress is a relatively new addition to my wardrobe (yes it's another Warehouse beauty!) but it will certainly be coming with me on my hols! Paisley isn't a print I would usually go for but the colours on this one made it impossible to resist. I think it is supposed to be a midi length but thanks to my less than willowy legs, it is more like a maxi on me. At least it means I get to show off these ace shoes though... 

A better look at that gorgeous print!

I was worried about looking a bit short with this hemline but these heels gave me a much-needed height boost. They are high and I didn't dare walk to work in them, but thanks to the padding to support your foot and the super soft suede, they do keep your feet comfy.

Have you got any hints and tips for Barcelona? Are you a fan of paisley print?

After our trip to the Harry Potter studio tour, we decided to make the most of it and stay down in Amersham rather than driving back. We picked The Crown as it was both reasonably priced and convenient and I was really happy with our stay and can't recommend it enough!

The Harry Potter tour at the Warner Brothers Studio in Leavesden doesn't need much introduction but I can safely say that it was one of the best days out that we have ever had. Even if you aren't fanatical Potterheads, it is super fun and so so interesting, especially if you are a film fan. We arrived for 9.30am and got the digital guides which is definitely worth doing as there is so much to take in! All in all, we were in there for about 5 and a half hours (including a pitstop for lunch) and we could have definitely spent more time there. I would recommend having the films ready to watch after you go as you appreciate them so much more once you see how much work went into them. Plus you can annoy everyone by spouting off useless interesting factoids that you learnt on your tour... ;) We took about a million photos, but these are my favourites, enjoy!

I can't resist a boutique hotel when we go away and as this anniversary was a pretty special one (10 years!) we headed to The Fish in Broadway to celebrate. The Fish couldn't have been more different to Malmaison in Oxford where we went last year but we had such a nice time and it was so relaxing. We both let out a huge sigh of relief when we arrived and all of our worries just fell away. Apologies for the picture spam, but everything was just so beautiful that we couldn't help but take pictures!

It's funny how traditions start, somehow they get established before you realise what has happened. Spending Valentine's Day with some blogging babes is definitely one of my favourites and this year we spent a lovely long weekend at the Oast House in Herefordshire to celebrate Sarah's 40th birthday. (no I can't believe it either!) Honestly, this weekend was just what I needed, life has been a little bit stressful recently so catching up with these girls over chocolate, cake and prosecco was the perfect antidote! I am officially the worst blogger ever as I didn't bring my camera so you get some phone photos instead!

It was full of charming original features, like this awesome range stove...

The house was based on the Brockhampton Estate and we decided to go exploring on Saturday. The weather was awful but hot soup helped to take the chill off...

Luckily I did manage to avoid buying any more books, I don't think my bookcase could take any more pressure!

I have just spent the last week staying with friends at a darling little cottage in St Ives; beach walks, board games and plenty of food and drink with great company was the best way to finish 2015 and start 2016. The photos speak for themselves about how beautiful a place Cornwall is and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone looking for a beachy escape in the UK. It really is great, even in the rain!

Although I wish I had had a longer break (doesn't everyone?!) I am excited to see what 2016 brings as I have lots of fun things planned!

What are your plans for 2016?

As you may have seen from my million Instagram pictures (#sorrynotsorry) Mark and I spent a lovely day and night in Oxford for our anniversary and we had an amazing time. We managed to get a good deal at Malmaison Oxford (yes that is a converted prison) and it was the perfect base for exploring Oxford as it is right in the centre of town. I have been wanting to stay here ever since Sophie raved about it and I was so thrilled that we were able to book it for our anniversary. Usually we stay in Travelodges when we go away so it was nice to experience a 'proper' boutique hotel- I just couldn't believe how fancy it all was! We haven't got a big holiday booked for this year but we are keen to see as much of the UK as we can so expect to see lots of little day trips like this one...

The exterior was amazing, so imposing and absolutely beautiful, especially in the sunshine, I imagine it would have looked slightly less welcoming if you were being imprisoned here, I couldn't believe that the prison only closed in 1996!

I loved that the original fronts of the cell blocks were still in place although I wasn't a fan of that narrow walkway crossing the hall. Me and heights are not a good combination!

We stayed in the beautiful room 210 in C-Wing and I couldn't have been happier. The room had quite a rustic feel with the exposed brick and the tartan accents. It could have ended up looking awful but I actually loved it, it must be my Scottish heritage ;) 

This was what we could see from our window, how ace is that view?!

I absolutely loved the bathroom, it was absolutely stunning although I have never stayed anywhere with so many mirrors- we had about 6 in our room which made it lovely and light but it was very disconcerting to keep catching glimpses of yourself, haha!

Being soppy with a smiley selfie with Mark. I can't believe that we have been together for so long, nine years seems to have passed by in a flash and I couldn't be happier :D Ok soppiness over for another year ;)

Radcliffe Camera- I am always amazed at how crowded a spot this is in, it always looks much roomier on the TV! We were planning on going to The Vaults and Garden Cafe for lunch (as recommended by Kat) but it was absolutely jam-packed so we sadly had to try somehwere else. 

Hattie recommended Turl Street Kitchen to us for lunch and it was absolutely lovely. 

I had a flat white and this smoked mackerel and potato salad and was just sad that I didn't have a larger portion as it was absolutely delicious. 

The super cute Bridge of Sighs...

Mark and I spent a few hours in the Ashmolean Museum and took so many photos! The Greek and Roman stuff was my favourite and the classicists among you may recognise a few pieces!

This had to be one of my favourite sections though, everything was so SHINY! The picture in the centre made me laugh so much, the way it took makes me look like I am wearing a giant shiny crown-  I just wish I had cause for a gilt owl and diadem!  

A beautiful ivy covered building, I just wish I could remember where this was- we did a lot of walking and took a lot of photos... 

Mark looking a little bit sheepish outside Oriel College- his grandpa went here so we wanted to take some photos but they were doing a lot of building work and it was a bit awkward taking them with the workmen, haha! 

Have you been to Oxford?