Frills 'n' Spills

We have been spending a lot of time recently trying to explore our local area and I always forget how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful part of the country. Considering how close Cheltenham is to  the rest of the Cotswolds, it seemed too good an opportunity to waste. Cirencester is only half an hour away from home for us but shockingly I have never been, so it was top of the list of places to visit when Mark suggested a mini break. We managed to get a really good deal at The King's Head and it was the most relaxing weekend (and the perfect start to my birthday week of fun!) I was so relaxed and it was so nice to spend time together exploring somewhere new.

Everything was super snazzy and I could happily have moved in permanently, if only I could be a lady of leisure all the time...

The bathroom was humongous and everything was very sleek...

We were originally planning to eat in the restaurant but as there weren't any reservations until half nine we went for room service instead. This burger was amazing although I was so full afterwards!

The hotel was right in the centre of town so we were able to start exploring straight away the next morning... 

It was absolutely pouring with rain though so we ended up sheltering in doorways and running between each stop. It really is a beautiful town though, even in the rain!

I was determined to visit the Corinium Museum and I was glad we did as it was super fun. Cirencester is best known for its Roman history but the museum covers from the Neolithic era, right up to the present day. Clearly a lot of the museum was focused at children (it would be a great family day out) but we definitely had more fun playing with all the exhibits than any of the children there!

A reconstruction of the south chamber of the Hazleton Long Barrow- all of the stones are original which is pretty cool!

I really liked the fact that everything felt quite spaced out, there's nothing worse than not being able to move around without fear of damaging a priceless artefact!

The 'Roman Garden' was beautiful, I just wish it had stopped raining long enough for us to go outside!

Mark dressed up as a Roman soldier whilst I serenaded him with a lute...

The Orpheus mosaic was laid in the 4th century AD and was so detailed. Mark and I had a lot of fun making up the puzzle too, who says it's just for kids?! ;)

I told you that there were a lot of mosaics! The Seasons Mosaic was discovered in Cirencester in 1849 and depicts the four seasons and scenes from Roman mythology. It is absolutely stunning and so huge!

A 'sator square'. These are such interesting artefacts and I advise that you read this fascinating article if you have a few minutes spare. 

We also tried writing our names using the Roman alphabet, I told we had you had a lot of fun!

There were so many cute cafes and restaurants to choose from but LB's at Swan Yard was our choice for a hot drink and some shelter from the rain ad we couldn't have picked a nicer spot. Very reasonable prices and such a friendly welcome too, I would definitely recommend it :)

We even got the chance to wander around the park. It was so beautiful, especially with all those gorgeous autumnal colours!

When the weather is awful, all I want to do is curl up in a cosy jumper under a duvet but unfortunately I have to go to work! To make the gloomy days a little bit nicer, I have been pairing my jazziest jumpers with skirts for some fun but practical outfits. In the past week or so, I have worn lime green, neon pink and an owl print jumpers but I think this sequinned jumper is my favourite so far! I always seem to wear this skirt with a teal top, it's slightly more interesting than cream or red and I will never pass up on the opportunity to wear sequins! I bought this jumper as a cheap alternative to a Hobbs one and actually I prefer this one as it is much thinner but still really warm and cosy! I know some of you will be shocked at my choice of tights but luckily I get a lift to work and so these 15 deniers are the perfect match for a heated office. If I was outside though it would be a completely different story!

I have had a real thing for patterned bottoms recently, they are so easy to wear and way more interesting than my jeans which I have being trying to wean myself off, I have been wearing them far too much recently!

When you are feeling blue, and it's raining outside, comfy layers are key. I almost feel embarrassed to be posting what is essentially jeans and a comfy jumper and calling it an outfit, but this blog reflects what I actually wear and do, so apologies for the lack of glamour at High Fashion HQ chez Fallon ;)

When it's grey and cold outside, I always go back to basics. Usually that would be a pretty dress or something bright but Mark bought me this grey marl t-shirt from Hobbs a while ago and I can honestly  say I have never worn a comfier t-shirt. It is the perfect slouchy fit which means it is comfortable to wear but the illustration elevates it to something a bit more special. 

Luckily, the owl print made it much more Maria friendly! ;)

When it's rainy and grey outside, you have two choices. One, dress in a cosy outfit and curl up on the sofa or two, get jazzed up and brave the outside. I tried both of these and I have to say, whilst I wasn't as warm, this outfit felt a lot more fun.