Dry January with a little help from The Arch London

Christmas isn't even here yet, and I already feel like I have seriously over done the festivities. One too many Christmas parties have led me to decide that January 2015 for me - will be a dry one.

A few of the girls from work have said they're doing dry January also, and I've found a great alternative for cocktails which should help us through. 

Countdown to Christmas...

After a very messy work party on the Thursday, thankfully we could all keep cosy in our Christmas Jumpers on the Friday, me and some of my colleagues opted for some festive hair too. 

My Life in Black and White... with Sure Black and White Diamond

Sure have just launched a new deodorant, Crystal Invisible Black + White Diamond and to celebrate, have invited me to take part in a picture challenge, to give you the change to win a Michael Kors handbag.

So here is my life in black and white, rather glamorous this weekend as I went to my works Christmas Ball. Safe in the knowledge that I'd be smelling fresh with my new deodorant. 

I chose these photos as the look I went for at the ball was very 'All black everything' but against my very pale skin, and blonde hair - giving the 'black and white' look. The main feature of my make-up was my black eyeliner flick, which I did using an eyeko eyeliner felt (got it free with a magazine a few months ago). My dress was very glitzy, a fully sequinned number from French Connection in the Sale a few years back, so kept the jewels to a minimum! 

Such a fun night with great friends!

Moti Mahal, Indian Restaurant Covent Garden - Restaurant Review

"A culinary journey along the Grand Trunk Road"

Moti Mahal can be found just off Drury Lane in Covent Garden. The small frontage might lead you to expect a cramped interior, but in fact the tables are large and well spaced and the seating very comfortable. There is a large well-stocked bar and a variety of cocktails are available- but we resisted as it was lunchtime. The kitchen is separated from the upstairs dining area by a glass screen, so you have the drama of watching the chefs at work but not the noise and smells.

The menu is extensive and is based on the food of Northern India, following a trail from Peshawar in the North-West to Calcutta in the East. Our waiter was happy to explain the ethos of the restaurant and discuss the menu with us.

We decided to share our starters and chose soft shell crab with spicy prawn chutney and a vegetarian dish sprinkled with pomegranate seeds - typical street food with the Moti Mahal twist. To accompany this, we ordered the Season Spacial of Vintage cheddar and cumin naan baked in the tandoor with white ‘Alba’ truffles. The delicate flavour of the truffle was followed by the punchy, rich flavour of the cheddar cheese - great for sharing as it is very rich.

Ox Pasure Hall Hotel, Scarborough - Review

Ox Pasture Hall Hotel, Scarborough invited me to stay for the weekend (in the honeymoon suite no less), dine in their fantastic restaurant and have afternoon tea… spoilt! I invited my good friend Emily on the trip with me, so here is what we got up to...

Ox Pasture Hall Hotel is set in the most beautiful grounds. It is a former country farmhouse surrounded by barns and out-buildings which have been transformed into homely getaways. Perfect for a country retreat.

Upon arriving at the Hotel, having made a slight accidental detour (driven up from London, yet had the sat-nav set to avoid motorways…oops) we were greeted by the friendly staff, with big smiles  asking us how our journey had been and we were taken straight to our room, or should I say suite!

We were put in one of the honeymoon suites, room ‘York 23’ complete with lounge, spacious bedroom, enormous bathroom and the most gorgeous views of the Yorkshire Countryside. Literally every way you looked you were greeted with picturesque Yorkshire countryside, after all the hotel is set in seventeen acres of it!

Afternoon Tea at the Lancaster London - Review

After a long day of theatre and shopping (not my average day), I took my Mum for afternoon tea at the Lancaster London, a 4* hotel located close to Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and Oxford Street. Lancaster Gate tube station is just around the corner. 

Considering the hotel is only minutes from the bustle of the West End shopping streets it is surprisingly quiet. The Lounge Bar where we were seated was comfortable and restful with unobtrusive music in the background.

First we were asked for our tea preference  I chose white pear and ginger and mum had English breakfast tea. The tea was served along with a great selection of sandwiches and savouries, including roast beef and horseradish served in a tiny yorkshire pudding, a mushroom and egg quiche and cucumber sandwiches and a variety of sweet treats. 

This is definitely an afternoon tea for those with a sweet tooth, which I certainly do - like a kid in a candy shop I didn’t know where to start: the chocolate truffle and raspberry lollypops, the raspberry macarons or the chocolate cake, though I decided should at least pretend to act like a grown up and start with the savoury first before digging in to the layer of sweet treats. Mum particularly enjoyed the macarons.