Update: I am extremely chuffed to announce my macbook is back with me in full working order! After two gruelling months without it, after it decided to break a week before my final hand in, I now have access to all of my photos and posts that I have been desperate to blog about! Time has gone by but I still feel they need to be shared (:
I also have some very sad news that I am not quite ready to share with you all yet, but I have decided to share these photos and moments that took place months ago in the way they were experienced, even if a lot has changed since. Thank you to everyone for all the continued support I’ve received on my blog – even if it has been neglected recently. I hope you all look forward to the many posts and exciting collaborations that will be revealed over the coming weeks.
Back in April, I celebrated my 23rd birthday! A week before this I helped my mum move into her beautiful new house back in Somerset so this year I celebrated my birthday somewhere even more special! I came down stairs to find an abundance of peach hues, brown paper packaging and spiralling cream ribbon in the form of beautifully wrapped presents infront of our new fireplace. My mum always wraps presents so beautifully, and these were no exception; elegant, pretty and feminine! The vintage brown paper looked absolutely darling next to the peach butterfly printed wrapping, A little white box from my sister Zoe adorned an adorable, vintage tag with ‘Time to drink Champagne and dance on the table’ written across it. My sister told me it’s what she expected me to do later on that night – she was right of course!
My darling Coco
I had enjoyed a lie in that morning so present’s had to wait as we headed to Kilver Court in Shepton Mallet. The designer village is home to brands such as Toast, Amanda Wakeley, Joseph, LK Bennett, Paul Smith, Orla Kiely, Agnes B and the original Mulberry factory shop which is a treasure trove of loveliness! My mother and Grandma adored the home décor available too, meandering through the rows of vintage pieces, French and Swedish furniture and chic trinkets.
Kilver Court has a renowned restaurant nestled amongst the shops, which is where we headed for lunch. The Sharpham Pantry Resturant makes use of locally sourced, organic produce and its passion for spelt flour (local and healthy) is evident throughout its mouth-watering menu. My mum enjoyed a homemade spelt crush flan served with dressed mixed leaves, potato salad and an olive & sun fried tomato spelt salad, which she said was divine! My Grandma selected something a little lighter and enjoyed the farmhouse pate served with onion marmalade & spelt toast. I knew what I was having as soon as I saw my favourite combination of flavours written on the menu: caramelised red onion marmalade topped with goat’s cheese, rocket & balsamic glaze! I very nearly missed out when the waitress said they had run out of the marmalade, but after I explained that it was my birthday and that onion and goats cheese is my idea of heaven, the wonderful staff scrambled around and found me a new jar! A big thank you to them, and to my mum also who was even willing to run to the farm shop and buy some for the chefs to use on my flat bread! Accompanied by some local cider, it was incredible! I then finished it off with a generous slice of chilli chocolate tart with lime syllabub – de-lish!
That evening I celebrated my birthday at my local pub with about 20 close friends who came sporting sparkling headwear for my theme of ‘Crowns and Tiaras’. I love anything that sparkles and I think you’re never too old to don a tiara and be a princess for an evening. The entire bar staff dressed up too – there was even a unicorn head pouring drinks! One friend came up with the idea that everyone who buys me a drink gets to stick a gem stone to my face, I ended up covered in jewels by the end of the night! It was very merry indeed and everyone had a wonderful time. I originally bought a vintage, elegant, pearl tiara but my friends persuaded me to make my own wacky, princess crown using a children’s tiara craft set instead! Have a look at my crowns below and let me know which one you prefer? I loved wearing them both throughout the night. The pearl tiara because it’s so chic, and the DIY crown because it’s so silly and fun!
Here are a few favourite shots of the night…after many, many drinks.
Sarah and I
Charlie, Lisa and me
My favourite crown of the night!
Hunter, Xavier and me
Asha and I towards the end of the night, and the king below!
I spent the remainder of the weekend with friends before finally returning home (a little worse for wear) where I opened my lovely presents. Along with money I received a beautiful collection of vintage items that my mother had bought for me, more kitchen accessories to fuel my baking addiction and of course, books upon books. I was also treated to a luxurious hour long hot stone massage at a local spa by my boyfriend, even though at the time of my birthday we had only been on a few dates – he quickly won me over! I was very touched by all the lovely gifts I received, along with some truly heart-warming cards.
A beautiful collection of presents
Postcards from Vogue: 100 Iconic covers, Macaroon making book and cream leather gloves
Laduree: Entertaining and a stunning vintage pearl hat pin
Two black velvet clutches
Possibly my new favourite purse – this vintage beaded number
A vintage, fairy tale mirror
Vintage jewellery such as this gorgeous brooch, or a stunning vintage beaded necklace from my sister.
So many of my lovely presents have since been used in my styling work or as props for photoshoots and I feel very lucky to have a mother who shares the same style as me! Mum, how did you manage to get it so right again? (:
Thank you to everyone who made my birthday so special, it was fit for a princess!
Looks like you're really lucky, love the Crown and Tiara theme!! x
What is that pale pink handbag?
Wow you got some gorgeous things! Looks like you had a lovely birthday xx
☾ Liquorice Pearls ☾
Such beautiful photos! Glad you had such a magical birthday, and were surrounded by friends and family <3
The vintage fairy tale mirror is just beautiful! xo
Sophie | soinspo
Nawww I want to wish you a happy and belated birthday for April but I don't know how to word it without sounding weird lol! Your dog Coco is ADORABLE! I just wanna pick her up and cuddle her endlessly!
Sxx
http://www.daringcoco.com
Love your presents 🙂 M&MFASHIONBITES mmfashionbites.blogspot.gr
This post is amazing!
Keep in touch xoxo 🙂
This is so sweet. Happy belated birthday!!
xo Kat
http://www.withlovefromkat.com