Visiting David Austin Rose Garden

When it comes to roses, David Austin are up there at the top.  I'm always amazed by their huge variety of roses, the colours, the scents, all so beautiful.  It's almost impossible to pick a favourite.  Last month I made the drive up to Worcestershire to explore their gardens and I was blown away.

At times it was difficult to know where to look.  There was so much beauty around every corner and the smell from the moment I stepped ono the footpath leading into the  gift shop can honestly not be described.  It was incredible.

I took so many photos.  Who knew you could take so many photos of rose bushes.

While there I was able to enjoy one of their delicious afternoon tea's on the cutest dinner sets.  The restaurant was gorgeous, I loved the décor and all the exposed beams.  The staff were really lovely and friendly too, it was just a shame that the service was ridiculously slow.

After lunch there wasn't all that long left to explore as they were soon to be closing, which was a real shame as I could have wandered round for a lot longer.  There was time for a few last photos before the long drive back home to Essex.

In hindsight I should have booked a hotel and stayed up there for the night, however I just look at this as an excuse to return someday, especially as the garden entrance is free.

~ Gem x

30th Cake Smash

With this year marking a milestone birthday, I knew that I wanted to celebrate it in style.  Initially I set out to throw a party.  I booked the venue, the DJ, bought my outfit and started buying decorations and props.  It was only when I started to think about all the expense and the fact that in reality it was all for other people, I decided to do something selfish and instead change my plans to arrange something for me.

I started doing a bit of research, and this is where Pinterest becomes your best friend, you can literally find anything on there.  I came across a few different adult cake smashes and it was then that I knew what I wanted to do instead of throwing a party.  Who said that the kids should have all the fun with the new craze of birthday cake smashes?  Exactly, no one.  

I contacted Maryann of The Menagerie Lifestyle Photography and told her what I was thinking about, and thankfully she was straight on board with the idea.  

It was so much fun, although I have to admit it did feel rather strange just demolishing a cake, especially when I had put so much effort into making it look so pretty.  But for the photos at the end of it, it was totally worth it.

I'm so glad for the sudden change of plan, it will definitely be something I will remember that's for sure.  And who knows, maybe it could become a new birthday tradition.  Perhaps I should start researching for next year.

Big thanks to Maryann for the photos and for taking me serious and understanding exactly where I was coming from with this idea.

~ Gem x

All images were taken by The Menagerie Lifestyle Photography

If You Go Down To The Woods Today...

If you go down to the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise.  At least I hope you will be, with the thousands upon thousands of bluebells that are springing up all over the country at the moment.  

I can't get enough of them.  They are absolutely beautiful and they smell amazing too.  Seeing a blanket of purple across the floor beneath the trees, listening to the birds singing their song, at that moment in time I feel weightless.  It's my happy place for sure.  

I've been making the most of seeing them in one of the local woods near me with a few visits over the past couple of weeks and I'll be sad to see them disappear for another year.  I wonder whether I'll be able to squeeze in many more visits, who knows, but I know I shall try.

~ Gem x

National Trust's Osterley Park

I made the most of my bank holiday Monday this past week by taking my Nan out for the afternoon.  We visited Osterley Park and House, a National Trust property in Isleworth, London

The weather wasn't fantastic but it didn't dampen the spirits.  We decided to check out the gardens to begin with (after tea and cake of course).  If there is one thing I can say about National Trust properties, it is that they know how to maintain incredible gardens.  It was stunning.  The colours were incredible, they seemed to jump out from all over the place.

I dream of one day owning my own garden like this, complete with a flower cutting patch, vegetable garden and standard flower garden that will be left to be admired.

From the gardens we stepped inside the house.  It was huge.  Imagining what it must have been like when it was being lived in, how life must have been like.  It also makes you look at how things in life have changed.

Wandering round it was so lovely spending quality time with my Nan and talking about all sorts of things.

I was really surprised to learn that she had never visited anywhere like this before, it really shocked me.  I guess because I had been to places like this on school trips and then myself and James have visited a fair few since we have been together.  I just assumed that everyone will have been to at least one stately home.  I'm pleased now though that it is something she can say she has done.

I'm already looking forward to the next property we can visit together.

~ Gem x