Mavala

There are many reasons why I love Mavala the main one being that their nail varnish never get old and gloopy because of the small bottle. The variety of colours is fantastic and their whole range of products could mean you never need to use any other nail care! From base coats, to top coats (and every colour you can think of) to buffers, manicure bowls and hand masks they have literally everything covered.

My favourite colour is either Milky (a sort of pinky orange) and Juicy (orangy red - don't you love my use of technical terms!) and the innovative base and top coats keep the colour fixed for longer than usual (going on my nails which chip as soon as I start typing... I've just checked - I'm chip free after over 24 hours!). I really recommend these nail varnishes and nail products - even the nail varnish remover seems to be the best!!


The variety of colours (there are the classic colours, glitter colours, shimmer colours, black, white and everything in between) and the reasonable price mean that whoever you need to get a present for this is a fun, recession friendly option that can be really chosen to suit them and it's their 50th Anniversary this year so time for a celebration xx

Spooning with Rosie

Those of you who venture to Brixton in South London may have been to Rosie's Deli Cafe in Brixton Market. It is not only full of yummy food and drinks but the atmosphere is so friendly, retro and relaxed I defy anyone not to love it and the owner, Rosie Lovell is at the forefront of up and coming new cookery writers and chefs. Move over Jamie there's a new gal in town.

But fear not, for those of you not able to trek to Brixton help is at hand - Rosie's written a book. Spooning with Rosie is filled with great recipes, cool photos and great cooking tips drawn and written by Rosie's own fair hand. From the snacks (Aubergine and Salami Stacks, Dom's Marital Potato Salad, Raf's Lettuce Soup) to hearty main courses (Pumpkin and Gorgonzola Lasagna, Roasted Salmon and Fennel pate and Puff Pastry Pie) and perfect puds (Rhubarb and Whiskey Fool, Baked Amaretti and Goat's Cheesecake) this cook book is fresh and new and has every eventuality covered.

What I love about this book is that it's punctuated with her own hand drawn tips - Munching Maps which show you what works well with something in particular i.e. Shellfish has cream, lemon and lime, garlic and fennel. There's also a list of store cupboard essentials and Rosie's own hot tips: where to find good, inexpensive china, how to get rid of fishy hands and tea stains and what the best soother for a streaming cold is.

This is the least intimidating cook book I've seen in years - so fun just to look at you can't help but want to try out some of the recipes - and it's so beautifully put together you'll want it on your shelf. Whether you want something light and yummy for a summer picnic or something warm and soothing for when the rain comes this has it covered and will inspire you to get back in the kitchen. It's a crime against your kitchen not to have this book xx

(Spooning with Rosie is published by 4th Estate)

I hate wearing false nails. I'm quite lucky, my nails do chip and fall off sometimes but I can grow my own talons sometimes so I never use fake nails as I don't want to upset my own too much. I also just have memories of sticking my fingers together and the nails flipping off every ten minutes and having to be glued back on.

Not so the new Revlon false nails. They are easy to apply and even easier to file to suit your nail shape and they are rock solid - these babies are not going anywhere. With new glitter designs such as Minx which I tried these are great for a little boost on the finger front. The only annoying thing was removing them - you are instructed to hold your hands in acetone based nail varnish remover until the nails dissolve and not remove them by taking them off yourself. I found it much easier to soak them for a bit and then pull them off. I think I would have grown old if I'd waited for them to dissolve off. I did it for half an hour and they were only dissolved a little bit. The ones I pulled off came off completely and nearly two weeks later I still have remnants of the ones I let dissolve on my nails!!

This does mean however, that these puppies have staying power and are definitely worth a try if you are a fan of falsies.They don't have the new 'Runway' designs available in the UK yet but fantastic red, natural or french manicured so you still have some variety. I think the red ones look fantastic xx

Sexy Panties and Naughty Knickers

The sale is on for the coolest underwear around go to www.sexypantiesandnaughtyknickers.com for awesome deals on the most beautiful underwear London can offer xx

Lulu Guinness

This year marks the Lulu Guinness's 20th anniversary so I nipped down to their newly revamped shop on Ellis Street off Sloane Street to see their latest goodies and hear about how they'll be celebrating 20 years in the business. The shop looks fantastic - clean lines, fresh simple colours, the perfect backdrop for the beautiful bags and accessories. The cherry on the cake was a fantastically innovative display cabinet with the most intricate bags on little shelves that rotate. You get given a pre-programmed iphone and you can select which bag you want to hear about and Lulu herself talks you through what she loves about the design.

What I love about Lulu Guinness is the variety of designs and colours. From the simple to the fantastic every taste is covered. The traditional floral print and lipstick designs are fully evident. The now iconic lip clutches are brought out in a different colour every season. This season it's orange and I love them - it's like a lip rainbow and they are the perfect size and texture, you just have to squeeze them. The beautiful deep floral prints are available in bed linen, spreads and cushions - the perfect dramatic touch to any bedroom. There are also the more unusual designs - beautifully stitched spreads with butterflies and birds - you can't resist touching them. My favourite bed sets were the circus design - the ideal present for god daughter who has everything.

Lulu is best known for her handbags but there are also limited edition fragrances available. Although these are no longer being produced they are still available in certain stores so if you are keen to have a special scent these are for you. Lulu's signature scent is really floral and fresh really lovely if you are working all day and going out in the evening - perfect for both occasions and the bottle is fantastic. Cast a Spell by Lulu Guinness is a much deeper scent. I really love this one - it is vampy but still keeps the beautiful floral edge - good for those who like a bit of zing and of course the bottle will look fantastic on your dressing table!

The bags, of course, are just beautiful. It took all my strength to leave without the Sun blush leather medium Romilly bag or the silver snakeskin lips clutch which would be perfect with any evening outfit. But I wasn't just tempted by the bags (or the beautiful purses - medium flat frame sun blush crinkle patent purse please!!) the jewellery is fantastically glam and quirky. The pave crystal lip stud earrings are just the right size and can really jazz up a black outfit.

But it's not just Lulu who's celebrating. You can too - the sale is on now is your chance to pick up a bargain that you will have with you forever! xx

Dior Decadence

I got a bit carried away at Barbados airport. I still maintain it wasn't my fault - I didn't expect to wait three hours for our next flight. I bought some Diorshow waterproof mascara. It's wonderful but a bit clumpy - I think I'd be really sad if I used it and didn't have an eyelash comb. It does everything it is supposed to though - it lenghtens, it thickens, it is the closest I've come to wearing false eyelashes without, well, wearing false eyelashes.

The second purchase was a bit of an impulse. We were about to fly so all my make-up was packed in the hold and I had been reading 'Hello' and was feeling a little sloppy and shiny! Diorskin powder compact comes in a lovely package and is really good powder but it's important to get the right colour so you don't see it all over your face! xx

Spoilt

Now I'm not going to lie, when you are getting married you get spoilt. People buy you presents, people buy you drinks, and they all want to hear about every thing that's going into the planning. One of my best presents however was Eve Lom's Travel Set. It is just fantastic. The case itself is a thing of beauty and it literally contains everything you need for your travels. I gave myself a full facial three times whilst on honeymoon!

So what do you get? A pot of the cleanser, a tube of rescue mask, a tube of TLC cream, a tube of Moisturiser (with SPF 15), a tube of hand cream (with SPF 10) and a muslin cloth. I have to say that I just adore Eve Lom's cleanser whatever format it comes in. It isn't too harsh on the skin and you can really feel the difference when you've used it. The TLC cream is quite thick so you need to use this when it has some time to sink in (and you really don't need to use very much!)

It's very tempting to put the tubes of face cream and hand cream in your handbag but I actually managed to keep mine altogether - I put them on in the morning and then topped up with high sun factor on my face during the day. I really recommend this as a going away present or just a treat to yourself before your next holiday!! xx

Book Worm

Am now back in England after two weeks of bliss in the Grenadines. Am also reunited with my whopper engagement ring which is nice (diamonds are a girls best friend). What I really loved was two weeks in the sun to do lots of reading. One book I really recommend if you are a fan of a soothing easy read is Hens Dancingby Rafaela Barker. When I went home the Wednesday before the wedding I needed something comforting to read that wouldn't tax my brain to much but would offer me a bit of an escape. Hens Dancingis a long-term favourite of mine and it was even better on about the fifth time of reading it! Highly recommended.

On the honeymoon I really love The Common Yearsby Jilly Cooper which again is lovely escapism in her usual witty style, and Whatever Happened to Margo?by Margaret Durrell. I found this whilst browsing a second hand book shop in Hammersmith whilst waiting for Miss M after work and it, again, was a really lovely read. A must for anyone who has read My Family and Other Animals (if you haven't you must it's fantastic). xx

Palm Island

The deed is done - we had a fantastic wedding and are now sunning ourselves and drinking rum cocktails on the lovely Palm Island in the Grenadines. I did manage to buy some Pink Lemonade Lipglass from Mac in the Airport and a set of two Jo Malone fragrances (Grapefruit and Lime Basil and Mandarin) on the plane so I'm not completely neglecting my duties!! xx

Green Flash

Why are Green Flash no long the proper green? I'm going to leave you with that thought as i run off to get married (also if you find some that are still the proper green flash green can you let me know please)
Lots of Love xxxxx

More Blood, More Sweat and Another Cup of Tea

I'm very excited as one of the books I've been working on is going to be out in the shops soon. More Blood, More Sweat and Another Cup of Tea is the second installment from Tom Reynolds a London Ambulance driver who's blog Random Acts of Reality attracts tens of thousands of readers a day. This compelling book will make you laugh, cry and probably wince more than once. Buy it, it's fantastic.

For those of you who haven't read the first book Blood, Sweat and Tea: Real Life Adventures in an Inner-city Ambulance the first book is also available both titles are available on Amazon now. Pre-order the second book or get the first straight away - I really can't recommend them highly enough xx

Two Weeks to Go

Right - the count down is officially on. We've got two weeks until the wedding. Got the dress, got the shoes, got the manicure and pedicure booked (thanks to Miss F the wondrous maid of honour). Having make-up practise with Miss M tonight (and using 27 Dresses and pizza as bribery for spending a sunny Wednesday evening doing my face! I cannot believe it's so close. My main fear is that it will be all over so quickly. I am however, incredibly excited at the prospect of a three week honeymoon in the sun. I have a stack of books ready to go into my suitcase, I've bought some Nicky Clarke heated travel rollers (yes I say it again Mr J is a lucky man) and my rather expensive new Tom Ford sunglasses. Now I just have to cram three weeks worth of work into the next two weeks to make sure I can have a guilt and worry free honeymoon. Wish me luck!! xx

p.s very successful jeans expedition in Topshop Westfield on Monday (yes went through the thighs of yet another pair of expensive jeans after five months which I just can't afford to replace). Accidentally bought some shoes and tops too. Whoops. Please let me know of any sturdy thighed jeans makers xx

Spot Cream

I'm lucky as I've never really suffered too badly from spots (touch wood). I get the occasional whopper though, and when I do I try out different things to get rid of it. Some products have helped (Origins Blemish Buster Spot remover for example), but finally I found a miracle worker. Or at least I think it's a miracle worker. Mr J and I both had spots appear over Easter and both of them have gone or nearly gone after one application of Dr Spot Invisible Spot Fighting Gel by Soap and Glory. It's actually worth it's £6.50 price tag and doesn't dry your skin out. Try it xx

Hen Do

Have just had the second day back in the office after my absolutely fantastic hen do. Last Wednesday Miss D and I drove to Blakeney in Norfolk to prepare for the Friday arrival of my other hens. We both had office lurgy so we literally ate and napped for two days. It was fantastic. On Wednesday I thought I would spend the entire weekend thinking about work but by Thursday lunchtime I was so relaxed. I haven't had five days off work in ages.

Everyone arrived late on Friday - Miss F and I had managed to wake up long enough to put chicken and jacket potatoes in the oven! The next day we walked on Holkam beach (used in loads of films!) and went to The Jockey in Burnham Market to have a sweep stake on the Grand National. When I got back to the cottage the girls have set out a beauty bar with nail varnishes, face masks, foot soaks, toe separators, the works. Miss J had made a huge banner (which I've not got up on the wall in my flat). It was hysterical we all sat with our feet in bowls and face masks on, painting our toenails whilst eating smoked salmon nibbles and drinking pink prosecco.

We had champagne cocktails after getting changed for supper and I gave the girls their goodie bags I'd made. I'd got a bit carried away and everyone had a tailor made bag of grey cord with a lining to suit them. I've spent the last couple of weeks walking around with pin pricks all over my hands! I'd put fans, wild strawberry plants, lipgloss, small bottles of prosecco, and little red dog tags with their name on it. I felt so touched that everyone had taken a weekend out to come so I wanted to get them something.

Supper was fantastic my sister Miss J and Miss F had decorated the pub table everyone had place names and there were silver party poppers. It was so much fun. I had to play a Mr and Mrs quiz done by Miss M and I got presents for doing the right answer!! I haven't laughed so much in ages and the photos are ridiculous. When we got home we played hen do jenga. Miss F and Miss J had stuck labels on all the jenga pieces with names of drinking games, dares and silly things on. Was hilarious.

It was the perfect weekend - and I got given a photo album with loads of pictures of me and the girls in from over the years. Fantastic xx

White Teeth

Having spoken to another bride-to-be I've decided to get my teeth whitened. She was really pleased with the results and I've always suffered from patchy, stainy teeth. As I've been using the wedding as a goal to sorting myself out I decided to give it ago. It's not cheap at £350 but you do get gum shields that you should be able to use for life and a plaster cast in case you need to make new shields for any reason. The whitening gel costs £15 a syringe and I find a syringe lasts 6ish days. When you start you get five syringes and a syringe of gel to stop any sensitivity.

And I'd really say I (so far) feel like I've got my monies worth. My teeth are looking so much better and I actually feel so much more confident about them (they're quite big!). They have been quite sensitive. I've been using Sensodyne tooth paste and have had two or three moments with serious sensitivity in one tooth. However, this was only for five seconds at a time and I used the sensitivity gel twice in all so it really hasn't been a problem for me. Now they've been whitened I've got to get to get the front filling re-done to match the new teeth (I fainted on concrete and lost half my front tooth). I don't hate the dentist but I really, really hate injections. I'm a bit nervous.

I've done it for a month so now I'm waiting to see how they even up. You have to wait for a week or so to let the bleach settle out of the teeth so you can really see how the whitening has worked. Really want to get the filling colour right - the less dentist the better I think. People have been telling me that my teeth look great (I'm a bit worried after watching a certain episode of Friends but I've been told I'm not there yet). So far so good. I have to say I'm really surprised that I'm doing this... it's really not the usual thing I do. And I'm so pleased it's working xx