Columbia Road Flower Market

Last weekend I was looking for something to do on Sunday and came across the Columbia Road flower market online. The reviews were good so it looked worth the journey.

We arrived at 10.30 and it had been open since 8 so it was already packed. The stalls were beautiful however and we walked up and down the market several times taking it all in.

There was everything from cut flowers to shrubs to exotic palms and the prices were surprisingly reasonable. 

I couldn't resist a beautiful box of 30 autumnal coloured gerberas which were just £5 and I was tempted by a bougainvillea tree so we went and had a cup of tea in a quaint cafe on the road before I went back to buy it. Handily most stores accept card payments which saved me a trip to an ATM. 

The gerberas brightened up the fireplace and gave it a cosy Autumn feel.

I would like to go back again, perhaps nearer to Christmas when the Christmas trees and wreaths are for sale, but I'd aim to get there earlier to try and avoid the crowds.

Beautiful bouquets

There is nothing better than a fresh bouquet to brighten up a room and lift your mood. I often can't resist taking a photo of the beautiful bunches of flowers I occasionally treat myself to, it doesn't capture their beauty entirely but here are a few of my favourites:

Mayfield Lavender Fields

Last week I went to Mayfield Lavender fields, which is just outside of London. I had read about the fields last year, but they are only open for a short period between June and September before the flowers are harvested and I couldn't get there in time.

I read online that due to the prolonged heatwave the harvesting was likely to take place sooner this year as the flowers were starting to fade earlier than usual, so I decided to go as soon as I could. 

As soon as you arrive type are engulfed in the most relaxing lavender fragrance and you look out over a see of purple. As I walked around I noticed how relaxed and calm I felt and how tranquil the setting was. There were hundreds of bees flying around but they were focused on collecting pollen and didn't seem to bother anyone. 

After walking around, taking in the beautiful scenery and of course taking plenty of photos, we stopped in the cafe for a snack and I called in to the gift shop for some lavender bags to put in my wardrobe to hopefully deter moths as well as a couple of tasty treats. 

It was a lovely morning and I could have stayed longer, especially on such a lovely summer's day and I would definitely recommend as visit. 

Valentine's Day 2014 Gift Ideas!

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, the shops are filling up with pretty gifts and gorgeous floral bouquets that any lucky lady would be thrilled to receive.

Here's what would be on the top of my wishlist (other than being whisked away to the Bahamas for a week or two!)

1. Limited Edition "With Love" Gift Set by Sanctuary Spa, £22

2. Valentina EDP 30ml, £39.50

3. Silver Heart Pendant, £40

4. Rosé Bubbles & Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles, £25

5. Rose Gift Bag, £25

6. Rose Pillar Candle, £11.20

What would be your perfect Valentine's gift?