UK Staycation - Dimpsey Glamping

- This post was a PR stay, but was under no obligation to review.- 

Nestled in a woodland clearing in the Somerset countryside, you'll find Dimpsey Glamping's Yonder Hut - a luxury shepherd hut that comes equipped with everything you need to unwind for a couple of days. A wood fired hot tub, a pizza oven and even an indoor copper bath, you'll never want to go back to camping as you know it. 

One of my rituals whenever I go camping, or in this case glamping, is to make a scrumptious breakfast of scrambled eggs on toast eaten outside with a piping hot drink to start the day. Whilst I still bundled up warm in a scarf and a big knit, it wouldn't be needed as the fireplace kept us toasty inside and kept the whole hut warm throughout the night. 

As we visited in November, the autumn leaves started to fall throughout our stay and we even had a couple of foggy mornings making it extra magical. The birds were always chirping away and we even got to spot some wildlife. In the corner of your clearing in the woods, you'll find a swinging seat hanging from one of the trees. This quickly became my favourite spot to sit and I found that despite bringing my book down there to read, I was often left in a trance watching the wildlife as I gently began to swing. There's walks around the area perfect for exploring, but I swapped those for a wander around to see their resident sheep and cat! 

Dimpsey Glamping describes the Yonder Hut (and their other two huts on offer at the same spot!) as a 5* luxury and I couldn't agree more. A full sized bed to snuggle up into, a well equipped kitchen and even an en-suite - if the hot tub or copper bath wasn't what you fancied. Yonder Hut is essentially two full sized shepherds huts put together, so you have a little extra space and all the luxuries you need to unwind and relax. 

We let the wood fired hot tub heat up throughout the day and as our stay coexisted with Bonfire Night, we spent hours watching the fireworks light up the night sky as we soaked away. I think I felt so relaxed that I dozed straight off in the sumptuous bed! Now I've stayed at the Yonder Hut, I would love to try out their other huts, the Hither and Dapple. 

Would you stay in a shepherds hut? 

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The Best Christmas Jumpers This Year

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The Christmas countdown is on... which means so is the hunt for the best Christmas jumper! I've put together the ultimate list of Christmas jumpers for all tastes and budgets, so if you're looking for something wearable (or maybe a little outlandish) then I suggest you read on. 

I'm personally not just a "wear a Christmas jumper once" kind of girl, in fact I often wear Christmas jumpers throughout the month of December. They bring me quite a lot of joy, so I've gained quite the collection and I'm happy to invest in a jumper if a special one catches my eye. The Kiel James Patrick sweaters are always a must to have a look at and my Santa's New Sleigh sweater is a prized procession of mine and one that I've got lots of compliments on. 

This year I'm really loving Joules and everything they've had on offer throughout Autumn, so I had to take a look at their new in jumpers for Christmas and I was pleasantly surprised. On one hand you've got the Fleece Navidad jumper which is simple, yet effective, but I'm also loving the Ski Jumper which I feel like you could get wear out of even into January. 

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Christmas Home Decor Finds

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Christmas is coming! Whilst some may say November is too early to think about Christmas, let alone decorate for it, I personally like to get in there early and look at what the shops have got to offer. Over the past few years, I have been adding to my Christmas decor collection that I can reuse for years to come, so I like to see if there's anything else I would like to add. Here are my favourite Christmas decor finds so far this 2024. 

One of my favourites this year has been picking up this Gingerbread House Cushion from TK Maxi, I feel like it would match my current decor perfectly and it's super cute! You may also recognise this Snowman Cushion from last year and it's back! It's huge, snuggly and perfect for filling any gaps you have with a jolly snowman face. 

I've also picked up a couple of bits from Primark home, so would recommend checking out their new in pieces if you want some cute trinkets, cushions or blankets. 

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20 Easy To Watch Halloween TV shows and Films

Spooky season is here! The house is decorated and there's Halloween treats aplenty, so all I need now is a good TV show or film to watch. If you're like me and you struggle with the overwhelming choice we have, then I've put together some easy to watch options that won't make you hide behind a cushion or cover your eyes! 

I'm quite fond of a TV show around Halloween as it's something I can indulge in throughout October rather than in just one evening. Ghosts is probably my top pick as it's funny and light hearted, but still has the ghost theme throughout. 

TV shows

Ghosts (BBC iPlayer) 

Agatha All Along (Disney+)

What We Do In The Shadows (BBC iPlayer) 

The Worst Witch (Netflix)

A Series of Unfortunate Events (Netflix)

Wednesday (Netflix)

Scream Queens (Disney+)

The Vampire Diaries (Netflix)

Santa Clarita Diet (Netflix) 

Finding films that aren't super scary for Halloween is harder than it seems, but I feel like you can't go wrong with the classics. Of course Harry Potter had to make the list, especially the early  films in the franchise as you have the pumpkins hanging in the Great Hall! Hocus Pocus also had to make the list as it's a classic that I just have to re-watch every year. 

Films 

Hocus Pocus (Disney+)

Practical Magic (Prime video)

Halloweentown (Disney+)

Harry Potter (Netflix) 

The Addams Family (Amazon Prime)

Beetlejuice (Netflix)

Hotel Transylvania (Netflix) 

Nightmare Before Christmas (Disney+)

Maleficent (Disney+)

Shaun of The Dead (Amazon Prime)

Zombieland (Netflix) 

Have you got any Halloween TV show or film recommendations? 

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Lush Halloween 2024 Collection

The new Lush Halloween collection has now been released and I took my yearly trip to Lush to see the new pieces. Whenever the '-ber months' roll around, I also think it is the perfect time to indulge in an autumn bath and sink into an abundance of bubbles - with bonus points if it's paired with candles and a book. If you're looking at treating yourself to something from the halloween range then I recommend you read on... 

Every year I have to pick up Punkin Pumpkin as it's a yearly favourite of mine - to me the jack o' lantern exterior and warming scent feels like the epitome of autumn. It leaves a orange tint to the water, but luckily it doesn't stain the bath at all. It's got a soft citrus scent with a slight cinnamon twist to it, making it a subtle, yet enticing bath.  

Sometimes I feel like Lush's most simple bath bombs are my favourite, I like a slight fragrance and a subtle colour and the Dancing Skeleton bath bomb felt like it ticked both of those boxes. Scent wise I think this bath bomb is reminiscent of orange sherbet, as it leaves a subtle fragrance on the skin as you bathe in a pale blue hue. At £3.50, it's one of the "cheaper" bath bombs in this line up, but I think it would be easy to chop up into 2-3 pieces if you'd like to get more out of it. 

One of my surprise favourites has been The Scream, a bubble bar that I was surprised to find out didn't have lavender inside as it smelt immediately relaxing. This has a stress reducing, earthy scent due to patchouli and sage oil, so when I smelt it, I immediately had to put in the basket. I could picture myself on a rainy evening, settling into a bath full of bubbles with candles and a book. 

I think Lush's bubble bars are my favourite product of theirs to buy, so I've got quite a few in this haul. The next one is Bonehead and despite looking perfect for Halloween, you'd probably never guess what it smells like - mint! It's unlike anything I currently have in my bath time collection, but there's something rather refreshing about sinking into a mint scented bubbles. It's on a reusable stick meaning you can get endless baths out of this, but my favourite way, like with all of the Lush bubble bars, is to slowly crumble it under the bath tap. 

Pumpkin Crumble was released again in 2023, but I never tried it out before now. It's probably a new favourite that I hope they bring back every year as it's got actual pumpkin in the ingredients! Promising to leave the skin supple with cocoa butter, this feels like it offers up not only the perfect scent for autumn, but also has skin loving properties too. You can crumble as much as you'd like underneath the tap for any amount of bubbles you want - but the adorable jack o' lantern face may make it hard to do so!

Have you tried the Lush Halloween 2024 collection? 

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Middle Grade Halloween Books To Read

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Over the years middle grade books, which are books aimed at 8-12 years olds, have become a staple in my reading list come Halloween. These spooky stories offer up all of my favourite themes in a book; they're easy to read, can be finished in a day and actually have some pretty scary plots. If this is something you would be interested in, then here are four middle grade Halloween books I would recommend. 

Crater Lake

If I had to be pushed for an answer on what is must-have book you should read this Halloween it would have to be Crater Lake by Jennifer Killick. Whilst maybe not the best if you're reading to a young child, this book had some pretty scary themes in the plot and I quickly read through all the chapters to find out what happened next. It's set at a Summer camp, which means it's perfect for those 'summerween' vibes, but the added aliens definitely caused a few shudders. 

Small Spaces

Similar to Crater Lake, Small Spaces by Katherine Arden is seriously creepy at times, but is incredibly well written considering it is aimed at a younger audience. It feels like a classic spooky film set on a school trip and has an eerie atmosphere throughout. If you're already scared of scarecrows, well they certainly live up to their name in this book! There's other books in the series and despite not being a huge series reader, I'm tempted to get them all. 

The Haunting of Aveline Jones

This was the first middle grade book I read for Halloween and is the reason I have such a love for the genre. It's got the perfect mix of mystery and spookiness, all whilst set in a gloomy town on the lead up to Halloween. I think this one is perfect to read on a rainy day in autumn and I would personally recommend it for children in their October half term. 

The Ghouls of Howlfair

If you want a mystery book with ghost hunting characters set in a creepy town - then The Ghouls of Howlfair will be the book for you. I find this one a little less scary than the first two and has a bit more of an adventure theme throughout making it lighthearted compared to your traditional murder mystery book. We've got talk of ghosts, ghouls and werewolves in this book, so it's still perfect for the spooky season. 

What are your favourite books to read at Halloween? 

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Meroda Cosmetics Velvet Dream Lipstick Review

- AD: This is a paid collaboration with Meroda Cosmetics. -

I'm a firm believer that lipsticks can overhaul a whole makeup look, taking it from day to night in just one application. A lipstick for me has to be nourishing and comfortable to wear, long lasting, but easy to reapply - too much to ask for? I've recently been putting the Meroda Cosmetics Velvet Dream Lipsticks to the test. They have four shades to choose from, perfect for every occasion, here's how I got on. 

Everyone needs a red in their lipstick collection, but finding the right undertone for yourself is super important. Blue toned reds make your teeth appear whiter and usually suit cooler undertones, whereas orange toned reds suit warmer skin tones. Personally I'm the latter and the 'Luscious Red' offers the perfect deep red hue that I think would work perfectly in summer and all the way through until Christmas. When paired with the Meroda Cosmetics Luscious Red Signature Lip Pencil, it has a great long lasting effect, whilst making a striking statement. 

In recent years, I have jumped ship from my trusty nude lip and over to a pink hue for everyday wear. That being said, the Meroda Cosmetics 'Perfect Nude' Velvet Dream Lipstick doesn't disappoint with the name 'Perfect Nude'. It's got a pink tone to it which makes it super wearable and the nourishing formula means that it doesn't disappear into my lip lines. 

Like I said, my love for pink lipsticks has taken over my as of late, so I was excited to give the Velvet Dream 'Pink Peony' a go. It's the shade that looked most like my usual lipstick shade and I loved how moisturising it was on the lips and how much it stayed put even if I didn't use a lip liner. 

Lastly, we have the lipstick 'Grape Galore' which I have very aptly named it - Autumn in a lipstick. The berry tone is absolutely beautiful and whilst I'm usually a little hesitant of wearing darker shades due to the way they fade, this one is easy to top up on the go. The nourishing formula has ginger extract in it which is anti-aging and anti-inflammatory, this means I'm not overly aware that I have this lipstick on and whilst it is hydrating, it doesn't slip around the face, still having a demi-matte texture. 

All of Meroda Cosmetics Velvet Lipsticks are cruelty free and vegan! Use code #LILY15 for 15% off. 

Have you tried the Meroda Cosmetics Velvet Dream Lipsticks? 

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Meroda Cosmetics Changing Foundation Review

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I can't explain the frustration with how much time, effort and money I've spent going shopping for a foundation, getting matched and then taking it home, only to find out it doesn't match my skin tone. When gaining a tan in this summer, this is something that often happens. I try and avoid buying several different shades of the same foundation, but sometimes you can't help it, so when I was handed the Meroda Cosmetics Changing Foundation to try out I was wondering if it would solve my summer skin woes. 

I've got yellow undertones to my skin, but whenever I get matched to a foundation, I often get matched to pink toned bases which I end up not liking. The Meroda Cosmetics Changing Foundation feels like magic to me, as soon as I start blending it into my skin it changes to the tone of my complexion - fusing effortlessly with my natural skin colour. It starts off white and then will gradually adjust to fairy to medium skin tones. 

Whilst a colour changing foundation is great, does the formula stand up to the test? This foundation has a lightweight feel to it, but with light to medium buildable coverage. My personal favourite way to apply this product is with a damp beauty sponge as I find that it gives off the perfect amount of coverage and natural finish for everyday wear. 

I don't often apply foundation with my fingers as I find it a great way to turn your base streaky, but I tried it with this foundation and was pleasantly surprised. The base looked flawless and covered up any blemishes and redness I wanted, whilst still looking natural. If you wanted a heavier finish to the foundation without layering it up, then I would recommend trying it out with the Meroda Cosmetics 2-in-1 Build and Conceal Brush as this still gives an even finish, but allows you to apply more product to the skin than a beauty sponge or your fingers. 

This foundation does a fantastic job at concealing my blemishes and redness, but still allowing my skin to shine through just with a flawless finish. It's long lasting due to it being waterproof and continues to be kind to my skin as it's suitable for sensitive skin. 

Use code #LILY15 for 15% off. 

Have you tried the Meroda Cosmetics Changing Foundation before? 

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The Best Autumn and Halloween Jumpers

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Soon it'll be the season of crunchy leaves, pumpkin picking and cosy jumpers and today I am focusing on the latter - finding the best autumn and halloween jumpers! I've grown quite a collection over the years and have several favourite brands I like to check out every year. Today, I have put together a list of my favourite jumpers I have found so far. 

For me, no one quite does jumpers like Kiel James Patrick, their Cozy Pumpkin Sweater being the item that started off my obsession. Now I have a wishlist as long as my arm, the Apple Harvest Sweater and Haunted Patch Sweater being at the top!

Last year I purchased a Halloweentown Sweater and the year before that, a Hocus Pocus themed one. I personally love picking up these jumpers as they're often super cosy and can be worn on a rainy evening in front of a Halloween film! 

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Homemade Pasta Recipe (no machine required!)

Homemade pasta has always intimidated me, the pressure in getting the right thickness of the dough and chewiness in texture. I certainty didn't think it would be possible for me to create something delicious without having a machine, but as I didn't want to invest in a machine just yet, I challenged myself anyway. 

I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was even with only a rolling pin to hand. I've tweaked this recipe a couple of times and I now think I have created the easiest, tastiest home-made pasta recipe without the need for a machine!

Ingredients (makes 2)

180g 00 Pasta Flour

2 Large eggs

A splash of walk

1 tsp Olive Oil

Method

On a clean surface, tip your flour and make a well in the middle. 

One by one, add the eggs, whisking them slowly as you slowly bring in the flour from the sides. 

The mixture will become crumbly, but continue working it together until it starts to combine. 

If the dough is dry, add a splash of water and your olive oil. 

Continue kneading your dough until a ball forms. From then, knead your dough for 5 minutes until smooth. 

Wrap in cling film and leave in the fridge for 1 hour. 

Sprinkle your surface with flour to stop the dough from sticking. 

Cut your dough into two. 

Place one half of your dough and begin the roll the dough out using a rolling pin. You want your dough to be around 16 inches long and 12 inches wide. The dough should be as thin as possible without breaking - think like a piece of paper. 

Fold the dough into three and cut into individual pieces around 1cm thick. 

Boil a pan of salted water and cook the pasta for 3-4 minutes. 

Top with your favourite pasta sauce and enjoy! 

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Summer Skincare Routine

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When it comes to summer skincare, I want two things - my skin to feel hydrated and look glowy. In the summer my skin may feels less dehydrated, but hay fever definitely plays a role in it feeling more sensitive. Gone are the days when I could chop and change skincare products, as I feel like my skin really benefits from a consistent and steady routine nowadays. Here are a handful of products that are currently in my summer skincare routine that helps me to achieve my goal of a nourished, radiant complexion. 

I still start off my routine with my trusty Garnier Micellar Water, a product I mentioned back in 2015 and have found a use for it in my routine ever since. For me, it's great at breaking down my mascara and eye makeup, so I tend to focus my drenched cotton pad on those areas, but for summer makeup it can be great for getting the majority of it off before going in with my cleanser. 

For my first cleanse, I have been using the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser which feels gentle on the skin, but still does a great job at removing the majority of my makeup. The second cleanse of choice is the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser and I can't tell you how many bottles of this stuff I have been through. It ticks all the boxes for me; it's gentle, yet hydrating whilst being effective at removing any makeup left over from my first cleanse. I feel like the combination of these two cleansers has made my skin extremely happy as I rarely get spots or irritation now. 

When it comes to moisturisers, I actually have a handful of favourites that I like to switch around depending on how my skin feels. The Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream is a long standing favourite of mine as it's lightweight, yet still nourishes my rather parched complexion. I personally like this underneath makeup as it sinks in quickly and doesn't affect my base. 

My love for Farmacy products, specifically their honey range, dates back to 2017 and I was recently topped up on my old favourites and I've had a resurgence of my love for them. The Honey Halo Moisturiser* has a really interesting texture as I would usually only opt for something this thick during the winter months, but here I am talking about it in the summer. It's got a luxurious feel to it that sinks into the skin and doesn't leave any residue, nor does it cause any breakouts on my skin.

I've had the Beauty Pro Retinol Eye Masks hanging around for sometime now as I've been meaning to use them for my tired, hay fever laden eyes, but I haven't got around to it until recently. When I tell you they make a visibly difference straight away, I mean it. They make my under eye area look brighter and smoother. I'm sure if I continue using them in the long term they would have a long lasting effect, but I'll have to report back. 

What products are in your summer skincare routine? 

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3 Derbyshire Gardens To Visit

Derbyshire in the Midlands has a great range of gardens on offer to visit throughout the spring and summer months. From rose gardens to camellia walks, from March to August you can expect them to be in beautiful bloom with some of the best flowers you'll see. If you're looking to visit Derbyshire, then here are three gardens I would recommend visiting. 

Renishaw Hall and Gardens

Renishaw gardens has been a favourite of mine for several years now and in my opinion, it's one of the most underrated gardens in the country. The hall has got a vast amount of land you can wander around including a lake, woodland and even a gothic lodge. It's the perfect place to go exploring, but it's the ever changing gardens are what I come back for time and time again. 

In March there's a camellia walk which is a sight to behold, whilst in late May you have the laburnum arch which feels otherworldly with it's hanging yellow flowers you can walk underneath. There's hydrangeas in the summer and white wisteria in the spring, so no matter the time of year you visit there's always something to see. 

Chatsworth House

You may recognise Chatworth House from Peaky Blinders or maybe more famously in Pride and Prejudice as the home of Mr Darcy in the 2005 adaptation. The exterior of Chatsworth House is phenomenal and I personally love visiting in Autumn as well as Winter when the frost covers the front lawn. 

This year, I visited for the first time in the warmer months and finally got to see their gardens in bloom. The surrounding land of Chatsworth House is so large, you can spend a whole day there and not get bored - I'd recommend bringing a picnic! 

Wander around the rose garden and into the greenery, then make your way over to the peony walk and maze. The estate has lots of walks for you to go on and what I love most is that even on the busiest day at Chatsworth House, you can always find a quiet area to appreciate the beauty of it. 

Haddon Hall

Haddon Hall is a place I've recommended countless times and once you set eyes on their rose garden, you'll understand why. Shrouded in history with it's grand Tudor hall and Elizabethan gardens, you can feel the atmosphere as soon as you wander through the walls of Haddon Hall. 

Rose season in June is probably my favourite time to attend Haddon Hall as it is something not to be missed. Roses cover the outside of the building with beautiful blooms and a floral scent. As you meander around the garden, it's hard not to fall in love with the place! 

Inside you'll find the Tudor hall and I love how much history there is to the place. The stairs have been worn down by hundreds of years of people walking through them, so it truly is a sight to behold and a must if you're visiting Derbyshire. 

Have you got any Derbyshire recommendations? 

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Double Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe

After spotting these beautiful strawberry and chamomile cookies from 'Eat Your Flowers', I knew that I had to turn my hand to making them in cake form. I wanted something light and fluffy, but with double the amount of strawberries - perfect for strawberry season in the summer! I adapted my recipe from my Lemon and Blueberry Sheet Cake and this version is now something I think I'll come back to making time and time again. 

There's extra helpings of strawberries in the sponge, as well as decoration on top, but the possibilities are endless with this recipe. You can add a sprinkling of crushed meringue for a take on the 'Eton Mess' or even swap out the double cream topping for a strawberry icing for triple the strawberries! 

Ingredients (Serves 10)

200g butter or margarine 

200g caster sugar 

4 eggs

250g self raising flour

200g chopped strawberries

2tsp vanilla extract

150ml double cream

Sprigs of mint 

Method

Preheat the oven to 180º oven and line a 7x10 inch baking dish with parchment paper. 

Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. One by one, add the eggs in the mixture. 

Add in the vanilla extract. 

Sift the self raising flour and mix slowly until combined. 

Add the chopped strawberries and stir gently. 

Pour the mixture into the baking dish and cook for 45 minutes or until when you inset a knife into the cake it comes out clean. 

Leave the cake to cool completely. 

In a clean dish, whisk the double cream until thick. This should only take 60 seconds or so with an electric whisk. Be careful not to over-mix as you'll start to make butter if you're not careful! 

Dollop the whipped double cream on top and with the remaining strawberries, decorate the top of the cake. 

You'll want to slice the strawberries length way and place them facing up. Use a sprig of mint as the leaves of your flowers.

Enjoy! 

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5 Cosy Home Decor Ideas

 

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Want to know how to achieve a cosy and inviting home? Well look no further! As a self proclaimed queen of cosy, I have just the tips for you. From seasonal decorating to all year round comforts, here are five cosy home decor ideas that you can adopt today. 

Soft Furnishings and Softer Light

Are you a big light person or a small light one? Personally, I'm the latter. I love nothing more than switching on my lamps as soon as it gets dark, often lighting a candle for extra ambience. I like a warm lightbulb and pair it with a soft lampshade for the perfect cosy pairing so that the light is not too harsh - you get extra points for a dimmable light! 

It may sound quite obvious, but I like to emphasise my soft furnishings and opt for duvet covers that you want to dive into and always have a blanket to hand no matter the season. 

Don't Neglect The Bathroom

I get it, the bathroom should be a sterile and clean environment, but that doesn't mean it can't also be inviting especially for your bath or shower routines. I have recently made the habit of buying myself a bunch of eucalyptus to hang in the shower as not only does it add greenery to the room, but it gives off an invigorating scent once it gets steamy in there. 

Having candles and bubble bath to hand is always a cosy must have and I also like to have easy access to a way I can watch my favourite TV show or listen to some relaxing music - whether than be with on an iPad or waterproof speaker. 

Sometimes More is More

Think adding different textures and filling up bare spots, covering your walls in art work you love and not worrying that there are clashing rugs in the same room. As someone who struggled for years with trying to love 'minimalist' decor, I have simply learnt sometimes, more is simply more and that having decor that I love to look at is enough to make me feel at home and relaxed. 

Add A Bookshelf 

Books to me are the epitome of cosiness. With cracked spines and a mismatch of colourful covers, bookshelves bring me joy like no other. I love looking through my endless to-read piles to find my next read, whilst also admiring the books I read many moons ago. For me, having a bookshelf or a way to display my books, instantly gives a room a cosy feel. I love incorporating them in the kitchen, with stacks of them on my open shelves as well as in my bedroom sporadically placed around.

Dopamine Decor 

Dopamine decor is the idea of bringing happiness into your home through pieces of decor that you enjoy without the worry of it clashing in colour or pattern. I personally like to adopt the 'dopamine decor' trend when decorating for the seasons. Autumn to Halloween and through to Christmas are probably my favourite times to decorate for my home and whilst my normal cosy cottage decor doesn't usually go with a ginormous skeleton cushion or pumpkin door draft, I have to ask myself if it makes me happy - then why not?   

How do you make your home cosy? 

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5 Beautiful Rose Gardens To See In June

June is my favourite month of Summer as rose season is in full bloom and I get an excuse to visit all the beautiful gardens. Roses come in a variety of colours, have a delicate scent that lingers in the air and when paired with a stately home, they're something I look forward to seeing all year. If you want some recommendations on where to see the best display of roses, then make sure you check out the locations below. 

Haddon Hall, Derbyshire

If I had to be pushed for an answer of where my favourite rose garden is, I'd have to say it's Haddon Hall. The Tudor hall surrounded by Elizabethan gardens makes every corner of Haddon Hall, not only full of history, but utterly beautiful too. The walls are donned with an array of roses in a variety of colours, making it hard to pick a favourite spot of the gardens. 

My one recommendation would be to always have a look out the windows, especially on warm summer days when they're open as you'll often see views you wouldn't be able to see otherwise. 

Bowood House and Gardens, Wiltshire

Bowood House and Gardens has been on my list of places to visit for a few years now and it did not disappoint. The Georgian house itself is beautiful with big opens windows and a manicured Italian inspired terraced garden out the front, but it was the roses I came to see. They were well looked after and the gardens had roses in every colour - yellow, red, pink and white!

Whilst I loved Bowood's array of flowers, I was also surprised with how vast their parkland was. You can not only visit the roses, but also go for a walk around their lake on a beautiful summers day. If you time your visit right, you can also get over to Bowood's woodland gardens which has rhododendrons in every colour you can imagine - perfect for a relaxing day out. 

One of the stand out roses of Bowood gardens was a delicate pink rose from David Austin called  'Gentle Hermione', the scent could be smelt all the way around the gardens and I knew I had to ask the gardener what rose it was. 

Kiftsgate Court Gardens, Gloucestershire 

On the edge of the Cotswolds lies Kiftsgate Court Gardens, a garden created by three generations of women gardeners. I was absolutely floored by how beautiful this spot was as the pink roses were out in full bloom as soon as you entered the main part of the gardens. 

There's lots to explore including modern art installations and their wild garden, but their rose border and terrace were the star of the show. Donned with an array of pink and red roses, you felt like you were stepping into a secret garden. 

They even have a rose called the "Kiftsgate" rose which I didn't manage to see this time as it blooms around early to mid July, but Kiftsgate has claims that it has the largest 'Kiftsgate rose' in England! 

Hever Castle, Kent 

Hever Castle in Kent is known for being the childhood home of Anne Boleyn with the Boleyn apartment as well as the castle itself with the mote around it to see. I've previously seen Hever Castle when the daffodils and cherry blossom were out and I also now have plans to see the tulips next spring, but it was the roses that I think would be hard to beat. 

I visited as part of their 'Hever in Bloom' event running from late June to early July. They have over 5,000 roses on display in their beautiful walled gardens and depending on when you visit, different roses will be in bloom. Even though I explored as much of the gardens as possible, I'm still not convinced I explored it all which means a return visit is definitely on the cards! There's rambling roses, climbers and scrubs, so you get flowers at every height making Hever Castle a feast for the eyes in the summer. 

Penshurst Place, Kent

Last on the list is a gardens that I personally think are underrated and I haven't heard much about. Penshurst Place in Kent is only 15 minutes down the road from Hever Castle which means you could get to visit the two gardens in a day. 

The manor house itself built in the 14th century is a sight to behold, so it's a strong statement to make to say I think their roses may just come out on top when it comes to choosing my favourite corner of Penshurst Place. Hidden away in their spacious gardens, lies a series of pergolas lined with climbing roses in both white and pink varieties. With benches underneath, you can seriously see yourself getting lost in a book here one afternoon. I wouldn't suggest loosing yourself too much as there's still lots more roses to explore in the gardens! 

They've also got a beautiful peony border which comes in bloom a little bit before the roses, so worth a visit if you're in the area in mid to late May. 

Where are your favourite places to see roses in June? 

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