Drinks For Hot Days

It's been a hot few weeks and if you're getting bored of your usual refreshments here are a few ideas to make things a bit more fun and that are perfect for summer entertaining. 

Pop strawberries in to your ice cube tray for these summery additions to your drink.   

Top tip:  To get super clear ice to show up the fruit use boiled water!

 

Lots of ice, lemonade, with a sprig of lavender...bliss!

Add fresh sprigs of mint in to ice cube trays...

 

Or pomegranate...

 

 

Ice lollies over Prosecco....

 

Let us know how you get on. 

Fashion Friday: Summer Green

We are in for another hot weekend and this outfit is perfect for evening cocktails.

It's a combination of sale and new season which includes my favourite designer Malene Birger, a snippet of Vivienne Westwood's new collection, a bargain sale bag from Whistles and some classic comfy 'wear with anything' shoes from Carvela.    

Malene Birger Earrings | £39
Malene Birger Trousers | £94
Vivienne Westwood Top | £190
Whistles Clutch | £75
Carvela at John Lewis Shoes | £59

What will you be wearing this weekend?

The Mirror Affect

I'm a bit of a mirror junky, I love them in every room, in fact I have them in every room in my home, even my kitchen!  Now this addiction is not at all in a vain sense, but instead, in a styling sense. 

The main pro's of popping a mirror on the wall are:

1.  They make the space look bigger

2.  You can buy so many fabulous styles, so they are more like a thing of beauty than a functional accessory.

Here are a few of my favourite ways to accessorise a room with mirrors.

A fabulous triple mirror threat in this bathroom...

A mirrored wall in this bathroom crates the illusion of ample space and reflects the light.

 I love, love, love mirrored furniture and this piece is gorgeous...

No dressing table would be complete without a mirror.  This one is so elegant.

This simple shaped mirror creates the feeling of space.

This mirrored bed is just fabulous!

Do you love mirror?

We Recommend: Bazaar Velvet, Luxury Rugs

I have recently been blown away by the pure gorgeousness of Bazaar Velvet's rug collection, you are literally spoilt for choice!  But here are some of my favourite looks...

But if you want something a little more daring than my choices, then Bazaar Velvet have just launched a new 'Street Art' rug collection.  Not only are they made from the best natural materials, (Himalayan wool, with elements of Chinese silk), but the graffiti element will add a pop of urban chic to any room in your home.

Each rug has an underlying grittiness, but tied together with fabulous luxury. 

These plainer styles are an easier transition in to your home, but would still make a wonderful statement piece.  Just team with minimal accessories and plain walls...

I definitely recommend a visit to Bazaar Velvet's Chelsea showroom to view their other fabulous creations.

Fashion Saviour: Breton Stripes

Breton stripes are a true fashion classic and look so fresh season-upon-season.  This week I'm pairing mine with the Jamie Ripped White Jeans from Topshop (albeit the maternity version!), these fab espadrilles that I picked up in the sale, and the stylish 'goes with absolutely everything' leather necklace from Butterfly Lane.

TOP | £38.95 BRETON
NECKLACE | £35 BUTTERFLY LANE
JEANS | £42 TOPSHOP
SHOES | £75 KURT GEIGER
BAG | £1.995 ANYA HINDMARCH

I'm a massive Anya Hindmarch fan and have been collecting her bags for years.  I think 'The Vaughan' is such a great style and is definitely on my wish list.  It comes in a multitude of colours for the new season too, including a gorgeous two tone style.

Travel: Byblos Bootcamp, St Tropez

I love St Tropez, the shopping, the boats, the glamour!  So you could imagine my excitement when I heard about the new luxury bootcamp being held at Hotel Byblos.  

So you can now head to St Tropez to flex your muscles not only your purse strings as Hotel Byblos has launched a new bootcamp, called Rebuilding, where you can rejuvenate in blissful and luxurious surroundings.  Participants are served a healthy breakfast by the pool followed by a walk through the glorious Presqu'ile, followed by a non-alcoholic lunch, a recovery session at the Sisley Spa (oh la la)...

 

Sisley Spa

....a one hour of one-to-one coaching, then a dinner at the Rivea by Alain Ducasse restaurant. 

 
This definitely sounds like my kind of bootcamp, you just need to decide on how long to stay! 

Plus the package includes access to the heated outdoor swimming pool and hammam.  Summertime healthly bliss, kindly served up by Hotel Byblos!  I'm booking a spot now...

For all enquiries visit the Hotel Byblos website here. 

A Quick & Easy Summer Scallop Salad

This summery Thai style salad is so easy to make and tastes full of fresh flavours.  

To Serve Four:

Ingredients:

Scallops - I usually allow four per person
Half a cucumber
Half a red onion
2 Oranges
1 Lime
Fish sauce
1 chilli
A hand full of mint leaves

Method:

1.  Simply sear up enough scallops for 4 people until you get a nice crust on the outside of them without overcooking the inside.

2.  Set the scallops aside while cutting up half an English cucumber into matchsticks, slicing up thinly 1/2 a medium red onion (or 2 medium shallots), and sectioning 2 oranges.

3.  Toss everything together in a bowl. Add some lime juice and fish sauce to taste. Throw in some chopped up chilies and cilantro or mint leaves.  Done!

Let me know how you get on.

Fashion Friday: A Sneak Peek in to Mint Velvet's New Collection

Mint Velvet has fast become one of my go-to brands for effortless and versatile pieces that will work hard in your wardrobe by mixing and matching and creating lots of different looks.
 

The classic white longline chiffon shirt (below) will become a prominent piece in your wardrobe and is available to buy in store/online from August (£59)...get inline!  

Ballet Flats, £95 French Sole | Necklace, £30 Butterfly Lane |  Snood, Trousers & Shirt from the new Mint Velvet Collection

Ok, the sequin detail trousers scream winter/festive dressing, but I couldn't resist giving you a sneak peek.  They are more versatile than you think too, you could also team with a slouchy knit or a neat tucked top.  Get creative!  (Available from September, £99). 

Faux fur is still a big trend for the upcoming season and this furry little snood is so much fun. (Available from September, £45).

Yes, you could wear heels with these trousers for a dressier look, but these classic French Sole ballet flats will look equally as chic.  I always opt for the Henrietta shape as they slightly narrow with a little bit of toe cleavage. 

Finish with our 'Spaced Necklace', £30.    

What will you be buying from the new collections?  

Couture Week: Elie Saab AW 14-15 Show

I have spent many happy an hour this week clicking through the Paris couture show images in a bubble of utopia. 

A favouite of mine season-after-season is Elie Saab.  His fairytale dresses are a dream come true, eleborate, beautiful and the ultimate fantasy dress.

From pink and pistachio to flesh and pale blue, moving into the deepest of midnight blues, he has brought us the loveliest of palettes...

Which one is your favourite?  I cannot decide!

For the Home: Cream Flowers

Regular readers will know that I have a passion for fresh flowers.  Nothing makes a room look more complete and welcoming than a spray of something gorgeous!

I'm having a moment of loving simple cream stems with just the foliage adding the zesty pop of colour.  I think they look fabulous sat in glass vases and the shapes below look modern, clean and chic.   

 I love these chubby hydrangea heads, they look neat tucked inside this silver vase. 

 

 

What is your favourite flower look for the home?

Eden Hall: 5 Quick Questions With...

Eden Hall Day Spa is a place of calm and relaxation in the Nottinghamshire countryside, and the go-to place for fabulous treatments, essential 'me time' and gorgeous food!

Here at Butterfly Lane we have teamed up with their super talented Therapy Manager, Sara Orme, to answer our '5 Quick Questions' on how to have fabulous skin, summer beauty trends and what products are a must for our bathroom cabinet.

Before we start with the question and answer session, here are just a few images that will make you want to jump in to your car and head to Eden Hall for a day of blissful pampering and relaxation...you deserve it afterall.   

The gorgeous period hall

The indoor pool

The outdoor pool and hot tub

Relaxing aromatherapy room

Relax before your treatments

Sara Orme, Therapy Manager at Eden Hall

What is your top beauty tip for looking fabulous?

If your skin looks fabulous you feel fabulous! The most important part of looking after your skin is removing your make up and cleansing the skin of impurities before sleep. During the night your skin repairs itself and it can’t do this effectively with makeup and pollutants on its surface – use a facial wash to get you started try Elemis Sensitive Cleansing Wash

Elemis Sensitive Cleansing Wash

What is your 'go-to' product?

At this time of year it’s all about radiant skin particularly on my legs. I am prone to dry patches in this area and aspire to have glossy celebrity skin! For me it’s the Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt. It melts into my skin and reduces the dry patches with its coconut oil base (it does need running under the warm tap in cooler temperatures as it solidifies). It smells wonderful so I don’t have to wear perfume – Elemis are bringing out the Frangipani moisturiser this summer I can’t wait to try it!

Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt by Elemis

Tell us about your favourite treatment to have at Eden Hall?

The Ultimate Aromatherapy Associates Body Treatment is absolutely divine! I love aromatherapy and want to spend as long on the couch as possible – this treatment is 80 minutes and uses Aromatherapy Associates bespoke oils dependant on my mood. Everything from a bloated tummy to headaches and insect bites. It starts on the neck with really deep pressures which is fantastic for me as I commute to work and have a very tense neck; I can instantly feel the pressure release over my scalp and in the muscles. The massage continues down your body and works the whole of the back, buttocks and legs, stomach and just to top it off you also receive a facial massage. 80 minutes of pure bliss!

Being at your spa converted me to Jessica nail polishes, I'm addicted!  Which is your favourite colour for summer perfect toes? 

This summer is definitely all about pastels and blues. My favourite toe colour is Awakening which is a warm lilac. Its great for me as I have English rose skin and it gives the illusion of a tan but is still a pastel tone.

Our skin feels so different in the heat, so do you have any tips for a fuss-free summer face?

For fuss free summer skin care there can only be one product...

Aromatherapy Associates Rose Hydrating Face Mask – it’s a gel texture and can be put in the fridge and used as a cooling after sun. Not only will it preserve your tan, target the signs of ageing, reduce redness, and hydrate; you can also leave it on overnight and on the eyes to reduce puffiness. It really does leave your skin radiant and glowing. 

Thanks Sara for being a part of our '5 Quick Questions With...'  I'm off now to stock up on all these wonderful products!

If you would like to book a spa day at Eden Hall, visit their website here.

Beautiful Soft Furnishings

Our best seller at Butterfly Lane is also the most beautiful, no surprise there!  Our glamorous and decadent throws and cushions with stunning velvet and sequin details will make your bedroom or sitting room ooze with extra indulgence. 

Each style of throw and cushion is available in gold, pewter, platinum or silver, and in a variety of sizes and shapes.

I love the idea of a smaller throw simply draped over the arm of a chair or sofa...

 

Buy here