Lolly's of London

A few month's back I was looking for an affordable and original christening gift for my friend's new beautiful baby girl, Daisy.

I didn't want to go down the usual route of collectable silverware dummies, building blocks or teddy bears but still wanted something that held sentimental value and would become a treasured and beautiful keepsake.

I have met and got to know many wonderful and talented people via my blog/twitter and Laura who owns Lolly's of London is one of them (albeit we have never met).  Laura makes gorgeous, personalised, handcrafted gifts with a unique twist that was just perfect for the gift I was looking for.

There are a number of gorgeous pieces available at Lolly's of London but I decided to go for a handpainted canvas with Daisy's name that comes with it's own dinky bottle of Farrow & Ball paint so baby's hand and footprints can be added later at home.

Seriously, how cute?

My canvas arrived perfectly packaged with care instructions included.  Laura handcrafts all of the products herself using Farrow & Ball paint as her brand of choice.  The bonus of this is it is kind on baby's skin for creating the all important, and cute as heck, paw prints.

I am pleased to say Daisy and Mummy loved their new canvas which takes pride of place in the nursery.  You can check out Lolly's of London here.

GIVEAWAY: Serenata Flowers

A couple of weeks ago, I received some fabulous news but I had to sit on it for a while before it could be officially announced.

Well, I've now been given the nod and so I can finally tell everyone that I am going to be an Auntie again! :D This is my 11th new nephew or niece but it never gets any less exciting.

My sister in law has gone through a long and tough battle to get to where she is so it is an absolute delight to be able to share in the joy of her baby news.  I want to send her something to mark how special this news is and to wish her luck along the way so it was good timing that a pleasant idea popped up in my inbox this week.

Serenata Flowers are an online florist who offer delivery throughout the UK and beyond.  As well as floral arrangements, wine, chocolates and hampers are also available for delivery.  It's a great solution to sending a gesture of love, thanks or just a hello to someone.  As well as being quick and convenient it's lovely to be able to browse for the perfect arrangement whether someone is near or far, knowing that it will be delivered to their door as the ultimate surprise!

Having a browse, I have picked out a couple of faves which I think my sis in law would love.

The Pamper Dream Package - Mums to be should always feel pampered!

Purple Moon - This is my sis-in-laws favourite colour - this arrangement just makes me think of her!

Norma Jeane - She is a huge fan of Marilyn Monroe - these could be perfect!

Asides my sister in law, Serenata have given me an exciting opportunity to offer to readers of Saskia the Style Fairy.

Serenata are giving away a floral bouquet of your choice up to the value of £30 plus p&p for someone in your life you think deserves a little surprise.  This giveaway in particular is only open to readers in the UK and will only be delivered within the UK so please keep this in mind when entering.

All you have to do to enter is:

a) Be a follower of this blog through Google Friend Connect (if you follow through other means, please let me know as this will suffice)
b) Leave a comment in the box, finishing the poem below in your own words.

"Roses are red, Violets are blue ... (the rest is up to you!)" 

You can be as funny or heartfelt as you like and I will pick out whose poem tickles me or brings a tear to my eye the most ...

The giveaway will be open until midnight Friday 31st July.

Good Luck!

* This post was sponsored by Serenata Flowers

Cocktail creations

If you follow me on twitter you may have noticed a lot of hen night chat.

I am a bridesmaid for my sister in law in a few weeks and myself and the brides sis had the gruelling task of arranging the hen do.  After going over many options, we decided on a spa day, a relaxing cocktail afternoon and an evening of singing and dancing - we liked to call it 'Spa & Sparkle' :)

I am all about the detail so I tasked myself with arranging the favours for the day/night.  Our spa day started early and as we provided food for the guests, cupcakes were the obvious option as our daytime treat.  I bought a gorgeous little cakestand and set up our buffet style sweet and savoury treats in the spa area that had been cordoned off for our party.

After the morning of pampering,  an afternoon of champagne, chat and girly fun while getting ready for our big night out seemed more than appropriate.

Finally it was time to head to our venue - the gorgeous Corinthian in Glasgow.  It has recently went through a refurb and is absolutely stunning ... shame I can't say the same about some of it's clientele but that's another story.

After having cocktails in the main bar we were escorted our private room for an evening of nibbles, cocktails and karaoke.  Myself and Katie (The Chief) had sneaked into the room beforehand to decorate it with our favours and other pink goodness as per the Brides favourite colour.  Check out the amazing chairs in the room ... they were so comfy to sit in.  I don't think the Bride's throne was quite as enjoyable to sit in but it sure looked good too.

Onto the favours ... I had a sudden brainwave one evening to give everyone a cocktail glass filled with goodies.  I sourced some glasses (plastic) from Ebay but upon receipt of them was dismayed to see how plain and dull they looked.  Back on Ebay I sourced some pink and pearl gems and went on to painstakingly glue gems to the base of 16 cocktail glasses.  After finding some loveheart shaped sweets and wands (Valentines day remnants were a blessing) I was able to fill the glasses along with a pink nail polish and party popper for everyone.  A butterfly was also placed on each glass with the Brides favourite cocktail recipe scribbled (literally, I was running out of time) on the back.  Thanks to Claire for this tip! :)

Obviously a hen night isn't a hen night without willies and although the Bride asked for a classy do ... we just couldn't resist and before we knew it willies were flying everywhere ... even landing in drinks to the surprise of some hens.  

 I couldn't leave this post without a group photo of all the hens together ... this was just before we headed to the club downstairs and I hope you agree we still look fairly glam for having downed the equivalent of a half bottle of sambucca each along with various other cocktails of vodka, tequila and gin.

The Hens (Bride is 3rd gal in with the lilac dress)

Sunday was most certainly a day of recovery and reminiscing over a fabulous day of fun and frolics.

x

Clinique's Pink Ribbon Key Chain

As I hope you are already aware, it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a lot of cosmetic and skincare brands are finding new and creative ways to get involved and help get the message out there.

In support of the cause, Clinique have released a gorgeous little key chain incorporating their global best seller - Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in 3 pretty shades of pink which has been exclusively designed for Breast Cancer Awareness campaign this October. The keychains retail at £15 with £2 from each sale going to Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

I think these will make a perfect Christmas gift for friends or stocking filler for family, I only hope I can get to my local Boots Clinique counter before they sell out!

x