Lake Ullswater

Last weekend I went on a lovely birthday trip to Ullswater in the Lake District where I stayed at The Inn on the Lake with my boyfriend. I booked it on a deal as they had dropped their prices since they were doing renovation work at the hotel. This work didn't interfere with our stay in the slightest and we had a really great time enjoying the comfortable hotel, fantastic food and down right stunning views.
While we were there a really friendly member of staff in an outdoor clothing shop (http://www.catstycam.com/blog/) told us how there it rains on average for 211 days of the year. While we were staying there though it didn't rain a drop and on our last day it was even positively balmy with beautiful sunshine. He asked us how far we were walking today, "just a stroll before we go home" we said. Four hours later we got back to the car but it was just too lovely to turn around and go home.
I'm going to stop the waffle now and post some of our pictures but I will apologise now if it's too picture heavy.

The sun setting as we approached the lake.

The Inn on the Lake

Lunging into action

All dressed up for dinner in my new dress from Pin Up Parade

Ghostly lady

The view from the Hotel grounds

Hotel grounds jetty (going to get this one printed for my dad)

A nice one for my mum :)

It was like being in another country, Middle Earth's another country right?

Glorious sunshine

Babe loves sheep.

Tea Time is Sister Time

Another little post to show you the outfit I wore while my sister was back in the Shire for our Mum's graduation. She came over to Lincoln and I took her to all the best places for a nice cuppa. I know where to go for a reasonably priced brew since I have have an issue with paying over the odds for hot water and a teabag. Proper brewed tea in china is a different kettle of... tea though. I also like going to the more independant cafes around town.

First stop was the Museum of Lincolnshire Life where we got a pot of tea for 80p. Yes, you heard! I love the museum and have blogged about it in the past here.

We went shopping a bit and then headed over to the Drill Hall which is a great venue and theatre which has a bar with yet again reasonable tea prices! We had a cuppa and cake, which was homemade banana cake with vanilla frosting, for £2.50 each. You can't get better than that in your over priced high street coffee shop company. I have visited the Drill Hall a number of times for performances (some free!) and events I have attended through work and I can't stop singing their praises. 

Since I tend be a bit more noticeable in what I wear than some people I have always felt kind of at home in places like these. I think it's partly to do with the surroundings and mainly to do with the friendly, welcoming staff.

Shoes Glorious Shoes

Shoes, glorious shoes!

What is there emore handsome?

Suede, leather or nubuck --

Still worth a kin's ransom.

What is it we dream about?

What brings on a sigh?

Platforms and heals, about

Six feet high!

Business Women's Link Christmas Lunch

As promised here is the picture of your ever loving blogger at the Business Women's Christmas Lunch where I won the £200 worth gift box of Benefit make-up. My dress is from the 1950's and made of wool! Perfect for wintertime. There isn't a full length picture of me but it has a full, pleated skirt and matching waist belt.

Giveaway Winner

And so ends another year and my first ever blog giveaway. The winner is....

Ness of the mariposa chronicles.

Don't worry if you missed out because I'll be doing another giveaway with Benefit Mascara in February. Someone did ask if the giveaway was international and yes it is. I'm sorry I forgot to put that in the post but I'm learning so will remember for next time. 

Ness please message me on Twitter and I'll sort out posting your prize to you.



Found via Handmade Ryan Gosling



Thank you to those who entered!