The Perfect Holdall for Travelling this Summer

When it comes to just using hand luggage on short haul flights or stay-cations, I'm a dab hand at packing with just a small holdall. I put it down to the fact I used to fly back and forth to the UK from Spain regularly in my teens so I've mastered packing down to a fine art which has earned me the title of chief packer in our family. 

I have gone through a number of cheap holdalls so having something that is durable, with wheels and a security lock are my basic needs when choosing a new case. Especially if I want it to last trip after trip and the potential knock on route. 

American Tourister sent me the oh so gorgeous Wavebreaker Spinner Velvet (£129.00) in Pink Blush for when I'm next off on my travels and oh boy is this a keeper. 

Nessa Organics Skincare for New Mums

With an impending bundle of joy, Mum can very quickly be forgotten but that doesn't have to be the case especially when it comes to skincare. Nessa Organics are an all new skincare brand specifically designed for Mum in mind so even when you have your hands fall, you know you can fall back on Nessa for targeted, organic skincare to keep your skin looking tip top. 

From pregnancy to post partum relief and your first moments into motherhood, Nessa have the only two products you'll need. Skincare was one thing I kept up with religiously when I fell pregnant and had Joshua. I would spend a lot of time massaging and talking to my bump using all my lotions and potions and even after he was in my arms.

Birchbox X Benefit Bold is Beautiful Limited Edition Pouch

Tomorrow sees the launch of Birchbox's latest limited edition collection in collaboration with Benefit Cosmetics in support of their Bold is Beautiful project. The charity campaign is celebrating its sixth anniversary and 100% of the profits from this kit will go to Bold is Beautiful which helps empower women and girls all over the world. 

In the UK the Bold is Beautiful project supports Refuge which supports women and children experiencing domestic abuse and Look Good Feel Better, a support network for people undergoing cancer treatment so it's a really worthwhile project to get behind. 

Geranium Nefertum by Molton Brown

With a new season comes another release from Molton Brown, one of my favourite bath and body brands. I've been a lover of their products for many years and have tried a number of their collections but this is completely different to anything they've released before and what I've tried before. 

Geranium Nefertum is available to buy now and features four products within the collection and as it's a unisex scent, it's perfect for all. I honestly wasn't sure on first look but the fragrance has really grown on me the last couple of weeks and the other half must be a fan as he's already had the deodorant away. 

Burger Heaven at Byron

(Complimentary meal for the purpose of review - see disclaimer)

It's not often I crave a burger but when I do, Byron Burgers always come up top trumps with their killer menu and succulent choices. When the burger cravings are high, I need the juiciest, dirtiest burger possible and you can guarantee that Byron will hit the spot for me. 

We spent Friday at Byron Southampton to taste a few dishes off the menu and possibly the best Oreo Cheesecake I have ever had the pleasure of eating. 

I hope you're not too hungry because you're going to be drooling by the end of this post...

A Taste of Bella Italia

Bella Italia is somewhere I think we've all visited at one time or another, I've had some really enjoyable experiences there in the last six months especially when eating with Joshua and ordering from the vegan choices so I can share with him.

They've recently launched their all new menu which includes over thirty new dishes as well as a twist on some old favourites so I headed in this week to see what was available and fill up on some oh so tasty Italian eats. 

There are two Bella Italia restaurants to choose from in Southampton, one in Above Bar or Hanover Buildings which is where we spent Tuesday evening.

The Kitchen at Jurys Inn Southampton

Dining at hotel restaurants wouldn't usually be my first thought when finding somewhere for dinner but after experiencing some unbelievable meals last year in some of the countries chain hotels, I think they're on to something none of us have realised.

Maybe hotel restaurants really are where the best food is and that is definitely the case when it comes to Jurys Inn. I visited The Kitchen at Jurys Inn Southampton recently and was blown away by the attentive service, brilliant menu and delicious food. 

Jurys Inn Southampton is super central so it's the perfect place for a weekend getaway, a night away with the girls or somewhere to stay before you sail away on a cruise.

Three Coffee Houses to try in Southampton

Two things I'm quite knowledgeable on are coffee and Southampton so it seemed only right to share my favourite independent coffee houses in my home city. We're quite lucky in Southampton in that we have an abundance of coffee houses, restaurants and bars so it would be quite difficult not to find something you love. There always seems to be something new opening too which makes hunting somewhere down for Saturday brunch has never been easier.

Dine at Mine with SHC & Lakaz Maman

Some of you may remember that last year I attended the first Dine at Mine event in collaboration with Southampton Hospital Charity which saw a group of us enjoy a meal cooked by Masterchef winner Shelina Permalloo in a hotel room. The idea behind Dine at Mine is holding a dinner party with friends, family or co-workers and encourage everyone to play fun games and eat delicious food all while raising money for a ward or department of your choice with Southampton Hospital Charity. 

You can view that post here - Room2 & Southampton Hospital Charity and see what we got up to but in the meantime, I'm gonna give you a look into our night at Lakaz Maman where we were wined and dined and left with very satisfied bellies. 

Dermalogica Prisma Protect

If there is one thing I've learned to love in my late twenties, it's skincare. My teens was spent using face wipes and forgetting to take my makeup off, my twenties have been spent trying to ease the damage I'd already done and learning to love my skin and I think I'm finally there. 

I've mentioned before that I've never suffered with acne or any skin complaints so keeping my skin clear and clean hasn't been too much of a hard task but that doesn't mean it has been without its problems. My early twenties were focused on banishing oil and my later years have been learning to tackle combination skin after spending my pregnancy feeling dryer than the Sahara. 

Three Fresh Fragrances to try this Spring

If you've followed me on Instagram for some time then you'll know I have quite a large fragrance collection. I adore the intricate scents, beautiful bottles and the way a fragrance can take you back to a memory so I wanted to share three of my favourite fragrances that I've been reaching for this Spring. 

Each one is fresh, light and airy but with an unmistakable scent that will have you spritzing time and time again.