It was a great pleasure to be invited to The Pig Hotel and Restaurant in Brockenhurst. Firstly because of it’s fabulous reputation and stunning setting in the New Forest. Secondly to see if all the food could possibly come from a 25 mile radius, and the beautiful and tranquil on site country garden. Thirdly I got an idea of a bday pressie of a romantic get away at The Pig Lodge in the grounds; Or even one of the rooms in the main building, which offer four poster beds and are particularly cosy.

Needless to say the food was delish. The Scotch eggs and crackling were undeniably divine, as was the Lymington crab and tray of deserts! I say tray- that wasn’t all for me- it was a sharing platter. They even make their own wine, which went down a treat!

If you don’t have a spare day to pop to the country just for lunch, you could go to the little piggy sister in Southampton, which offers the same boutique hotel options on a slightly smaller scale. The Pig in the Wall is also perfectly located for afternoon tea, and has the similar cosy rooms if you and the girls want to get out of London for a weekend shopping.

Another treat I had was visiting the new Gazelli House in Chelsea. A big fan of Gazelli, I have experienced several treatments at the old location in Notting Hill, but the new residence was a complete revelation!!! Designed as a home from home, this home was unlike any spa I have experienced. Set inside a chilled out residence, guests are invited to spend time hanging out and attenting talks and workshops as well as discussing in depth what the best treatments are for them. It aims to provide a new way of looking at therapies, and is not a quick pit stop where you get instant gratification. It’s about taking time out for you, which I could do quite easily in one of the beautifully designed lounge/study rooms. It opens this week to the public, so I would highly recommend you pop along.

As if I needed another food splurge, I did pop along to Kua Aina restaurant on Goodge Street. As soon as I entered I knew this would be a fun one- all the staff, and most of the customers were wearing a lei, and the Hawaiian theme didn’t stop there! The menu was extensive and not just burgers. The Mahi Mahi fillet was delish! As were the pancakes… I can definitely see it on my radar for breakfast meets, and with two private dining rooms, this is a perfect place for parties- I just wish I had known in time for mine! But I can confirm the house special avocado cocktail slips down a treat!

So it’s that time of year where I get one (small extra crinkle) but still manage to pretend I haven’t!! This year, being a weeny bit older and somewhat wiser, I am delighted to share that I am also the new freelance Editor of a new luxury lifestyle journal 49Winters. It’s launching in January. Watch this space…

And look even closer and you can see me hanging out with gorgeous male model and Pixie Lott’s other half, Oliver Cheshire. I even managed to try on some jewels (I’ve got the eye brooch and the snakeskin mary janes on my wish list!) at the M&S SS16 press day. I also fell slightly in lust with the new crochet Converse All Stars. Roll on next season!