Fashion: Lanvin vs Pitbull

So obsessed with Lanvin's Autumn/Winter 2011 campaign video. So awkward it's cool!

Day Trip: Headlam Hall

Yesterday, I ventured to Headlam Hall in County Durham with my mum for a well deserved day of relaxation. Headlam Hall is an absolutely beautiful spa and golf hotel with stunning grounds and a luxurious spa. My mum visits the spa regularly with her sister but this was my first time there and I had a truly fantastic day.

We arrived about 9am and were offered complimentary tea and coffee and then were whisked through to the ladies' changing rooms where we found our personalised itineraries for the day. I didn't get a chance to take any photos of the pool and treatment rooms (I was too busy relaxing!) but all facilities were done to such a high standard and no detail had been missed.

We indulged in use of the Hydrotherapy Pool (hot tub to you and me!), sauna and steam room before our first treatment at 10:30am - the Moroccan Rose Oil Foot Polish and Head and Scalp Massage. The therapists were extremely attentive and I could not recommend both of these treatments more. I was so relaxed during the head and scalp massage I actually nodded off. After we'd let the oils sink into out skin, we managed to get a quick swim in before lunch. Another swim after lunch and then our final treatment at 3pm was the Hot Stone Back & Neck Massage. Actual heaven! Headlam Hall use Aromatherapy Associates and Thalgo products, which smelled divine and left us completely destressed.

After we'd finished using the spa we'd planned to have a look around the main hotel but there was a wedding taking place - such a perfect setting for a celebration. We had such an amazing day and the staff made it a great experience for us both. I would highly recommend a visit and can't wait to visit again!

All photos © Alice Mary Barnes 2011.

Road Trip: Bamburgh

On Friday after work, I ventured up to Bamburgh on the Northumberland coast, where my boyfriend's mum was renting a cottage for a week. But as I was at work all week, Friday night was the only opportunity to make the trip up. We went for a walk on Bamburgh beach on Friday evening and the sunset was just spectacular. I am always entranced by them!

I have been a lazy blogger of late. Normal posting to resume this week with a trip to Headlam Hall, North Yorkshire for a long overdue spa day!