Lately: Via Instagram | A Catch Up...

Its been an awfully long time since my last, Lately: via Instagram post, I'm not as Instagram obsessed as alot of you ladies so it takes some time to compose a full post! This could be due to my loyaly to my old faithful Blackberry so I only take photos through the social network on my iPod or iPad, which often get left behind when packing the Mulberry for the day...

my favorite body cream from Laura Mercier, it literally smells like lemon curd  |  obsessed with summer berries, I cannot stop eating them

a very exciting new foundation, 'Parure de Lumière'' by Guerlain was kindly sent to me, I cannot wait to try! watch this space.. | the best latte ever

a peek of a hot Sunday afternoon outfit; cream Topshop boutique mini dress, Steve Madden studded sandals, Chanel bag and Hermès collier de chien bracelet | shower gel samples from the body shop, perfect for my imminent Thailand trip! 

Happy Weekend: Fun at Breakfast Time

Weekends should be all about fun, no? Especially extra-long, bank holiday weekends! I'm starting this three-day weekend with a leisurely breakfast in bed (as per...) complete with homemade juice, pancakes, fruit and a few sugar treats, while trying not to think about squeezing into a bikini in seventeen little days...

Table for Two: Ginger, Basil & Grapefruit Spritzer

Another Sunday afternoon, another summer cocktail. Just as it should be. I adore the sharpness of basil that sort of lingers within you, this balance of the basil and ginger soda with an added citrus kick from the grapefruit juice is beyond refreshing.

y o u ' l l  n e e d  . . .

75g butter, softened

2 large grapefruit

2 cups of ice

3 cans of ginger soda

a handful of fresh basil

1/4 cup of basil simple syrup (easily made the same way all simple syrup is, but with the addition of chopped basil, not forgetting to strain before leaving to cool)

1 bottle of champagne or white wine

A Guide To: Building a Bar

Little is more chic than having friends over for cocktails. For some, including me, the idea of building a bar a home was somewhat intimidating, being so unsure of where to start. Recently, with the help of the boy and a load of girlfriends who love alcohol from mojitos to martinis, I've grown my collection from a trusty, dusty bottle of vodka on standby for friends popping in, to a small bar.

Lust List - 23rd July 2012

1. I've probably been going a little too crazy with the online shopping this past week, as soon as I have a trip arranged I decide I need an entire new wardrobe for the occasion... The boy & I are leaving on Friday for a break in Leeds, and with the bipolar weather, I couldn't resist this Tibi Jacket (£570), which will work with everything else I'm taking for the chillier moments. 2. I'm trying to justify the Tibi splurge with this Topshop Drop Back Tunic (£26) which I'll pair with the jacket. 3. I've had this Nails Inc varnish in Birdcage Walk (£11) for about a year, but completely neglected it as an unexciting bore. I tried it for a quick Monday morning manicure and love it. The perfect nude for my tanned skin, it lasted five days looking good as new. A must have. 4. These ASOS Porter Platforms (£50) are another new purchase in time for Leeds, they may not be groundbreaking but they are classic, timeless and a very sexy shape! 5. The sunglass shape I'm obsessing over this week are these Fendi Tortiseshell Shades (call 0800-722020 for stockists) have the most amazing yellow colour-pop arms! 6. If you want to buy me a present, buy me this bottle of gin (£35), complete with a china teacup. If you've ever drank gin from a teacup, you'll know why. 7. After running out of my favourite Elizabeth Arden moisturiser, alongside everyone else in the country (I couldn't get a tube for love-nor-money) I panic bought Cetaphil Moisturising Cream (£9.40) after hearing a few good reviews. I've been using it about a week, and so far I'm verrry impressed. Its perfect for dry skin and leaves a great long-lasting & perfectly hydrated base for makeup, I shall keep you ladies informed as the usage continues. For less than £10 for 100ml, you really cant complain. 8. No 'dirty' weekend away would be complete without a new set of Agent Provocateur, this luxurious Zsa Zsa set (£395) is courtesy of the boy. 9. Mojitos are not only the drink of Thursday evenings 'date night', but the drink of the week. Find the perfect Strawberry recipe here.10. One last weekend purchase, this ASOS Midi Dress was a no brainer for £30 (sorry, model, for chopping off your head...) rachel xo

Happy Weekend: Pretty in Pink

Time to take a step back this weekend, I've now clocked up fifteen days without a day off - still without one in sight. This weekend will be different; pens will be put down and office lights turned off by 1pm both this Saturday & Sunday to allow for a leisurely lunch and Liz Earle facial on Saturday, and Sunday afternoon cocktails with a close friend and her new beau . . .

Table for Two: Peach Collins

One of our go-to recipes for summer evening cocktails is the incredibly sweet and simple Peach Collins. A play on the traditional Tom Collins, this drink calls for only a few ingredients and takes just seconds to prepare.

 y o u ' l l  n e e d  . . .

• 1/4 Cup of Simple Syrup
• 1/4 Cup of Lemon Juice
• 1/2 Cup of Chopped Ripe Peaches
• 1/2 Cup of Peach Flavoured Vodka
• 1/2 Cup of Soda Water (or Lemonade if you like it super-sweet)
• 2 x Peach Slices