A Very Merry Christmas

This will probably be my last post for 2011, as hubby and I are jet-setting off for some winter sun tonight. I guess you could say that I am a little bit excited ... although after seeing these gorgeous images, a part of me will miss opening presents under the tree and spending Christmas morning in front of the fire.

I hope you have a wonderful time over the next few weeks, relaxing, spending time with friends and loved ones and enjoying all that Christmas brings. And may 2012 be everything you hope for.  

See you next year.

Sally x   

Image Source: Homedit

Jones & Payne

There's few other more relaxing ways to spend an afternoon than to have a massage, bellinis, friendly conversation, a new hair style and all of this in beautiful surroundings ... enter Jones and Payne.   

Their salon mantra is 'where London east end cool and creativity marries with West end service and attention to detail'. And I am hooked.   

Their super stylish salon in Shoreditch, with wooden floors, exposed brickwork, gilded mirrors, vintage furnishings and period chandeliers, along with uber friendly, knowledgeable and professional staff, are a perfect concoction for a perfect afternoon.

And even more convenient that they're located around the corner from work! 

It's only onwards and upwards for these guys. 

Image Source: Jones & Payne

Ready to rumball

I didn't realise that rumballs were more of an Australian festive treat than a British one, until I took some into work last year. Initially the look of intrigue on my colleagues' faces was undeniable, then the questions were asked, small, timid mouthfuls were consumed before the sound of 'oohs' and 'ahhs' of satisfaction were heard ... and then they went back for more!     


Now that I have a blog to share the things I love with you, here is my recipe for these lovely little balls to enjoy with loved ones (or colleagues) over Christmas:

Serving size: Serves 10 or more
Cooking time: Approx. 1 hour


Ingredients
1 plum pudding
1 cup of rum*
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup finely chopped glazed ginger
1/2 cup dried apricots
1/2 cup walnuts
1 x 250g block of milk chocolate
Extra coconut for coating


Method:

1. Break up the plum pudding, add coconut, rum, fruit and nuts, mixing all ingredients until they're well combined. 
2. Melt the block of chocolate either in a double saucepan or in the microwave on a low to medium heat, stirring until the chocolate is runny.
3. Stir the melted chocolate throughout the mixture; combine well.
4. Take small spoonfuls of the mixture and make ball shapes by rolling them in your hands.
5. Roll the balls in coconut. 
6. Keep in a sealed container in the fridge until you're ready to serve, or you can store in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

They're a great hit during the festive season and also make a wonderful home-made gift, wrapped in clear cellophane or put into a jar with a beautiful ribbon. Or just keep them all to yourself and enjoy!


*Depending on how jolly you're feeling, feel free to add a little more rum

Image Source: KidSpot

Who's sitting where for the turkey?

Ever since 'wedmin' two years ago when I was busy planning our big day, I’ve been blown away by the enormous array of place card settings which can be beautifully made for special occasions. It quickly became obvious that the main limitation to artistically and creatively displaying where you would like your guests to sit is one's imagination.

Thinking ahead to Christmas celebrations this year, there are some really sweet ideas here (with instructions on how to make them too!):

How are you planning on instructing your family and friends where to sit for your Christmas meal?!

Image Source: Martha Stewart

A Dior Christmas

You can imagine my delight when the postman delivered our mail today, and there, amongst the usual letters, it lay. The small cardboard box was white, crisp, and clean, with the Dior logo in the top left …. I felt my heart skip a beat. I opened it carefully to pull out another box; this was grey with a gold logo etched into it. 

I slowly ran my fingers over it, and opened it further .... unfortunately it was not an early Christmas present, but I still could not contain my excitement. 


I graciously opened it to reveal a selection of beautiful cards, inviting me into the enchanting golden world of a Dior Christmas. The photography was exquisite. Each postcard displayed a different product – stunning handbags, shoes, necklaces, sunglasses, watches; it was all divine.

J'adore the perfectly styled video showcasing their 2011 Christmas story also.  

Thank you Dior; you certainly brightened my day.

It all begins here

Hello, and welcome to Charms and Graces! 

I’ve been thinking of writing a blog for a while, and I’ve finally put pen to paper (well, fingers to keyboard!) to start this adventure. A few reasons for this are:

·         To help my family and friends (who live all over the world) keep up-to-date with what I’m doing, places I’m visiting and things I’m falling in love with

·         I can use it as a way of documenting the many objects and hidden gems that take my breath away, put a smile on my face or make me melt inside

·         This will be my 8^th UK winter (but they never get easier, trust me!), so I need a new project to help get me through the cold, dark, short days over the comings months

·         And I hope it will provide much inspiration and give an insight into an Aussie girl’s life abroad

Over the coming days, months and (possibly!?) years, dependent on how much self-discipline and stamina I can muster up, I aim to showcase a collection of these wondrous goods, creative style ideas and other bits and pieces I stumble across, as well as items and places I'm fortunate to experience as a result of living in one of the world’s top cities.

I look forward to sharing these with you.

Image source: Corner House