Pearls By Fleur is a pearl company that sell classic and contemporary pearls at budget-friendly and realistic prices. 

• Cut - This is the overall shape of the diamond.
• Clarity - All diamonds hold imperfections either on the inside or the outside of the diamond. These are called inclusions or blemishes. The severity of these defects are what determine the overall clarity of the stone.
• Colour - The G.I.A. grading system ranks a diamonds colour from D (colourless) all the way to Z (slightly yellow). 
• Carat - The unit of weight for diamonds, 1 carat is equal to 0.2 grams. 

Walk around any major town centre and you would have noticed an uprising in the food stakes where established players are paying particular attention to street food sellers; and it shouldn’t be a surprise as to why.

Flavour Art have been known to help many a budding street food vendor and they had some thoughts as to how this new way of dining has become so popular.
From gourmet burgers to Vietnamese cuisine, Lebanese salads to Mexican tacos the sight of a van now just serving a grilled hot dog or less than artistic impersonation of a burger is now questioned. We have become a nation of food critics, tasters, bloggers and judges in a very short space of time; and we shouldn’t be ashamed of it, we should most definitely embrace it.



One of the key things about street food is that it most definitely picks up food trends and flavours which then become quickly adapted into other foods at a rapid scale. 

Recently I reviewed the Seagate Personal Cloud home media unit and found it extremely useful for the back up and storage of large files.

This Network Attached Storage Device (N.A.S.) is a central secure box where you can backup, access and store all your data.  Documents, movies and photos can all be stored, in fact anything you have on your computer or smart phone and all you need is an Internet connection, a smart phone, tablet or computer to access your information from anywhere in the world. 
Seagate Personal Cloud

Being a blogger and a keen traveller I have many photos and videos on my computer, camera and phone. They hold precious memories. Like my son's first photo, his first day at school, our holidays in Orlando, our trip to the Grand Canyon and our family Christmases.

All these photos and videos take up space, and before you know it, your storage space on your computer and phone are full. This is where personal cloud storage becomes invaluable like the Seagate Personal Cloud.

Seagate have sent me a 5 TB version to review. I don't want to weigh my readers down with technical jargon so I have simplified the set up process as much as I can.
The Basics

With a Seagate Personal Cloud your movies, photos and files are available 24 hours a day from anywhere in the world. It is what is termed as a Network Attached Storage Device (N.A.S.), a central secure location where you can backup, access and store your files. All you need is an Internet connection and a smart phone, tablet or computer to access your data.

The Science Bit

The drive is stylish, black and discrete. To set it up, simply plug into your wireless router. Leave it for ten minutes while it automatically sets up and detects the files and until the light on the unit stops flashing. On the Mac the personal cloud then appears automatically in Finder in the shared section. On a Windows PC you should see it in File Explorer under Network Devices. Clicking on that opens up the files. To finish the set up process you click on the 'Personal Cloud url' and follow instructions.  



When it is set up, the first thing you do is create a user name. The user than gets a folder created for them. Only that user will see what is in that folder. However if you want to share something publicly that can be done with the Public folder. 

To add a remote user type their email address into the Invite Users section and it will send an email out allowing that person to access the drive.

The Benefits



Storing your data on a personal cloud adds another layer of safety and security as a back up storage. You can access the drive anywhere in the world as long as you have the Internet and a device that allows you to access the Internet. This can be anything from a smartphone, tablet and computer to a Smart TV, media player or game system.

I think this is incredibly useful as I am fearful of taking my Mac with all my media stored on there, on holiday with me. Thefts happen and things get damaged in transit, however being a self employed blogger I need access to my emails and files at all times.  Now I can leave my Mac at home as I can access those files with my phone or Ipad if need be.

The storage space available is vast too. I am reviewing the 5 TB version but it also goes up to 8TB. That is much bigger than the storage space on my Mac. Whilst a free service like Dropbox only gives you a few GB's of space.

I particularly like being able to view the photos and videos on a Smart TV. A lovely feature that makes it easy to share your memories with family and friends. 

The Limitations


Transferring the media in the first place can take some time, that is one of the only limitations I have found, however after that instance there is a backup option which allows you to do this fairly quickly. For faster transfer of information it recommends using an Ethernet cable. 

Other Features

I would recommend backing up your media on a frequent basis as part of your routine. You can also back up to another storage device or another cloud system like Dropbox. 

The ability to sync to a folder is very convenient especially for important files that are updated regularly - useful too if you have a poor memory! This isn't done automatically however, you need to set it to sync at a certain time.

There is a also an app that allows you to access the files via a phone or tablet. This is great for you to be able to play a film, view all your photos, access your documents and listen to your music on the go. Don't forget you still need Internet access though.

As the capital city of Mallorca (Majorca), Palma is a place of many beautiful sights and attractions, whether you are just stopping for a weekend break or a longer trip. If you are planning a visit and not sure what to do to fill your days, consider the following options…



Marvel At The Architecture

Palma is renowned for its excellent architecture. The most popular and undoubtedly most important must-see architectural wonder would be the Cathedral (Le Seu) where you will get the chance to witness works by Gaudi and Barcelo. Other places to see include the Bellver Castle, Basilica De Sant Francesc and Llotja.

Take In The Views Of Serra De Tramuntana



One of the most popular outings for visitors to Palma is a journey through the many glorious mountain ranges and coastal views of Serra de Tramuntana. The views are nothing short of spectacular from this World Heritage Site. Whether you head out in a hire car or take public transportation, the drive is well worth it and you will get to walk away with not only some incredible pictures but also a new perspective on what makes Palma so remarkable. We stopped at Valldemossa and Estellencs - two gorgeous little villages in the mountains.

Pay A Visit To Palma Aquarium



For those who are travelling with little ones, the Palma Aquarium is a definite must-do. Both adults and children will enjoy learning about the beautiful marine creatures and wonder at awe at the big fish and sharks. This is one place that is sure to keep the kids entertained as well as allow them to learn and have fun at the same time. Palma Aquarium also works to support the environment and have worked on many ecological campaigns such as the one to save the bluefin tuna. We thought it was much better than we expected!

Explore The City By Bike




If your feet are sore from walking around the Palma Aquarium, consider exploring the city by bike! For only 5 euros you get a fantastic way to look at some of the main attractions in town along with a great work out. There is a cycle path along the marina so this is a great area to explore whilst marvelling at the beautiful boats and cruise liners in port. When tired, stop at a cafe for a much needed cold drink and a spot of lunch.

Discover The Shops, Cafes And Restaurants



Chances are that in between all the sightseeing and exploring the city, you will want to spend some time discovering the many inviting and unique designer boutiques, gift shops, cafes and restaurants. Stop for a coffee and lunch at one of the tiny cafes, eat tasty tapas in one of the cool bars or go for a special meal at one of the Michelin star restaurants for which Palma is renowned.

Where we stayed - Hotel Costa Azule. A fresh modern, well-priced hotel with views over the marina. 
Where we ate - Ribello, a lovely Italian restaurant, Appetite, a fusion inspired eatery and Koa, an excellent grill and cocktail place. If you fancy trying nearly 50 wines by the glass and tasty tapas I recommend the tapas bar Wineing.
Top Tip - It's worth hiring a car to explore the island. Bus services are excellent and reliable too so consider this if you don't drive.

Let me know, have you visited Palma Mallorca? Do you have any recommendations of what to do or see?

I really like unusual jewellery and the Portuguese Filigree Jewellery Store is a site that has caught my attention recently.




A Portuguese lady started the company with her husband and sister, with the idea of bringing the work of artisan Portuguese jewellery makers to the world. 

For a chance to win the gorgeous ring detailed above, worth 67 Euros (£47), please check out my giveaway below. This is a fabulous opportunity to get your hands on an amazing piece of jewellery to keep for yourself, or perhaps give as a gift. Good luck.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Regular readers of my blog will know how much I love Hotel Chocolat. This award winning British company which was set up 20 years ago, produce ethical luxury chocolates with amazing flavour. They are especially fantastic as they help support cocoa farmers and their communities in Saint Lucia and Ghana. Not a lot of people know that!

We all know that Christmas is an expensive time. Research by YouGov in 2014 found that UK households planned on spending £861 on Christmas last year with over £600 on gifts. That's a lot of money.

With a bit of planning, some budgeting and some saving in advance it doesn't need to cost the earth or get you into debt.

When it comes to selling your home, there is one word that strikes no truer than, preparation. Yes, preparation is key when selling your home because you won’t be dealing with the unexpected, in fact, if you’re that well prepared, nothing is unexpected and you will drift through your house sale like a breeze. 

This post was originally published in December 2013 but I wanted to re-publish it for you today because I have a feeling that you'll love it as much as I did. 

I've just come back from a weekend break in Prague. What I didn't realise before I went, is how beautiful the capital city of the Czech Republic is. Here are my top tips on what to do on a Christmas break.

1. Get your bearings and learn some of the troubled histories of this city by going on a tour. Almost undamaged by World War 2, Prague's medieval centre is a mix of cobbled lanes, walled courtyards, and Gothic architecture. We did a free tour by New Prague Tours. The guides work on tips and our guide, Colin, was informative and funny and helped up gained a valuable insight into Prague's history. Wrap up warm as it was near freezing in December.

2. Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without visiting Prague Christmas markets. The main ones are in The Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Traditional crafts such as glassware, wooden toys and decorations, mix with food stalls selling mulled wine, Prague ham, and lager. In the old Town Square, the stunning Christmas tree, illuminated at night, is worth a visit alone.


3. Visit Prague Castle - the largest castle complex in the world. It consists of courtyards, palaces and churches of various architectural styles, and is stunning to see. Originally it used to be the residence of Princes and Kings of Bohemia.



4. Take a walk over Charles Bridge for a great view of the city. Local artists mix with tourists and historic statues line the bridge, but be careful of pickpockets as it can get very crowded in the day.

5. Visit the infamous Astronomical clock at the Old Town Hall. On the stroke of the hour, people gather to see the 12 Apostles and the skeletal figure of Death appear. Colin, our guide, told us it is among the most overrated attractions in the world, but personally, I feel it has to be seen :).

6. Visit the opera, the ballet or the theatre while you are there. Tickets can be bought last minute at a very reasonable price but always buy from the theatre's box office as Prague is known for ticket touts. Did you know that there are over 40 different theatres in Prague?

7. Prague's museums are known worldwide for the quality of their exhibitions. The National Museum and National Gallery of Prague hold great displays and exhibitions with depth and quality. We went to the Rudolfinum to see a modern art exhibition by the brothers Jake and Dinos Chapman. These British artists are well known for their modern art based on death and life and it was certainly entertaining!

8. Try the local food, or eat out at one of the many restaurants. The local dishes include a type of goulash, stewed pork or beef with dumplings, and sausages often served as bar snacks with the local lager. Prague has also more cosmopolitan places to eat and drink with a range of prices and cuisines. We ate at Sansho - and had an absolutely fantastic meal. They serve a tasting menu and although the food does not have a Michelin star we felt it should have had. The Asian inspired food was beautifully presented by a past chef from Nobu, London. Our 7-course meal with wine came to £80 and for food of this standard, we thought this was amazing. At the other end of the scale, we found a great pizza at a bargain price in Giovanni's, just behind the Old Town Square. We had a two-course meal with wine for under £30 for two. It was tasty, service was quick and the restaurant had a certain rustic charm.



9. Where to stay. There is a wide variety of hotels of all prices in Prague. We stayed at the Hotel Maximilian. This stylishly modern hotel doesn't compromise on service, you can even have a pet goldfish brought to your room for your stay! Complimentary tea and coffee are served every day and the buffet breakfast had a good mix of tempting hot and cold dishes including food cooked to order. The rooms have facilities such as DVD players, coffee machines and free Wi-Fi. We were very impressed with this hotel as on a special rate we only paid £90 a night which is fabulous for a city centre hotel of this standard.

10. Be careful of pickpockets and petty crime. Tourists can be scammed by people in the street asking if you want to change money and ripping you off. Taxi drivers are renowned for overcharging, so arrange taxis with your hotel or look at Trip Advisor for reputable companies. I had heard that there used to be a problem with stag dos but we never saw anything when we were there. Fortunately, serious crime is rare.

In conclusion, there is so much to see and do in Prague, and we were pleasantly surprised by the cost of living. It is a beautiful city with amazing architecture and is a perfect city to visit this time of year to enjoy the Christmas markets. If you have never been to Prague I urge you to go. For more cool things to do in Prague, check out this post.

Have you been to Prague? What did you think of it? If you haven't been would you like to visit the Christmas markets?

Amazingly, Strictly Come Dancing is now in its 13th series. Despite the departure of stalwart Bruce Forsyth at the end of series 11, the show’s popularity continues unabated. With all the dramas and gossip that surround the show each year, it’s not surprising it still attracts an impressive prime time audience.

Some of the most memorable highlights from previous years include Julian Clary’s double act with Craig Revel-Horwood. Craig is considered the pantomime villain of the show and has been known to reduce contestants to gibbering wrecks with his caustic comments. Julian, however, was having none of it and championed much of the nation’s thoughts with his comedy comebacks and refusal to be intimidated.

Who could forget the artistic stylings of John Sergeant? A man so left-footed he eventually volunteered to leave the show out of embarrassment. Despite featuring in the bottom two every week, he was endlessly voted back in by an underdog-loving public. He finally walked from the show in week 10, in case he ended up winning, which he felt would be a travesty under the circumstances!

This infographic by Great British Bingo looks back on the Strictly Come Dancing winners.

By far the most memorable dance so far this series has been Jay McGuinness and Aliona Vilani, dancing an astonishingly technical jive to the soundtrack of Pulp Fiction. The dance was performed during week three, when most of the contestants are still discovering their feet (and their partner’s toes!). The footwork can only be described as hypnotic and I am confident it will go down in Strictly history as one of the defining moments of the show, alongside other classics, such as Sophie Ellis Bextor’s Charleston and Abbey Clancy’s Samba.

As of the start of this current series, there have been six male and six female winners overall. Which is an interesting result, as there is often much debate over who has an easier time on the show. The men have to learn to do some complicated lifts as the show progresses, but the ladies have to be lifted, which does require an element of bravery. There is also some disadvantage attached to the costumes required by the female contestants. As Ginger Rogers once famously said of Fred Astaire; “I did everything he did, but backwards and in high heels.”

Tell me do you follow the show? Can you dance? Do you love the outfits as much as me?

*PR collaboration

Christmas will be here before you know it. At this time of year, I always look for stylish ways to update my home for the Autumn/Winter season. New furnishings and some select lighting can make all the difference and add some personal touches that can take your dwelling from a house to a home.  Here are some smart lighting ideas from Lampcommerce this season.