July 2014: La Petite Luxe

DIY Coconut & Lime Sugar Scrub

So I love a good body scrub!!!

Who doesn't want silky smooth glowing skin?!

I decided to make my own at home body scrub and I love limes and I love coconut (as you know if you read my blog) so thought I would put them together to make the most amazing 'All Natural' body scrub!!!

It's simple, smells delicious and is great for your skin! Did I mention that it's ALL NATURAL?!!!

This scrub is moisturising, invigorating and exfoliating and is made from only 4 ingredients and in 4 simple steps! Perfect!

This would also make a perfect gift for friends and family! Package it in a jar with a cute label and give as present!

Coconut & Lime Sugar Scrub

Ingredients

1/4 Cup Coconut Oil

1 Cup Brown Sugar

1 tbsp Shredded Coconut

Zest of 1 Lime

Method

1. Melt coconut oil.

2. Mix in the sugar, until fully combined.

3. Add the shredded coconut and lime zest.

4. Mix together.

Makes 1 cup of scrub. Store in a sealed jar or container. Stays fresh for up to 2 months.

Lucy Bee Extra Virgin Fair Trade Organic Coconut Oil

Luxe of the Week

Melissa Odabash

Melissa Odabash Elton John AIDS Foundation 'Love is in my blood' Hat

American swimwear and fashion designer Melissa Odabash is famed for her designer bikinis, but her accessories are a must have too. I love this hat, based on her 'Eva' panama hat, the bright white colour is perfect for summer with the red and blue contrast trim giving it a luxe feel!

www.odabash.com

Table Talk: Teacup Kitchen

Location: 55 Thomas Street, Manchester

They say: "Award winning restaurant & tearoom in Manchester's creative Northern Quarter. Listed in the Good Food Guide 2013 & 2014. Pretty serious about tea & cake."

Perfect for: All day tea & cake! Lazy breakfasts & brunch.

Atmosphere: I was there late Sunday morning for breakfast and there were only a few tables left available. Busy but chilled atmosphere perfect for lazy Sunday mornings.

What we ordered:

- Exoticado - Poached duck egg, pan-fried exotic mushrooms & avocado on toast.

- Belting Benedict - Roast ham, poached eggs, capers, hollandaise sauce & wholegrain mustard on toasted sourdough.

- Lemon & Ginger Infusion - Grated fresh ginger, freshly squeezed lemon & honey.

- Caramel Macchiato

- Carrot & Coconut Cake - Layers of rich carrot and walnut sponge, smothered in cream cheese frosting & topped with toasted coconut flakes.

- Passion Fruit Meringue Tart - Crisp sweet pastry case brimming with mouth-watering passion fruit curd, and topped with peaks of gooey meringue.

What I liked:

- Classic short but sweet egg menu & the duck eggs.

- The quality of the food.

- The extensive tea menu, worth a visit for alone.

- Great cakes, you can't visit without tasting one of their creations, or boxing them up and taking them home like I did.

Overall: An original place to go for tea & cake with friends and family! Great atmosphere and even better food!

teacupandcakes.com

RHS Flower Show Tatton Park

Last weekend I attended the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park, in a very hot and sunny Tatton Park, Knutsford. The show is held in the acres of deer park, just a walk away from the Tudor Old Hall and the Neo-Classical Mansion with it's 50 acres of landscaped gardens, Tatton Park is one of the UK's most complete historic estates.

The show has four zones, with a combination of gardens, plants, food and shopping reflecting the zone titles of Grow, Escape, Inspire and Feast. This year's theme was 'carnival' and this was seen throughout the show with vibrant floral displays in the RHS Floral Marquee and the floral umbrellas and costumes of the carnival parade performers.

My main reason of attending the show was to the see the beautifully innovative creative gardens, whilst the show isn't as abundantly full of show gardens like RHS Chelsea, the gardens in attendance at Tatton were definitely up there in standard and creativity. I was also in awe of the growers in the RHS Floral Marquee, they were impeccable and another highlight of my day at the show.

Tatton is, of course, a selling show and pretty much anything you can think of to put in a garden is on sale here, from lifesize Gorillas made from car parts to wrought iron tree water features.

Overall a wonderful day out for friends to families, there is something for everyone, beautiful gardens, local grown produce and good food including a dedicated Pimm's Tent (fabulous), shopping and crafts in the 'have a go' tent! A must day out to put in your diary for next year!