snippets of life from late 2023 Cheers to 2024

Happy New Year to you all. I hope you had the best Christmas. If any of you did something different this year, please let me know in the comments below. I love hearing about anything non-traditional!

I was hosted by the daughter this year, the first time I haven’t cooked dinner for years! It was really special and I enjoyed it immensely. I stayed over on Christmas Eve and watched the grandchildren opening their presents.

I just wanted to get this post out, to get up to date and let you all know what I got up to in the run-up to Christmas. Life got hectic and I missed posting some bits and pieces on here. I especially wanted to share my new favourite casual, purse-friendly outfit.

This easy-to-wear shirt-dress was a bargain find on Amazon. It’s very lightweight and I wear a full slip under it. I’ve paired it with a new long-line cardigan from Mango that is now on sale also.

The dress will be great on its own come the warmer months too. It’s available in many other colours and I just love the casual style of it.

Shop The Looks

I had my first visit to a Fairfax & Favour store for a try-on

I enjoyed a couple of days in Norfolk in November. A visit to see the Artichoke Girls ( There’s a film for the Artichoke visit on YouTube and I will leave that below)

On the second day of the visit, we headed to Holt and I had an appointment arranged with the Fairfax & Favor team. I enjoyed trying everything on and learning all about the history of the brand.

I loved the cape pictured above and the tailoring of the Fairfax & Favor coats was exceptional. Very pricey though I must say, but you knew and felt like you were wearing something expensive.

These Octavia Knee-High boots went straight to the top of my wish list. I love the tan soft suede and that little extra detailing to the front of the boots. Maybe in April at birthday time!

I have a discount code for Cyberjammies

I got these cosy pyjamas just in time for Christmas from Cyberjammies. perfectly festive too. I’ve featured this fabulous brand so many times on all my platforms and their summer pyjamas are just beautiful. I rarely wear anything other than Cyberjammies.

Get a 10% discount off any product from Cyberjammies Use the code VANITYANDME

I had the best time at Hyde Hall

In the run-up to Christmas, I went to Hyde Hall in Chelmsford to see the Christmas light show. I didn’t expect much but I really enjoyed it. It was a truly magical display, although it was freezing!

The whole place was lit up. It took just under an hour to walk around and view all the splendour. I kept wondering how many working hours it must have taken to prepare such a beautiful display.

There was an open frame to take photos with the beautiful backdrop. You can just imagine how cold it was! But well worth that cold. If you’re ever in the Chelmsford Essex area, I recommend a visit, not just at Christmas, it’s beautiful all year round.

I will end this post with some new posts over on YouTube

I hope you enjoy the films. It would be great to connect with you all on YouTube as well. Hit subscribe and don’t forget the notification bell!

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XO LAURIE