The day after the day after...

Hi Ladies
This last week has been all about the preparation for the big day so not so much time available for chatting! So, now, the day after the day after, is all about relaxing & I'm loving every second :) I have tea, movies & sweeties & very snuggly blanket for the sofa.
Last week we went on our Seasonal Harrods trip in the snow. It was a truly fabulous day, we laughed from the moment we met up to the moment I dropped Supersis back at home 12 hours later! Starbucks on Kings Road & sushi in Harvey Nichols, all perfectly fabulous & the clothes......ahhhhhhhhh, perfectly fabulous :)
Christmas Day was a great day full of fun with my fabulous family & thanks to my Supersis, dinner actually made it to the table. Dishing up dinner for 7 in my rediculous kitchen was harder than I had imagined but Supersis came to the rescue with her amazing kitchen calmness & saved the day :) Tiny, of course, was adorable & we danced & danced after dinner until her face turned a little green & she said "Teeto, you nearly made me sick". I was so so glad of the words rather than being on my hands & knees picking out little bits of roast beef & yorkshires from the leather rug!!
So, after all the fun & washing up comes these 2 beautiful days (change the number of days according to your work schedule) of peace & relaxation. Back to back movies, plenty of time for magazines, a late shower & any kind of food we fancy without any awareness of nutritional value. I've drunk more tea then you're probably supposed to in one day & later I'm thinking gin & tonic in my new 'old lady gin glass' (thank you Santa). What a lovely way to spend a Monday!
I have about a million new designs in my head so time to go & find a sketch book & pencil. Enjoy however you spend these lovely days of peace!
More soon
Victoria xxx

Snowy days

Hi Ladies
We thought we had finally broken free from the snow! Oh well, fingers crossed for it to melt away quickly!
I am making the most of a solitary starbucks with a pad and pen...... I am surprisingly organised this year so presents are nearly all done and plans for outings over the Christmas break are taking shape!

I have gone through my Christmas cookbooks with post-it notes and feel satisfied with my choices! Certainly no time to be calorie counting!!!
I'm still deciding whether or not to go for the traditional fruit stacked Christmas cake or to go for all out chocolate lusciousness?! Big decision, but I think I know which will win and which certainly goes better with a glass of milk....When it comes to chocolate I'm happy to break tradition!!!
All the decorations are up and twinkly lights cover 'nearly' every available space - just makes me feel fabulous when I walk in.....Christmas makes you feel just great doesn't it?

Some people like to have everything matching and some like to be random.. I myself like to have matching decorations on my tree... Although slowly as the little one has an input its becoming more and more random!! But that's part of Christmas isn't it?!

Paper chain making is big in our house this year, with all the snow we've just had it definitely filled a gap when we were stuck indoors!
Cutting snowflakes from paper, is something we are yet to master, little ones with scissors can be particularly hazardous but mine did have a go at 'shearing' paper and I am yet to see a snowflake!!! I think i feel a night in front of a movie coming along with a pair of scissors and a stack of white paper..... As if by magic - snowflakes appear overnight!!!!!

Writing cards for nursery chums is lovely quiet time and she loved putting them in the greatly over sized home-made post box at nursery!! I'm super excited about her Christmas concert yesterday at the end of term, lots of proud family went, was a definite a tissue moment!!!
I have treated my mitts to a tube of Elizabeth Arden eight hour hand treatment... So luxurious and they feel silkier than ever. Snowballs might be fun but when my gloves got wet and the ice set in boy were my hands in need if some tlc!! I spotted the body cream too so I'm hoping I've been good enough for Santa to bring it me this year ;)
Seasonal Harrods trip on Monday, please be kind to us Mother Nature :)
More soon
Ally xx

Magic of Christmas Disney

I have just about thawed out now from our very wintry, yet completely magical, trip to Disneyland Paris. This was our second trip and although I do prefer the sunnier, much warmer days in Orlando, for a Disney fix it was fantastic!!
We set off on the Eurostar for our 2 hour journey armed with magazines, games and treats to amuse little lady!! Straight off the train and into the park could not be easier.

Walking up Main street and seeing the castle makes me dream of being a Princess!! It's festive, bustling and magical!! 'Snow' falls and Christmas music plays and the smell of freshly baked cookies fills the air!
The parks were really crowded over the weekend but we made the most of the shows and parades ..... Mickey Brioche and a hot chocolate was the perfect winter warmer!
We stayed at Hotel Cheyenne, with amazing attention to detail on the theming, from decor inside and out to costumes and music. It was perfectly cosy and such a short walk to the parks and restaurants was a bonus when my feet had had enough!!

I bought myself a pair of SnowJoggers www.snowjoggers.org for the trip... Snugly toots for me in the snow!!

We had he most wonderful trip, tiny smiled non stop for 5 days! We were practically ice sculptures by the time we got into Santa's grotto but it was totally worth every second of chill. Tiny sat with Santa & told him what was on her Christmas list......A moment to be treasured.


We came home and busied ourselves with decorating. All the decorations were up & ready for the first day of advent...
I'm now writing a list for the Christmas food shop and will be soon putting my order in at the butchers..... I am super excited to be cooking my niece her first Christmas dinner this year too!
I treasure my time in the kitchen over Christmas - solitary time to make sweet treats or prepare vegetables, I'm not fussy what I'm doing as long as the carols are playing and the wine is chilled!!

Coming soon.....seasonal recipes & decorating :)


Let's all get ready for Santa!!!
Big hugs
Ally xxx

Christmas decorations & shopping

Hi Ladies
This weekend has been taken up with lots of organising & decorating! I finally convinced H that I needed to get decorating. Poor love, I even played Christmas music while I was being the decorating elf but I think the beer I poured him helped!
So now the house feels like Christmas, I'm all ready for shopping & dinner planning. I got completely distracted online yesterday but some amazing red paper balls & bells which look so fabulous in a big cluster (picture at top). I haven't really got space for them this year but I'll be planning ahead for next year! They start at £1.50 & you can find them at www.re-foundobjects.com & click on gREetings, so fabulous.

I'm thinking that you're all as happy as we are that the snow has gone, I'm sure I've never seen that much in my lifetime. It was so deep it went over the top of Tiny's wellies! The nasty weather completely upset our fabulous shopping evening plans. Rather than cancel, we decided to postpone & we now have a new date to shop ~ Monday 13 December ~ 630-10pm ~ The Star Cafe, Partridge Green. Its a good job we did postpone, Mark at the Cafe said he couldn't open on the Thursday & there was no grit on the roads over there so it just wouldn't have been safe. So ladies, next Monday is the day, all other details exactly the same except that we're a lot closer to the big day! I'm sure you'll find some gorgeous gifts for all your ladies!

With all the Christmas parties & work parties going on there's a lot of wardrobe planning to do. Don't forget that I can alter clothes that are not fitting properly or customise something you thought had seen better days, adding beads or sequins can liven up everything! Also we have fabulous clutch bags & fabric flower brooches in our boutique www.seasonalsisters.com/boutique ~ the brooches can be pinned onto almost anything, including handbags, hairbands, wristbands & jackets & coats.
OK, lots to do & plan..........happy Christmas preparation!
Victoria xx

Letter from Santa

Hi Ladies

This week has been all about Christmas! I've been organising a fabulous evening of Christmas shopping at the Star Cafe in Partridge Green. I'm really happy with the mixture of stalls, there'll be something for everyone. I even made a Christmas playlist for some festive tunes :)

For a line up have a look at out website www.seasonalsisters.com/Christmas_shopping you can click on links to see seller's websites too :)

Ally & Tiny (& Robert of course) are away this weekend at Disneyland Paris, can you imagine how fabulous it'll be over there in the chilly weather with all the fabulous Christmas parades??? Perfect. I can't wait to hear all about it & see some pics. I'm thinking Ally with come home all inspired & dive straight into making the house all Christmassy :)

While they're away, I've done my secret Auntie duty & arranged a letter from Santa for Tiny. It's become a tradition now & this year I found an even better place to arrange it. Santa has teamed up with the NSPCC & we can now order our Santa letters directly from their website www.nspccwishes.org.uk/letter-from-santa The suggested donation is £5 but of course you can give as much as you like! The final ordering date is 19 December 10 but why not have it arrive earlier to remind the little ones to be on their best behaviour knowing Santa is thinking of them?? I'm so excited :)

So, it's officially Winter now & I've got all my fabulous cosy scarves & gloves out. The trouble with Winter fashion is keeping warm & still looking fabulous. If you need any style advice the best place to visit is www.stylestep.co.uk & have a chat with Helen. She'll be at our shopping evening this week & she's bringing some beautiful pashminas to sell in your best possible colour!

For the first time ever I started my Christmas shopping in November thanks to Hawkins Bazaar mail order www.hawkin.com I just LOVE all the stocking fillers that make you smile. I'm sure there's nothing on the site you actually need just loads & loads of fun stuff.

Now ladies, if this blog has scared you with the love of all things Christmassy, step away now & come back to us in January!

Coming soon.....lots of gift ideas (for all budgets)...Disneyland Paris news....decorating ideas....festive recipes...Christmas......Christmas.......Christmas......

Don't forget we'll be at The Star Cafe, Star Road, Partridge Green Thursday 2 December 630~10pm......come along & help us kick Christmas off with some fabulous shopping :)

Oh & one final thing, us Seasonals would like to wish the very fabulous John Galliano a very Happy 50th Birthday for Sunday :)

Victoria xxx

Well, winter is here which means the festive season is nearly upon us..... Second to seeing the first lambs of spring, my most favourite time of year! I love EVERYTHING about Christmas, ordering my meat, decorating the house, a visit to Santa with my little lady and a seasonal shopping trip with my fabulous sister! Every year we set the date and have a day, just us and comfy (although not always fabulous) shoes, in London.... A definite festive highlight and we cherish every hour of the day!

My only niggle about Christmas is, it seems to creep into the store earlier every year! We seem to be replacing pumpkins and spooky costumes with tins of quality streets and isles of festive treats!!! I think everything about Christmas is fabulous but it doesn't need to start so early!

I write lists for everything ...... So right now I'm planning where to take my tiny one to see Santa, organising my diary of events and catching up with friends! Without fail my tree will be up on the first day of advent and I'm not ashamed to admit I'm a complete 5 year old at heart and wouldn't change it for anything!!!

Come & visit us at our Christmas shopping evening, The Star Cafe, Star Road, Partridge Green, Thursday 2 December, 630~10pm. All welcome, help us make it super Christmassy & a fun evening :)

More soon

Ally xx

Seasonal Sisters support Oprah's No Phone Zone Pledge

Hi Ladies

This week I seem to have spent alot of time with Oprah! When I'm home on my own its usually around the time of a double episode of her show on diva tv (channel 269 on sky). I just LOVE her & her tv show & this week I was reminded of a show from earlier on in the year she did about distracted driving. She was talking to families who had lost loved ones because of distracted driving, mainly texting while driving. I know we all know we shouldn't be talking on a mobile phone while we drive unless we have hands free but I wonder what everyone thinks about texting while driving? I haven't sent a text while driving in a few years now after nearly driving into the back of someone in a traffic jam but after watching Oprah's show, I signed the pledge on http://www.oprah.com/ to add my support. It sounds obvious to say that we are not able to concentrate on the road if we are sending messages but if you watch the show, you will see just what kind of damage can be done, it's truly scary.

The full show is available to watch online at www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Watch-The-Full-Hour-Americas-New-Deadly-Obsession-Video

SEASONAL SISTERS SUPPORT THE NO PHONE ZONE PLEDGE! Join us & tell all your friends, let's all be safe :)

Victoria xx

P.S. Christmas is back at www.seasonalsisters.com & we have a new look :)

Eat Pray Love

Hi Ladies

Last week Clayer & I went to the cinema to see Eat Pray Love & it was just fabulous. I was going to go by myself to see it but I thought it would be way more fun to share the movie with my friend. It was a beautiful movie to watch & it really was as inspiring as we were promised. The cast is beautiful, the music fabulous, the scenery is stunning & of course her story is amazing.

I have read several reviews of this movie that say it's 'cheesy' & a 'chick flick' but actually this movie is a true story of a woman's journey to finding happiness, there's nothing 'cheesy' about it. We start with her in her early 30s living a life she realises she doesn't want, struggling with those feelings & reaching out to God to give her a sign. It was so refreshing for me to watch someone who doesn't want what is expected of her & go & find the life that feels right to her. Hurray for Elizabeth Gilbert :)

I seriously recommend that you read the book, it goes so much deeper than the film possibly could into her state of mind & feelings. It truly is an inspiring read because this was a massive experience in her life, not just a story.

If you haven't seen the trailer yet, have a look on our book page www.seasonalsisters.com/books then go to the movies! Go with your girlfriends or by yourself (& don't forget your sweeties), either way you'll be swept away. I know you'll love it :)

Victoria xx

Back to school :)

Hi Ladies

Today I wanted to give a massive shout out to all the women out there who will have a few minutes to themselves this coming week :) The summer holidays are over & life can get back to normal again! To all those women who are great Mothers, who have played & entertained, found extra money for extra activities, thought up indoor activities for our rainy British August & still kept the house & family going.....Congratulations!......And now you need a break! So, we've come up with some suggestions for 'you' time :)

There's nothing quite as relaxing as having a pedicure, its so lovely to look down at pretty toes in these last few weeks of flip flop wearing. Our 'Seasonal' recommendation for a lovely environment for a pedicure would be with Sheona at Beauty Within in Cuckfield, she's just a fabulous lady & so nice to chat with as your feet get beautiful. They have so many amazing treatments at Beauty Within, between us we've had manicures, pedicures, eyebrow shaping, eyelash tinting, fake tanning & massages. I always float out of their gorgeous building feeling on top of the world, its almost magic :) Have a look at their website www.beautywithinclinic.com & pick a treatment :) Go on treat yourself!

Another lovely way to spend a couple of hours is with Helen (pictured with Clayer) at Style Step. I've come to think of Helen as our very own Gok or Trinny & Susannah (without having to be naked in front of enormous mirrors on national tv!). She has a far more gentle approach to advising us what we ought to be wearing to make the most of whatever body we have. She has beautiful pashminas in every colour you can imagine to help us understand what colours work best with our skin tones & she also is very clever with make up. A perfect, girly treat, she also has vouchers so you can gift a girlfriend. Why not share the love? Have a look at Helen's website www.stylestep.co.uk , I know you'll be inspired.

My absolutely favourite way to relax when I'm short on time is with a fashion magazine (Harpers Bazaar is my fave) & a cup of tea....aaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh lovely. There's also something lovely about just being by yourself for things like grocery shopping & catching up on the ironing. Even normal chores can be made nicer with your favourite music or a recorded tv show & pot of posh coffee..... And how lovely to be in the car by yourself so you can blast your own music rather than songs sung by cartoon characters????? I know you love that Ladies!

Me & Supersis enjoy 'Orange Wednesdays' at the movies, we talk about our day on the journey down & talk about the movie all the way home, lovely girly time.

Really, our 'Seasonal' mission for this new term is to find little ways to make everyday more fabulous. We'd so love to hear your suggestions so we can pass them on ~ lets all feel more fabulous everyday!

Tonight is movie night & I've rented Paranormal Activity :-o Me & Supersis went to the movies to see it & we spent the whole time behind our pashminas trying to hide from what might just happen! I actually screamed out loud at the end! So now the rerun at home with H, I'm sure he'll love it because he's a fan of Blair Witch. A spooky night for us, I LOVE it :)

Well, bye for now ladies, I'm wishing you all a little bit of 'you' time everyday this new term time :)

More soon

Victoria xxx

OK, I'm off to Dark Star Brewery to buy their special elderflower beer for my H :)

http://www.darkstarbrewing.co.uk/ (have a look, you can buy from the brewery shop straight from the barrel, who's Husband doesn't love that???)

Oh, I couldn't go without being so very excited by Paulina's ice cream extravaganza ~ letting all the kids decorate their own ice cream with all sorts of fabulous toppings ~ all round to Paulina's????? No, that's just me! It's nearly margarita time...See you soon Paulina :)

Ugly but so so fabulous

Hi Ladies

There's another new pair of shoes in my life, they're super ugly, but I'm totally in love with them!

I bought them from ebay a couple of weeks ago & they are seriously fabulous for walking in. They weigh nothing & they make you feel as if you're walking on air, I practically bounce round the block :) And, while all the bouncing is happening, they're also toning my legs & butt.......what more could a girl want???? Even the ugliness isn't really a problem because long trousers cover them & all this for £20 (delivered)!!!!!! If you want your own pair of bouncy shoes, have a look at the ebay shop http://stores.ebay.co.uk/aladdineshop they take about a week to arrive but they're seriously comfortable & fabulous.

So, after my walk this morning I came home for breakfast & a movie. There's definitely nothing ugly about the cast of Vicky Cristina Barcelona! Javier Bardem???? Delicious!!! I LOVED this movie, so beautiful. A story about Love & all that word means for different people. Its so interesting to me how different people live & love outside of the 'norm'.

The Barcelona scenery was just as I remember from my visit at 17 with my art college buddies :) This movie with its fabulous art & beautiful, interesting characters was the perfect way to spend a Sunday morning :) Makes me feel all inspired ready for afternoon & evening of sewing for my fabulous & glamorous bridesmaid Rebecca. (photos to follow)

Well ladies, enjoy your Sunday, however you choose to spend it :)

Victoria xxx

Eat Pray Love

Hi Ladies

I've been thinking about my upcoming lone trip to the cinema & I've found the perfect link to the trailer of Eat Pray Love starring Julia Roberts (who doesn't love Julia???) Have a look at the author's website www.elizabethgilbert.com , scroll down to underneath the news to see the movie trailer & then when you've seen that, there's a video below the trailer of her talking about creativity. It runs for about 20 mins but if you're short on time I can suggest taking the laptop into the kitchen & listening while you do the dishes (I just did that).

It's an inspiring talk that will be so interesting to anyone who ever tried to create anything & the pressures we feel about where the next blast of inspiration will come from. Have a listen....I know you'll love it :)

More soon

Victoria xxx

New shooooooooooooooos

Hi Ladies



I can't believe how long it's been again, I missed the whole of July!


Well, the search is finally over, I have my new shooooooos :) I've been searching for so long now for the perfect pair of boots for everyday. Easier said than done! I have plenty of ridiculously high heeled boots & shooos but they are really no good for a whole day out......are you with me ladies?? I really love my heels but my new boots are the perfect height, high enough to not be stomping like a 3 year old in flat shoooooos & not too high that they make you want to cry. I can travel in them too....yippeeeeeee :) (yes, I'm counting down to California again :)


This last few weeks I've been working on a corset for a very fabulous bridesmaid. I'm so excited about how fabulous a corset makes you look & feel. During my sewing hours I've had recorded shows on a loop for background noise & for when I stop for a cup of tea. My favourite at the moment is Gok (either of his shows) & every single show somehow he talks about the foundation wear & how if you get that right, everything on top looks & more importantly feels, fabulous. A made to measure corset is probably an expensive (& a little complicated) way to get this feeling everyday but it's true that we all need a little help to feel as best as we can. For some of us its a fabulous pair of jeans for others its the perfect bra. My super Sis has a little obsession with dresses & she looks fantastic in them but more importantly, she feels fabulous in them, all swishy & gorgeous. Mine at the moment (apart from my new bra) is my fabulous new boots because if my feet are happy, I'm happy :)



Ally & I finally made it to see Sex & the City 2 & of course it was fabulous & glamorous & everything I wanted it to be. Clayer didn't make it that night so we're planning a dress up in front of the dvd night with beautiful cocktails.....so don't tell her anything before that night & ruin it for her...

Speaking of movies, my mission this summer is to go to the cinema by myself. I've always wanted to go one afternoon & watch a movie just for me. I've checked online & Eat Pray Love is showing from 24 September in the UK so that's my choice. Have a look at the trailer on youtube, it looks so great :) (if you haven't read the book, read it...........I know you'll love it!


My doormat took some weight this month with the September issues of all my fabulous fashion magazine, Harpers Bazaar is of course the most beautiful. Also, did you all get to see the new Dior Couture show??? Oh so beautiful, have a look on the Dior Couture sight & click on fashion shows.........gorgeous :)

Me & Super Sis are in the progress of changing things up at Seasonal Sisters so in the next few weeks there'll be more fabulous gifts in our boutique & Ally is working on a brand new set of recipes.



Oh & big news, Tiny had her stage debut. She played a hula girl in the Lion Kingdom at the Hawth & she was adorable (of course). Congratulations Tiny....next stop....Broadway :)



OK, I'm off for a fitting with my fabulous bridesmaid!

Victoria xx

Beautiful Weather :)

Hi Ladies

Here were are....a couple of weeks into the World Cup. So how are your Husbands/Boyfriends/Brothers/Dads doing???? I think I had it pretty easy, we had a sad few minutes then we decided to adopt our usual Spain & now there's excitement back in the competition :) If I'm honest, I was starting to get a bit sick of the football, but actually it's turned out pretty fabulous. I have a brand new leather sofa to sit on, I've re-arranged the lighting in the front room & I've made myself a lovely magazine reading area. Oh the fashion......it's been so beautiful. I realised this morning (not that I'm wishing any of this fabulous summer away) that it's only 1 month until the fashion issues will come crashing through the letter box :)

So what about this beautiful weather? I have already heard that we may have a hose pipe ban but who cares when the sun is shining? Watering cans take a little longer but that means more time outside, lovely :) It's just been so lovely to go out without thinking I might need a cardigan or an umbrella.....it's flip flops all the way :)

Oh, I have an update on the double moisturising, I've still been taking the Red magazine's beauty editor's advice on moisturising with cream then a layer of oil (see my last post) & it's truly fabulous. I haven't missed a day since I got home from Ibiza & my tan is hanging on longer than usual & my skin feels so soft, I LOVE it. I think this lady needs a name check, will find out & post it next time :)

My summer read this year has been Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I just LOVE it. It's a book about her journey in Rome, India & Bali. The blurb on the back describes it best "funny, tender and thoughtful, EAT, PRAY, LOVE is a hilarious travelogue and a brave quest for spiritual enlightenment in the face of natural scepticism. Consoling and inspiring, written with tremendous wit, intelligence and sympathy, it is a book for anyone who has ever felt lost, or thought they must be another, better way" In the words of my friend Claire...."try it...you might like it" :)

On the subject of Claire, I need to make a change, she has always been 'Clayer' to me & so when I write her name as it is actually spelt, it seems weird to me (& her). So, from now on in this blog she will be known as Clayer :)

June has been a super busy month, I've been making a new collection of clutch bags, my Husband had a birthday & my beautiful niece turned 3, can you believe it??? So HAPPY BIRTHDAY TINY love you lots.

This week is Style Step's 1st birthday party http://www.stylestep.co.uk/ so we're looking forward to a gathering on Thursday evening :) (news to follow)

On to sad news, did anyone see the series finale of Brothers & Sisters????? I honestly think it was the saddest TV I have ever seen......I cried buckets. As usual my Supersis is behind on her TV so I can't say anymore than that but OMG............. A happier TV moment, Ghost Whisperer is back this Wednesday (30th June) Living TV 9pm...LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!

Well ladies, enjoy the beautiful sunshine & hopefully find something lovely to do while the football is on.

More soon

Victoria xxx

P.S. We still haven't been to see the new Sex & the City movie so no spoilers please!

Home from Ibiza

Hi Ladies, sorry for the delay, its been nearly two months! I was just reading my last blog & my excitement about the sunshine & now I'm typing this with one hand slightly more tanned than the other! I'm not sure how I manage to always tan slightly wonky but hey, any brown makes me feel so much better than my usual white.

I did it, lost a bit of weight (I even managed to lose 4lbs while I was away????) & managed to pack pretty well (only £20 excess baggage on the way home) & I wore nearly everything I took with me! One thing I need to think about for next time (yes, I'm already planning my next trip) is a white cover up, something easy to throw on with long sleeves that looks as stylish on the beach as out to lunch for when you feel the sun burning a little bit but you don't want to go indoors. I like the kaftans so many places sell for the beach but I like something that fits better when I'm out to lunch. Any suggestions???

So, Ibiza was beautiful of course & we had the best time together. In fact I was so relaxed I'm not sure I really back yet! I brought the sunshine home for a few days & now we have clouds but I still have bare arms & that's really what we want from an English summer. I had so much lovely magazine time & I read so many interesting articles, (ones I probably would have skipped in normal life) the funniest was an article in Red magazine written by a beauty editor about exfoliation. She was saying how a Victoria Secret model gave her a tip for beautiful soft skin. She keeps a really old bikini for this purpose, takes herself to the shore & scrubs herself with wet sand! I totally believe it works & I LOVE that she does it. Her other tip for fabulous skin was layering body cream & oil. I'm not sure which brands she recommends but basically the tip was to buy a cheaper moisturiser & use it generously (rather than a super expensive one that you're scared to use) then on the top a layer of body oil. Now I've been home nearly a week (I started this a couple of days before we came home) & I've been trying her method with normal price body lotion & baby oil & my skin is feeling fabulous. It's a great tip, it leaves a lovely sheen on your skin, which is a great thing when you've been baking in the Mediterranean sunshine. Normally as soon as I get on the plane to come home, they shut the door & my skin dries out & goes all flaky! This time no flaking, hurray!!

The other things I wanted to share today were websites we love. First, have a look at http://www.stylestep.co.uk/ its a fabulous site & Helen could be your very own Gok!! She's a lovely lady with loads of great advice, have a look, I'm sure you'll love it.

The other one is http://www.cottagecupcakes.co.uk/ I've been looking for cupcakes as good as I've had in California for ages & I think these could be the ones. Denise uses eggs in her baking from her own chickens, I just LOVE it!

The last thing I have to mention is the LOST finale ~ Wow, we loved it. I think it made perfect sense to me, what a lovely way to end such an amazing show. I'm thinking that some of you are still catching up with episodes so I won't say any more.

Oh, & this is the week to sync our diaries for the Sex & the City movie, I'm sure there are lots of groups of girls going to the movies to see it, Claire, Ally & I will see you there!

More soon

Victoria xxx

Spring!

Hi Ladies

This week is so exciting! How great is this weather? I LOVE Spring & the feeling of a fresh start. Maybe they should change New Year's Day to March 1st!

So the sun is shining & there are thousands of crocus poking through the grass but Spring is so much more than that, it's the beginning of the Summer. It's the beginning of BBQ'd salmon, long light evenings with fabulous friends, flip flops, sun creams, rose wine (instead of winter red) & the sound of the Grand Prix on Sunday afternoons. There is nothing better than the first time you wear your flip flops outside. I always do it a tiny bit early & my feet freeze!

This week is also Paris Fashion week, Christian Dior Friday 5th, Karl Lagerfeld & John Galliano Sunday 7th, Giambattista Valli Monday 8th & Chanel & Alexander McQueen Tuesday 9th. I'm so excited but so sad about Alexander McQueen's show. I'll be up bright & early 10th to see the pictures on http://www.vogue.com/ :)

Update on the new dvd : It's just great, I LOVE it. I'm not going to pretend that it doesn't hurt because it really really does. It's a good kind of pain though & as soon as it's over I feel fantastic. I've been doing it about a week now & I can do more of the sections than at the start so it must be working :) So, thank you Tracy Anderson!

My vacation is getting closer & I'm thinking about excess baggage again. This Spring I WILL travel light damn it! I love Ibiza in May, nice & quiet (before the tourists arrive) & so very casual. So why is it that I take every piece of summer clothing I own & we end up paying for the extra kilos???? I see girls at the airport with small(ish) holdalls rather than wacking great suitcases & I'm always envious of their packing abilities. So this year I have a new plan. I'm going to buy a small(ish) holdall (leaving the suitcase in the loft) & only pack clothes I am actually going to wear. 1 pair of jeans not 3, a couple of pairs of flip flops (1 day, 1 sparkly) not 6 & I've already saved myself about 3kg!! I probably don't need 3 different kinds of body lotion & every eyeshadow I've ever owned & I'm thinking that if something doesn't fit before I leave, it probably won't fit when I get there so I won't take it :) I really hate the whole capsule wardrobe idea that every magazine comes up with in their May issues. I never want to be THAT organised! Next step is to buy the small(ish) bag & then take it from there :) Really, at the end of the day, I'm going for the amazing sunsets & chill out time with my Husband.

OK, time for the exercise so I look cute in whatever clothes I take with me!

Enjoy the sunshine

Victoria xxx

A bikini??? Are you joking???

Hi Ladies

This week I'm mostly thinking about exercise. I say 'thinking' because that's really all I've done about it for a few weeks now. I'm sure I'm not alone in feeling SO fantastic when I actually get up off the sofa & get moving so why don't we do it regularly & make it part of our lives? I bought the Pussycat Dolls workout DVD the other week & really enjoyed it, so fun. It actually made me laugh as I was shakin my booty, that's a first! Now I've ordered the new Tracy Anderson Mat workout which should arrive sometime next week so I'll let you know how it goes :) Apparently it's super hard work but so so worth the effort. I'm getting excited about having lovely lean arms & a super toned stomach :) Tracy has other workout DVDs on her website http://www.tracyandersonmethod.com/ & there's a newsletter to sign up for & Gwyneth & Shakira telling us how great she is.

After many years of dieting I've come to the realisation (with the help of a very good friend) that we have to listen to our bodies & work with them rather than declare war on our fat. Eat when we are actually hungry & stop when we've had enough (yes Mr McKenna it sounds easy enough but putting your fork down during a delicious dinner is easier said than done) & get off the sofa & move about more. The trick, I've discovered, is not to deprive myself of all the things I love because I WILL REBEL, I know myself. You tell me that I can't have chocolate or a glass of wine? Well, that's all I'll think about until I'm full of chocolate & the empty side of a bottle of red! Ladies, we need to be kind to ourselves :)

So, the new plan:

*** to mostly eat foods that are 'good for me' which to me means foods that I actually enjoy & that do something good for my body like fish, green vegetables (who doesn't love spinach??), avocados (guacamole), brown rice, pasta & bread, etc, etc. I can't think of anything yummier than a guacamole sandwich with brown bread :)

*** drink more water, I know I know, it's too chilly to drink water but I've rediscovered drinking hot water (years ago Mena & I would drink countless cups of hot water while 'working' together)

*** try to do some kind of exercise everyday. This sounds scarier than it is, I'm thinking running up & down the stairs a few times counts as exercise, or walking to the local shop rather than driving, an exercise DVD (I like the dancing ones best), stretching, playing 'IT' with my beautiful niece, salsa dancing in the kitchen..... See, it's not all dreadful!

*** eat or drink something sweet if that's what you're craving. It doesn't have to be an enormous bar of chocolate but it just seems dumb to me to be miserable craving something when you can have a small amount & then forget about it :) sometimes one of those mini milky ways or an airplane size can of coke is enough :)

And the most important one!

*** have treats! Seeing as this is a lifestyle change & not a diet, this is forever so we need to include treats. There will be Christmas & Birthdays & Easter & vacations & nights out with the girls & general fun to be had so we need to include treats. I enjoy red wine & cocktails & champagne truffles damn it & I will not go forever without them!

So, I know how to do it (we all do), but will I actually get on with it? Well, I really want to & that's a great start. I have a beach holiday in a few months & I'd really like to feel great as I sit on the plane getting ready to take off, knowing I've actually done something good for myself. Actually it's about feeling good because if you feel good, you look good! Of course I'm still going for the fake tans & taking Trinny & Susannah & Gok's advice but I'd really like to start this summer feeling fantastic from the inside.

If anyone is with me, please add your messages & we'll all get moving together. At the end of the day we're all fabulous as we are but lets try & feel better about ourselves rather than dreading the beach :) I'd love to hear how you all do it, any tips or tricks???

So, I'll post any interesting 'feeling fab' tips when I find them.

Until then, Good Luck Ladies :)

Victoria xx

Alexander McQueen 1969~2010

This week has been the saddest week for fashion. Last Thursday Alexander McQueen died & left an enormous hole in the world of fashion. He was a true genius who will be so missed forever for his amazing collections & runway shows.

Alexander McQueen was one of my favourites, always so inspirational, so I have a page on our website with some of his amazing designs www.seasonalsisters.com/Alexander_McQueen (or go to our fashion pages & find his link) If you'd like to see runway shows & photos with a magnifier for all the beautiful details, who's sitting on the front row, backstage photos & videos, go to http://www.vogue.com/ & go to fashion shows. It's the perfect way to spend hours in fashion heaven (I'm addicted). Vogue also has all the new collections from New York Fashion Week so fast after the runway shows, it's my favourite for everything fashion.

This week has also had happy news, my friend Claire has welcomed her nephew, Patrick Christopher, into the world. Congratulations to the Dunmall family :)

Ok, back to work on our new collection for Spring Summer. We have new spring/summer skirts for little ladies & new bags for the new season coming really soon. Enjoy the fashion until next time :)

Victoria xxx

Happy New Season!

Hi Ladies

It's been a while, January was super busy! So, it's too late for 'Happy New Year' but the perfect time for 'Happy New Season'. I know it's freezing outside (we even had more snow last night) but my mind is getting ready for Spring/Summer. Last week was Couture week in Paris & the collections were so beautiful, as usual. My favourites were Christian Dior & Chanel because of the beautiful detail in both collections, that's what Couture is all about for me, the beadwork, embroidery, beautiful fabrics & the theatre. I LOVE how John Galliano becomes part of the show with a fabulous outfit of his own at the end. After all that work he should be on the runway to soak up all the love from the audience :) Have a look at the collections at www.vogue.com (click on fashion shows & couture then search for designers).

As well as the Couture shows, this month is fashion issue month for all the good magazines, Harpers will be dropping on my door mat any day now, the giant fashion issue is so so beautiful. With all this gorgeous inspiration, we have started on the new collection for Spring/Summer & we're so excited for all the details we're including. The first new addition is 'Claire Louise' (see picture). It's my favourite clutch to make with all the fabulous flower detail. This one is the original & was made for & named after my fabulous friend Claire, it has Swarovski crystals & coloured glass beads & super soft lining. This clutch can be made in any colour combination & so is perfect for weddings. How fabulous to see bridesmaids with beautiful clutch bags rather than flowers??? Let's re~write the rules :)

Other new bags coming this spring are 'Francesca' & 'Lady Denise'. We'll let you know when they're available. The fabric flowers from last summer are back with more layers & more twinkles, perfect for the new season. We also have new skirts for little ladies with separate underskirts & tutus for all the little ladies starting their ballet classes.

One last thing, don't forget I can do alterations & customising for clothes you already have that need to fit better, need mending or that just need perking up :)

More soon

Victoria xx