Right Royal Celebrations

Happy #ThursdayFriday! The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is nearly here, so today’s #GTime looks at the best things to do in celebration of this very special occasion.

  1. Tonight – Get down to the opening of @SelfridgesBig Beauty Bang tonight (or the closing event next Thursday) – A celebration of all things beautifully British!
  2. SaturdayJubilee Garden Party, Hampton Court @HRP_palaces – Dine out at vintage 1950s British garden party.
  3. Sunday – Visit St Margarets Street Party from 11am followed by drinks at @ShipWandsworth for view of Thames Pageant.
  4. Monday – Visit Jubilee, Jubilee @MuseumofBrands exhibition – Showcase of past royal jubilee commemorative products.
  5. Tuesday – Support the Queen’s Jubilee Carriage Procession after the morning’s Thanksgiving Service at St Paul’s.

5 different events for a right royal celebration for Her Majesty but which will be crowned with glory in today’s #GTopSpot?

Today’s #ThursdayFriday #GTopSpot goes to #3. The Thames Pageant promises to be an amazing spectacle & celebration! G x

Stretch Yourself

Hello & welcome back to #WellbeingWednesday… with all this wonderful weather it’s time to plan a summer load of healthy activities!

Today I’m featuring 5 summer sports which I’m looking forward to dabbling in this summer. Hope this provides some inspiration!

  1. Horse-riding – Some friends & I are soon to go riding in the beautiful surrounds of Windsor Park. Tally ho!
  2. Tennis – After a game at Putney Tennis Club recently I’m inspired to have a few more friendlies this summer.
  3. Golf – I have all the gear (& no idea) & must dust off my clubs this summer & head to Duke’s Meadow in Chiswick.
  4. Surfing– I’m in throes of booking a holiday to Ericeira, Portugal to try my hand at surfing & kite-surfing.
  5. Cycling – I’ve been persuaded to take part in a 40km @iamspecialized @cycletta in Wiltshire at end of June!

5 sports (other than running) to ensure I’m at the peak of fitness this summer but which will stand atop the podium in today’s #GTopSpot?

My #WellbeingWednesday #GTopSpot goes to #4 Surfing/kite-surfing in Ericeira, Portugal for taking me completely out of my comfort zone!

Hope this inspires you to get out there & do something out of your comfort zone this summer while promoting your fitness & wellbeing! G x

Reigning Supreme

Hello & welcome to #TuesdayTreats. Today’s theme is #Jubilee Gifts – in honour of this very special occasion in our nation’s history.

  1. @Cath_Kidston Jubilee Tea Towel – Celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee with this traditional English souvenir @ £10.
  2. @RockettStGeorge Jubliee Queen Elizabeth II Pink Canvas Shopper Bag – Fab printed Six Pence Stamp image @ £15.
  3. @FortnumandMason Jubilee Biscuit Selection – Popular Piccadilly biscuits in special commemorative tin @ £16.95.
  4. @tattydevine Bunting Necklace – Classic British bunting to add vintage feel to your street party outfit @ £29.
  5. @CultureLabel Queen Print by Annie Little – Fabulous print of the original coronation stamp from V&A @ £35.

5 gorgeous gifts to mark the Queen’s Jubilee this coming weekend but which will reign supreme in today’s #GTopSpot?

Today’s #TuesdayTreats #GTopSpot goes to #4 @tattydevine Bunting Necklace - Fun & Flirty Jewellery for the Jubilee. G x

Vroom Vroom

I’m pleased to welcome a guest columnist for today’s #MysteryMonday 5-a-day… Today’s theme is #Motoring courtesy of @richyarrow… Richard Yarrow is a freelance motoring journalist & he’s going to share 5 bite-size thoughts on the latest motoring innovations or trends.

  1. Renault’s Twizy is the latest commuting innovation. A tandem two-seater, it’s electric & does 60+ miles. Plug it in, charge it up and go.
  2. Don’t need to own a car? Sell up & join a club to rent one. With cars, bikes, scooters and vans www.mu.peugeot.co.uk is the way forward.
  3. BP’s collectable Olympic Medallions on sale at fuel stations. Awful engravings of Adlington, Hoy, Redgrave et al – they must be thrilled!
  4. External car airbags for pedestrians are here. New Volvo V40 has one at base of windscreen to cut head injuries. Rivals will follow suit.
  5. Driving first Chinese brand car on sale in UK this week. Steed pick-up truck from Great Wall (Great Name!). Floodgates will open v soon.

Thanks Richard for your 5 motoring thoughts this week. My #GTopSpot goes to #2 the car club as this is the perfect solution for me. G x

If you’d like to read more of Richard’s motoring thoughts, check out his blog every Monday and Thursday: http://splutteringtailpipe.blogspot.com G x

Al fresco Drinking

Evening & welcome to #ThursdayFriday! This weather is amazing & to celebrate today’s #GTime features 5 great beer gardens around London.

  1. Pitcher and Piano, Richmond – Amazing views over the Thames where @Queen_UK‘s Jubilee boat is currently moored.
  2. The Phene, Chelsea – For sophisticated evening drinks in posh surroundings. Great spot for people watching.
  3. White Horse, Parson’s Green - AKA “The Sloaney Pony” this has long been a popular spot for drinking al fresco.
  4. Avalon, Clapham – Perfect place to enjoy a glass of blush if you can find a spot in the beautiful back garden.
  5. The Ship, Wandsworth - One of the most popular outdoor drinking spots on riverside in Southwest London. Great atmos.

5 beautiful places to enjoy al fresco drinking this summer but which will be toasting a victory in today’s #GTopSpot?

Today’s #ThursdayFriday #GTopSpot goes to #1 Pitcher and Piano, Richmond - A stunning location for al fresco drinking. Cheers!

I’m off to Edinburgh tomorrow, so taking #GTimeOut for a few days… Ginger’s daily #GTime will return to normal next Monday. G x

Nail it!

Welcome to #WellbeingWednesday where today’s theme is beauty & nails! I’ve just had my nails done in preparation for this weekend…

I have recently been converted from OPI gel to @CNDWorld’s Shellac, mainly because it’s longer lasting & less damaging for the nails. Plus, there’s a fab range of gorgeous colours to choose from! Today’s 5-a-day showcases my favourite Shellac colours for this summer.

  1. Hot Pop Pink – Look hot this summer with fabulous shocking pink Shellac nails.
  2. Hotski to Tchotchke – For a vibrant, ‘hot to trot’ look, in on trend aqua green.
  3. Rock Royalty – In honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, rock this royal purple colour.
  4. Rubble – For those that prefer darker colours, opt for this neutral taupe shade.
  5. Tropix – Look tropical and tasty this summer with this orangey, coral colour.

5 stunning shades for statement nails this summer but which colour nails it, in today’s #GTopSpot?

My #GTopSpot this #WellbeingWednesday goes to #5 Tropix for transporting me off to a tropical place of sun, sea and sand!

Check out the full range of @CNDWorld’s Shellac colours here. Thanks to the girls at Kleo Nails, Richmond for looking after me. G x

Wedding Presents

Hello & welcome to #TuesdayTreats! I mentioned yesterday that it’s my cousin’s wedding this weekend, so this has inspired today’s theme.

As the wedding season is upon us, today I’m featuring 5 wedding gift ideas… for those who prefer not to buy from the couple’s list.

  1. Playnation Champagne Flutes from @johnlewisretail - Why not select a mix of pink, blue & green flutes @ £36 for 6.
  2. White Candelabra from @RockettStGeorge - Made in powder coated metal with 5 arms with white candles included @ £39.
  3. Cakes & Heaven Blue Floral & Bird Pip Plates 3 Tier Cake Stand – With choice of vintage centre fitting @ £55.
  4. Susie Watson Strawberry Large Salad Bowl from @AmaraUK - Handmade beautiful pottery & choice of other designs @ £85.
  5. Personalised Vintage Wedding Typographic Art by @MoreThanWordArt from @notonthehighst – Truly unique gift @ £115.

5 wonderful wedding gift ideas for the happy couple (while showing off your style) but which will top the list in today’s #GTopSpot?

Today’s #TuesdayTreats #GTopSpot goes to #3 Cakes & Heaven Blue Floral & Bird Pip Plates 3 Tier Cake Stand - Simply divine!

For more wedding gift ideas, check out this earlier post. Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday evening! G x

Edina! Scotia’s darling seat!

Happy Monday! It’s good to get that first day of the week out of the way isn’t it?! Today I’m dedicating #MysteryMonday to #Edinburgh… I’m returning to the city where I grew up this weekend for my cousin’s wedding.

For 5 years I had one of the best views of the world, looking out over the iconic skyline of Edinburgh from Fettes, where I went to school. Today’s 5-a-day looks at my pick of the 5 best things to do and places to go when in Edinburgh.

  1. Shopping – Start at @HN_Edinburgh, St. Andrew Square followed by Multrees Walk & George St for designer & luxury high street fashion.
  2. Drinking – After a day’s shopping, George Street has many glam bars & restaurants to relax in from @ricks_edinburgh to the Living Room.
  3. Eating – Leith is synonymous with good food from The Kitchin to Ship on the Shore. Alternatively, George Street is always a safe bet!
  4. Entertainment – From the Festival & Fringe in August, through to New Year’s Street Party, Edinburgh is a city to visit year round.
  5. Tourism – Take the official hop-on, hop-off bus tour to see the main Edinburgh attractions. Walk up Arthur’s Seat for fabulous views.

Edinburgh really is a beautiful city; rich with history, culture & things to do. Follow @VisitScotland or @Edinburgh_CC for up-to-date news. G x

Address To Edinburgh by Robert Burns, 1786

Edina! Scotia’s darling seat!
All hail thy palaces and tow’rs,
Where once, beneath a Monarch’s feet,
Sat Legislation’s sov’reign pow’rs:
From marking wildly scatt’red flow’rs,
As on the banks of Ayr I stray’d,
And singing, lone, the lingering hours,
I shelter in they honour’d shade.
Here Wealth still swells the golden tide,
As busy Trade his labours plies;
There Architecture’s noble pride
Bids elegance and splendour rise:
Here Justice, from her native skies,
High wields her balance and her rod;
There Learning, with his eagle eyes,
Seeks Science in her coy abode.

Thy sons, Edina, social, kind,
With open arms the stranger hail;
Their views enlarg’d, their liberal mind,
Above the narrow, rural vale:
Attentive still to Sorrow’s wail,
Or modest Merit’s silent claim;
And never may their sources fail!
And never Envy blot their name!

Thy daughters bright thy walks adorn,
Gay as the gilded summer sky,
Sweet as the dewy, milk-white thorn,
Dear as the raptur’d thrill of joy!
Fair Burnet strikes th’ adoring eye,
Heaven’s beauties on my fancy shine;
I see the Sire of Love on high,
And own His work indeed divine!

There, watching high the least alarms,
Thy rough, rude fortress gleams afar;
Like some bold veteran, grey in arms,
And mark’d with many a seamy scar:
The pond’rous wall and massy bar,
Grim-rising o’er the rugged rock,
Have oft withstood assailing war,
And oft repell’d th’ invader’s shock.

With awe-struck thought, and pitying tears,
I view that noble, stately Dome,
Where Scotia’s kings of other years,
Fam’d heroes! had their royal home:
Alas, how chang’d the times to come!
Their royal name low in the dust!
Their hapless race wild-wand’ring roam!
Tho’ rigid Law cries out ’twas just!

Wild beats my heart to trace your steps,
Whose ancestors, in days of yore,
Thro’ hostile ranks and ruin’d gaps
Old Scotia’s bloody lion bore:
Ev’n I who sing in rustic lore,
Haply my sires have left their shed,
And fac’d grim Danger’s loudest roar,
Bold-following where your fathers led!

Edina! Scotia’s darling seat!
All hail thy palaces and tow’rs;
Where once, beneath a Monarch’s feet,
Sat Legislation’s sovereign pow’rs:
From marking wildly-scatt’red flow’rs,
As on the banks of Ayr I stray’d,
And singing, lone, the ling’ring hours,
I shelter in thy honour’d shade.

Sofa Smart Mark II

Hope you’re all enjoying your Sunday? I’ve had a hectic few days & haven’t had a moment to sit down & write today’s #SundayHome feature.

So… I hope you don’t mind that I’m going to re-post my very first #GTime 5-a-day from February – a #SundayHome feature on #sofas…

  1. Aubergine Snooze Velvet Sofa by @grahamandgreen as featured in the March issue of @Livingetc - Gorgeous at £2,250.
  2. Deco sofa by couch design as featured on @notonthehighstreet - Cool at £2,100.
  3. Chamonix Velvet Chocolate Sofa by @sweetpeawillow ”Would not look out of place in a ski chalet” - Luxury at £1,480.
  4. Fearn Upholstered Small 2 Seater Sofa in Caitlyn Silver by @LauraAshley__ - Lush at £600.
  5. Flatford Large Sofa from @sofasandstuff in Moon Earth Charcoal - Stylish at £1,070.

5 gorgeous sofas in today’s #sundayhome feature but there’s only one #GTopSpot and that goes to… *drum roll*…

The #sundayhome #gtopspot goes to #3 Chamonix Velvet Chocolate Sofa by @sweetpeawillow for offering the most luxury at a great price! G x

Coat of Arms

Happy #SaturdayShopping. Hope you are enjoying the warmer weather… I’ve been enjoying a lovely lunch with friends… in the garden!

Today’s #SaturdayShopping (by request) features 5 stylish jackets for day or evening wear this spring/summer.

  1. Fantasy Fabric Blazer by @UkZara - Lovely mint green blazer works day or night with jeans or with skirt @ £79.99.
  2. Freja Denim Jacket by @thisiswhistles - Classic blue wash denim jacket in slim fit @ £95.
  3. Hayden Jacket by @FC_Woman - A smart utility look with skinny jeans for day or casual evening in the pub @ £130.
  4. Feppa Double Breasted Jacket by @ted_baker - Stylish spring/summer jacket in beige for work or play @ £179.
  5. Lauren Quilted Leather Jacket in Dove Grey by @REISS - For the biker chick in all of us @ £375.

5 gorgeous jackets for every style and occasion but which is the ultimate coat of arms in today’s #GTopSpot?

Today’s #SaturdayShopping #GTopSpot goes to #1 Fantasy Fabric Blazer by @UkZara for being minty cool & fresh this spring/summer. G x