Marks & Spencer Beauty …..

M&S the only retail business which has the more of the nation giving their opinion on than the state of the nation – they have now revamped their beauty offer and brought in outside niche brands. Being totally honest I would say that their own range is so hit and miss this had to be a natural as they have tinkered with beauty for years – I know they have tried in the past to secure the big name beauty houses but couldn’t so they have now gone down the niche brand route.

I love the brands they have picked and someone has really done their homework, they are being given dedicated beauty sections which are being rolled out across the whole of the UK which is great not just the large shops – this is on-going over the summer and they are available online but if this is being seen as the magic bullet by Mr. Bolland to turn the tanker and their fortunes then he will have to wait a long time unless of course he does the same niche look to the engine room of the business as in womenswear then he will be okay!

I must say their top ten from their range is packed with lots of our favourite products ……

Age Repair Ceramide Collagen Serum £9.50 Marks & Spencer (see more)

From the M&S skincare range we love this serum as it’s light and effective- apply morning and evening after cleansing and toning. Dispense equal amounts of the gel and cream and apply to your face and neck using light upwards strokes it soaks straight in and isn’t sticky.

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse® Multi Usage Dry Oil £29.50 Marks & Spencer (see more)

This is fabulous we love this oil it is silicone free and mineral oil free - With its unique concentration of 6 precious oils (borage, St. John's Wort, sweet almond, camellia, hazelnut and macadamia) and vitamin E, this easily-absorbed, multi-usage dry oil will leave your skin soft and silky in a single step, while your hair will be left with amazing softness and shine- this is a real multi-purpose oil as it works on hair, face and body.

Apivita Natural Serum with Aloe & Hyaluronic Acid £29.50 Marks & Spencer (see more)

Binds moisture into skin even 24 hours after with oat and lecithin- Increases skin's hydration up to 28%* and improves elasticity with chaste tree extract-Geranium essential oil moisturizes and heals while balancing the mood.

Murad® Complete Reform Treatment £69.50 Marks & Spencer (see more)

Just love Murad® products as they really do work plus they actively target the 40+ women and their skin care is fabulous for menopausal women – this is great as it exfoliates your skin with glycolic acid to reveal smoother, softer, healthier-looking skin- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with beta-carotene-Restores tone and preserve youthful resilience with glyco firming complex.

H20 Plus™ Face Oasis™ Hydration Treatment £27.50 Marks & Spencer (see more)

This is an oil free moisturising gel which really does add moisture to the skin - Hydrating marine botanicals rapidly replenish depleted skin and fill surface lines with a surge of moisture- Multi-vitamins A and E help skin resist daily damage from environmental stress-Phospholipid microspheres deliver time-released hydration to keep skin looking revitalized all day.

Filorga Optime Eyes Contour £38.00 Marks & Spencer (see more)

If you have puffy eyes , dark circles or just feel the skin is losing elasticity and causing bags then this is fabulous -Its cellular active ingredients act on the eye contour by redesigning it. By capturing water, hyaluronic acid fills up the wrinkles and plumps up the skin to create a tauter surface. A nourishing cocktail of Brazil nut and cameline reinforces the nourishing property of the treatment to bring comfort and softness to the delicate skin around the eye.- apply night and day and you will notice a big difference after three days.

Roger & Gallet Jean-Marie Farina Soap Coffret £13.00 Marks & Spencer (see more)

Three wonderful scented soaps in a great gift box Jean Marie Farina is a landmark scent with a long history- all the freshness of an Italian garden on the shores of the Mediterranean.

Autograph New York Eau de Toilette 100ml £18.00 Marks & Spencer (see more)

Okay I had no idea M&S did perfume so I have asked around about this and only one friend knew and she was given this as a gift by her mother in law – the scent is very feminine and light, perfect for evenings on holiday as its top notes of bergamot, gardenia and apricot with heart scents of damask rose, jasmine and warm woods and sensual base notes of velvety musk’s, creamy sandalwood, vanilla and heliotrope.

Skyn ICELAND® Icelandic Relief Eye Cream £38.00 Marks & Spencer (see more)

Another fabulous eye cream - puffiness, wrinkles and dark circles are minimized, and skin is revived with a blend of soothing ingredients- Contains skyn ICELAND's proprietary Biospheric complex of pure Icelandic glacial waters, arctic berries and pure oxygen-Flavagrum helps increase circulation to lighten dark under-eye circles-Rice peptides help preserve collagen and elastin to reduce the signs of aging-Orange peel helps reduce puffiness-Cotton powder acts as a light-diffuser to brighten the entire eye area-Perfect for all skin types-Great under-makeup primer.

Fragonard Fleur d'Oranger Eau de Toilette 100ml £22.50 Marks & Spencer (see more)

The most wonderful scent from Grasse, in the South of France – this is an all-time classic summer fragrance, very fresh and light.

Travel In Comfort ….

If your off traveling especially long haul or at night time then comfort is the plan, as there is nothing worse than tight restrictive clothing or looking like a creased mess on arrival – I have found travelling in luxe style knits is much more comfortable plus if your long haul you can settle back and relax and if you feel you need to arrive at your resort / hotel looking slightly glamorous you can change before landing and roll up your travel clothes – touch up the lipstick and you’re ready.

John Smedley has a great range of comfortable pieces and the fabulous Lounge Lover range is perfect for layering up.

Gavina £195.00 John Smedley (see more)

An adorable slim fit jacket made from 24 gauge extra-fine New Zealand Merino wool. Gavina has a hidden button opening with metal buttons for a polished finish. The stand-up collar and pockets compliment the logo tab- in grey or navy – sized small to large.

Cyrus £195.00 John Smedley (see more)

Cyrus is a slim fit jacket made from 24 gauge extra-fine New Zealand Merino wool. A hidden button opening and seamless pockets makes this the ultimate in smart casual. An integral hood completes the look- in grey or navy – sized small to large.

Ola £150.00 John Smedley (see more)

Ola are a seamless pair of lounge pants with a tie waist and logo tab. Made from extra-fine New Zealand Merino wool, Ola are the ultimate in luxury loungewear- in grey or navy – sized small to large.

Myley £145.00 John Smedley (see more)

Myley is an easy fit sweater with a raglan armhole for a more relaxed look. Made from extra-fine New Zealand Merino wool, Myley has a button seam detail with metal buttons and a logo tab. Myley looks fantastic when worn with jeans or lounge pants- in grey or navy – sized small to large.

Bouclé Blazer In Pebble Grey £135.00 Lounge Lover (see more)

Based on a classic blazer, this relaxed cotton blend blazer is a great alternative to a wrap or cardigan. Perfect for travelling or for a chilly summers evening. A slim fit with one button fastening and patch pockets, also available in Cream – made from cotton: 100%, polyester: 12% and sized small to extra-large.

Amourette Jersey Long Cardigan In Ocean Melange £ 125.00 Lounge Lover (see more)

The super soft cotton cardigan is a great lounge item, the drawstring waist can be loosely tied to create a cosy chilled look, it features pockets dress the cardigan, also available in Grey Melange – made from 100% cotton and sized small to extra –large.

Amourette Jersey Dress In Grey Melange £119.00 Lounge Lover (see more)

The jersey dress is a wardrobe essential, this  super soft cotton dress has a flattering cowl neck line and long sleeve with feature thumbhole for instant downtime cool, looks great worn alone, or layered over leggings for an easy travel or lounge look, also available in Ocean Melange – made from 100% cotton and sized small to extra-large.

Amourette Jersey Ruched Sweater In Ocean Melange £ 109.00 Lounge Lover (see more)

The Ruched Sweater is a super soft top with cowl neckline, slip your hands through the thumbholes for instant downtime cool. The illusion of a layered top has been created with a seamless panel in white – made from 100% cotton and sized small to extra-large.

Amourlette Jersey Trouser In Grey Melange £ 89.00 Lounge Lover (see more)

Loose straight leg trouser with drawstring waistband, these super soft cotton easy fit pants are the perfect loungewear look or can be just as easily worn for a workout when teamed with the Singlet- made from 100% cotton and sized small to extra-large.

 Amourette Jersey Singlet In Grey Melange £ 65.00 Lounge Lover (see more)

This soft cotton tank style top has a feminine, slim fit in the body and is long in length to sit on the hip. The slim straps give a simple shape which makes this a great layering piece to be mixed and matched for an easy chic look. Also available in Ocean and Sahara Melange- made from 100% cotton and sized small to large.

Summer Favourites ..

Whenever we feature DKNY shoes on the blog they are always big favourites as I think it’s down to the fact they are incredibly stylish and very comfortable – this season is no exception and I love the selection at John Lewis…..

DKNY Jenifer Strappy Platform Wedges, Taupe £195.00 John Lewis (see more)

A contemporary wedge from DKNY designed with interwoven thick straps into ankle height sandals. With a zip fastening, a small platform and a large wedge heel, they come in black and taupe and sized 4 to 7

DKNY Dasha Contrasting Ballerina Pumps, Nude £175.00 John Lewis (see more)

Fun, stylish and flexible, Dasha from DKNY are ballerina pumps that you can wear from work to play. Boasting a patent, textured toe with a sharp rectangular bow contrasting against the supple leather- in two colourways and sized 4 to 7

DKNY Kendra Espadrille Snake Print Sandals, Snake Print £155.00 John Lewis (see more)

Chic, snake print strap over sandals from DKNY. Kendra is for the seasoned fashion follower. Creative and unusual in design, they boast a zip back fastening and a part raffia, part linen wedge – sized 4 to 7

DKNY Nyah Leather Wedges, Black £155.00 John Lewis (see more)

Nyah is a chic, city wedge from DKNY. Designed in a supple, stylish leather with a twist boy adorning the toe and a silver tone buckled ankle strap, these towering wedges are a modish wardrobe essential- sized 4 to 7

DKNY Rita Peep Toe Snake Print Leather Wedges, White/Silver £135.00 John Lewis (see more)

Exude summer chic with these snake print jute wedges from DKNY. Designed with an intertwined toe detail, a delicate ankle, buckle strap and a statement raffia heels – sized 4 to 7

Pre Tanning Time…..

So your off to spend some precious time clamped to a sun lounger or a towel on the beach soaking up the sun rays and yes you would like the golden glow to last longer than a few days after the holiday then time to invest in some pre tanning time accelerator – you put this on before your holiday for a week or two before and it triggers the production of melanin which helps build your tan quicker and it lasts longer.

Plus it also helps if your one of those people who after slathering on the sun lotion you get that vile big thick prickly heat rash – then this will also stop this I have no idea if it’s meant to but trust me I have a Celt Pelt as in very fair freckly skin and I have always used high sun protection and yet the first four days of my holiday are a misery due to heat rash all over which itches like a bitch – no longer do I suffer this and neither do my friends who have tried it …..

So start at least two weeks before you hit the sunshine and you’ll notice a massive difference.

Institut Esthederm Uv In Cellium Bronzant £42.50 Space NK (see more)

This sought-after tanning spray won Tan Boosting Breakthrough in Grazia's Summer Beauty Awards 2011. UV inCellium is a pre-tanning treatment that prepares the skin for sun exposure, helping you to develop a deep and long-lasting tan-Apply for seven days prior to sun exposure, the evening before and 20 minutes before sunbathing by spraying the mist onto your face and body and allowing it to dry. Reapply as often as desired during moderate sun exposure. Use with sun protection when exposed to the sun.

Gatineau Tan Accelerating Lotion £32.50 Feelunique (see more)

Gatineau Tan Accelerating Lotion has a unique triple action that helps to prepare, boost and prolong tanning. It encourages the skin's natural self-protection through advanced-performance melanin production activators. Benefits: - Helps prevent premature skin-ageing - Beautifully refreshing cream that's instantly absorbed, leaving a satiny finish - Your tan develops faster with a healthy-looking, even and deeper colour - which lasts longer. Use as your daily body lotion during the summer months. Apply Gatineau Tan Accelerating Lotion daily for a minimum of 2 weeks before sun exposure, then every evening after exposure and continue use for several weeks. Suitable for use on both the face and body.

Lancaster Tan Maximiser Soothing Moisturizer – (face & body) £220.00 Selfridges (seemore)

This lightweight, fast-penetrating, after sun face & body lotion gives a delicious, soothing sensation while an exclusive technology helps intensify melanin production, even without sun exposure, to prolong the tan. Skin is soft, supple better prepared for subsequent sun exposure. The tan is beautiful, radiant, longer–lasting. Suitable for all skin types- use this for around two weeks after the holiday to keep the tan glowing.

Elemis Tan Accelerator - SPF4 £19.40 Elemis (see more)

Prepare the body for exposure to the sun by stimulating its natural melanin production. Fragrant Tahitian Gardenia and Jojoba Oil leave skin beautifully conditioned. Elemis Tan Accelerator is Excellent for both sun-sensitive skin and for prolonging your tan- I have used this and I can say it’s fabulous it stopped my nightmare heat rash and my skin had a great golden glow not red rash look – I used this for two weeks before going on holiday as a daily moisturiser.

Payot Benefice Soleil Tan Accelerating Serum £18.50 Feelunique (see more)

This fresh, translucent and ultra-light gel triggers the production of melanin, the pigment that gives the skin colour. After sun exposure, the tan appears faster, more luminous, even and long lasting- start using as a body lotion two weeks before your holiday – soaks in and moisturises the skin.

Lierac After-Sun Prolonged Tanning Intense Hydration Repair Body Cream £18.50 Feelunique (seemore)

I am a big lover of Lierac and I use all their sun protection – I discovered it many years ago on holiday in the South of France and have stuck by it – now this I discovered last year and it was love at first application it soothes, hydrates and cools your skin after sunbathing plus it also helps your tan keep it’s glow – it leaves a pearly sheen but not in a “disco kind of way trust me “ – this is now on my forever list as it’s so wonderful.

Long Weekend Looks …….

As we have a very long weekend coming up we have been looking at some weekend luxe looks to have that casual moment but still looking great.

As every My-Wardrobe have a great array of perfect outfits for this …….

J Brand Degradee Breton Cashmere Mix Top £213.00 My-Wardrobe (see more)

Navy blue and white Breton striped cashmere blend cotton knit jumper featuring a wide round neck, and ribbed trim to cuffs and hem- made from 85% cotton, 15% cashmere sized extra small to large.

7 For All Mankind Las Vegas Deep High Waisted Bootcut Jean £160.00 My-Wardrobe (see more)

Indigo blue stretch denim high-rise bootcut jean featuring a zip fly and button fastening, classic five pocket design, belt loops and a centre crease to leg. 7 For All Mankind jeans have a 34 inch inside leg, 9 inch rise and a 18 inch leg opening- made from 93% cotton, 5% polyester, 1% elastane and sized 24 to 32

Sam Edelman Ruby Red Kid Suede Chunky Platform Sandal £145.00 My-Wardrobe (see more)

Ruby red suede sandal featuring a buckled strap across toes, buckled ankle strap and a chunky cork platform heel. Sam Edelman sandals have a 13cm tall heel and a 5cm tall platform- sized 36 to 41

Splendid System Maxi Dress £157.00 My-Wardrobe (see more)

Jade green maxi dress featuring an elasticated, gathered waist and a contrasting white cotton modal t-shirt style top with a crew neck and short sleeves- made from 100% rayon. Contrast 50% pima cotton, 50% modal and sized extra small to large

Diane Von Furstenberg Chalk Sporty Drew Bucket Tote £730.00 My-Wardrobe (see more)

Chalk white python skin effect leather bucket tote featuring silver-tone hardware, a zip top fastening, two neon pink leather top handles with press-stud tab and a black leather trim to opening and to base. Diane Von Furstenberg bag has a white leather base, a detachable and adjustable white canvas crossbody strap with a white leather shoulder rest and contrasting pink leather trim to one end. Diane Von Furstenberg bag is fully lined and has a zipped interior pocket and two interior slip pockets. Bag measures 45cm x 40cm x 18cm.

Sam Edelman Black Gigi Thong Sandal £68.00 My-Wardrobe (see more)

Black patent leather sandal featuring a black snakeskin effect leather t-bar with toe-post and a buckled strap at the ankle. Sam Edelman sandals have a 1cm tall heel- sized 36 to 41

Sunshine And Sunglasses……

So now is the time you can officially splash out on some new sunglasses not just for the holidays but also for everyday……We have a big crush on the Tiffany sunglasses they are a great fit and Harvey Nichols and Selfridges have a great selection of shades and shapes.

These are our favourite ten for now.

Victoria Beckham Oversized Gold Metal Drop Temple Sunglasses £350.00 Harvey Nichols (see more)

Classic Oversized Gold metal drop temple sunglasses featuring rose gold graduated lens by Victoria Beckham.- Made in Italy- 100% UV protection-Comes with case and cleaning cloth.

Elizabeth & James  Black Limited Edition Retro Cat Eye Sunglasses £350.00 Harvey Nichols (see more)

Matte Black acetate Cat eye sunglasses featuring jet hematite Swarovski crystals with a silver mirrored lens by Elizabeth & James- Made in China-100% UV protection-comes with velvet lined hard case and lens cloth

Prada Tri-tone cat-eye sunglasses £325.00 Selfridges (see more)

Just love these retro style acetate sunglasses by Prada -Cat-eye frame, grey lenses, and designer-stamped metal panel at arms- Hard case.

Tiffany Garden cat eye sunglasses £306.00 Tiffany & Co (see more)

Cat eye sunglasses in black acetate with gradient gray lenses and silver-coloured flowers with round Austrian crystals. 100% UV protection and anti-glare coating.

Lanvin Brown Horn Square Sunglasses £300.00 Harvey Nichols (see more)

EXCLUSIVE TO HARVEY NICHOLS.- these streaked square Lanvin sunglasses are made from acetate with snakeskin-effect leather details and gradient brown lenses- Also available in Beige Horn.-Made in Italy-100% UV protection-Comes with case and cleaning cloth.

Prada Tortoiseshell round-frame sunglasses £199.00 Selfridges (see more)

Prada acetate sunglasses -round frames, brown gradient lenses, tortoiseshell-effect, gold-toned logo at arms-Hard case included.

Bow cat eye sunglasses £194.00 Tiffany & Co (see more)

Cat eye sunglasses in tortoise acetate with gradient brown lenses and pale gold-coloured bows-100% UV protection and anti-glare coating.

Bow cat eye sunglasses £194.00 Tiffany & Co (see more)

Cat eye sunglasses in plum, black and clear acetate with gradient gray lenses and silver-coloured bows- 100% UV protection and anti-glare coating.

Miu Miu Tortoiseshell cat-eye sunglasses £155.00 Selfridges (see more)

Miu Miu acetate sunglasses Cat-eye frame, tortoiseshell effect, tonal logo at arms-Soft case    

RAY-BAN Wayfarer rubber sunglasses £108.00 Selfridges (see more)

Ray-Ban's iconic Wayfarer sunglasses are a timeless addition to your sun-worshipping wardrobe. This addition features a new rubber frame with the iconic logo-embellished arms and polarized lenses for sharper vision and more vivid colour.  

The Couch to 5K in nine weeks………

Sometimes it’s not just knowing you need to get fit or lose weight which motivates you to get off the couch and put the remote control down – it can be someone you know.

Back in October 2008 I joined Fabulous40 a site for women and met some extraordinary ladies and one of them is Mary Clark she lives in North Augusta, SC and like most women she was not happy about her weight but two years ago she had gastric bypass surgery and to date has lost 83lbs (which is well over 5 stone) – not only has Mary changed her eating habits but she is also running a marathon and most days she does an update on her Facebook and post pictures and let me say Mary is looking amazing almost unrecognisable ……..plus motivating others namely me.

So when I saw this NHS (got to love the good old NHS) couch to 5K in nine weeks www.nhs.uk  I thought I need to tackle this.

I love how the whole plan is laid out and you can comment and get feedback – this is the week-by-week description of the nine-week Couch to 5K (plus they have podcasts)

Week one

Begin with a brisk 5-minute walk, then alternate 60 seconds of running and 90 seconds of walking, for a total of 20 minutes.

Week two

Begin with brisk 5-minute walk then alternate 90 seconds of running with 2 minutes of walking, for a total of 20 minutes.

Week three

Begin with brisk 5-minute walk then two repetitions of 90 seconds of running, 90 seconds of walking, 3 minutes of running, 3 minutes of walking.

Week four

Begin with a brisk 5-minute walk then 3 minutes of running, 90 seconds walking, 5 minutes running, 2½ minutes walking, 3 minutes running, 90 seconds walking, 5 minutes running.

Week five

There are three different workouts for this week. They are as follows:

Workout 1: brisk 5-minute walk, then 5 minutes running, 3 minutes walking, 5 minutes running, 3 minutes walking, 5 minutes running.

Workout 2: brisk 5-minute walk, then 8 minutes running, 5 minutes walking, 8 minutes running.

Workout 3: brisk 5-minute walk, then 20 minutes running, with no walking.

Week six

There are three different workouts for this week. They are as follows:

Workout 1 brisk 5-minute walk, then 5 minutes running, 3 minutes walking, 8 minutes running, 3 minutes walking, 5 minutes running.

Workout 2: brisk 5-minute walk, then 10 minutes running, 3 minutes walking, 10 minutes running.

Workout 3: brisk 5-minute walk, then 25 minutes with no walking.

Week seven

Begin with a brisk 5-minute walk then 25 minutes of running.

Week eight

Begin with a brisk 5-minute walk then 28 minutes running.

Week nine

Begin with a brisk 5-minute walk then 30 minutes running.

Tips on progression

The programme is designed for beginners to gradually build up their running ability to be able to run 5K without stopping.

The pace of the nine-week running plan has been tried and tested by thousands of new runners, so you can trust the programme.

You can, however, repeat any one of the weeks until you feel physically ready to move on to the next podcast.

Structure is important for motivation, so try to allocate specific days in the week for your runs and stick to them.

Rest days are critical. A rest day in between each run will reduce your chance of injury and will also make you a stronger, better runner.

Resting allows your joints to recover from what is a high-impact exercise and your running muscles to repair and strengthen.

Some new runners starting the programme experience calf pain or sore shins (sometimes known as shin splints).

Such aches can be caused by running on hard surfaces or by running in shoes that do not have enough foot and ankle support.

Always do the the 5-minute warm-up walks as instructed in the podcasts before each run and check that your running shoes are offering good support.

You will have good runs and bad runs. Accept it and don’t spend too much time analysing the how and why. Even a bad run is good for you. 

Cheers Dears ……..

So next week is the Queen’s Jubilee and I can still remember the wet miserable days of the Queens Silver Jubilee in 1977 – so this time I’m hoping for better weather …..

As the country is in dire need of cheering up, it seems lots of people are really looking forward to some time off and celebrating – the retailers have embraced the Jubilee with gusto and we have found some great items to raise a glass or cuppa at the Queen…..

Royal Crown Derby Diamond Jubilee Loving Cup £135.00 John Lewis (see more)

This iconic piece features the Royal Cipher-E II R on the front and on the rear a ribbon scroll inscribed 1952-2012. Garlands of oak leaves and acorns adorn the cup; a symbol of strength and longevity which has long been associated with The Royal Family. A limited edition of 1500 pieces, each cup is individually numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity and presentation box.

Emma Bridgewater Diamond Jubilee Crown Jar £100.00 John Lewis (see more)

Made in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's diamond jubilee, this beautifully decorative crown is a fitting tribute to a glorious reign. Handmade in Stoke-on-Trent, the top lifts off as a lid, allowing you to store and organise sweets, biscuits, trinkets and keepsakes within- H18.5 x Dia.16cm

Emma Bridgewater Diamond Jubilee Comport £75.00 John Lewis (see more)

Unashamedly celebratory, this vibrant comport celebrates Queen Elizabeth's diamond jubilee. Emblazoned with '60 Years A Queen' and '1952 – 2012', complete with a lion and crown design plucked from her crest- H9 x Dia.28.5cm

Alison Gardiner Diamond Jubilee Teapot £69.95 John Lewis (see more)

Alison Gardiner's quirky, handpainted teapot brings alive the pageantry and sentiment of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Each special piece is finished with 22 carat gold- H18cm

Dartington Crystal Diamond Jubilee Toasting Flutes, Set of 2 £65.00 John Lewis (see more)

Skilfully handcrafted in England; these beautiful commemorative pieces are hand decorated with the Royal Crown motif and feature engraved detailing to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. Presented in a silk-lined box, they'll make a thoughtful gift- H30.5cm

Dartington Crystal Diamond Jubilee Disc Paperweight £45.00 John Lewis (see more)

Skilfully handcrafted in England; these beautiful commemorative pieces are hand decorated with the Royal Crown motif and feature engraved detailing to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. Supplied in a hinged, satin-lined presentation box it will make a great presentation piece or special memento.

Emma Bridgewater Diamond Jubilee Plate £29.95 John Lewis (see more)

Unashamedly celebratory, this plate celebrates Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee; Emblazoned with 'God Save the Queen', complete with lion and crown design plucked from her crest- Dia.22cm

Alison Gardiner Diamond Jubilee Limited Edition Mug £29.95 John Lewis (see more)

One of only 1500 produced, this quirky, handcrafted mug brings alive the pageantry and sentiment of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Each of these individually numbered collector's pieces comes presented in a gift box and finished with 22 carat gold- H9.3cm

Emma Bridgewater Diamond Jubilee Apron £25.00 John Lewis (see more)

Unashamedly celebratory, this vibrant apron celebrates Queen Elizabeth's diamond jubilee. Emblazoned with 'Steadfast and True', complete with a lion and crown design plucked from her crest- 100% cotton - L92 x W33cm

Emma Bridgewater 60 Years a Queen Diamond Jubilee Mug £24.95 John Lewis (see more)

Unashamedly celebratory, this gift-boxed mug celebrates Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee; Emblazoned with '60 Years A Queen'- H9cm