May came too soon, and suddenly unable to bear walls, he wandered the campus at all hours through starlight and rain

Oh, darlings - spring is here again! The blue skies, and the sunshine warming your cheeks... it's just like Aslan returning to Narnia! [Speaking of which, I am very happy - have managed to start off my MPhil thesis with a quote from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe]!

For me, the fresh smell of spring in the air and the first crocuses in bloom give me hope - for magic, for courage, for high adventure, and - oh, of course! - for love.

Isn't this the most beautiful love story you have ever seen in 7 minutes? I WEPT! Watch it, watch it, watch it!

Love, tulips and balloons xxx

Some girls are just born with glitter in their veins.

Here's a little magic to glitter up your day, honeypies...

I certainly had a night of glitter and glamour at the Churchill Spring Ball. What could be more fun that dressing up with your favourite girlfriends...

...for a night of champagne and chocolate fountains...

...fortune telling, massage, bouncy castles, ball pit fights...

...posing for photos with The Boy...

...and Marilyn Monroe!...

...and, of course, dancing the night away with all of your most beloved people!

"Oh, what a night!"

And I must humbly ask you, dearest readers, to help bring a bit of everyday magic into my life! My internship with Chic Weddings in Italy is going wonderfully, and my bosses have just announced a competition; whichever blogger achieves the highest number of hits and comments on their posts shall win a mystery prize, and, of course, a much better chance of securing a job come June! So per piacere, darlings, do keep stopping by for an extra helping of Sparkles & Crumbs over at Wedding Design Anarchy - I'll keep you posted every time I pop out a new one! My latest offerings? Punting proposals on the Cam, and the magical style of Marie Antoinette!

Oh, what a dream come true to win...!

Love, trapper hats and chocolate cake xxx

I smile because there are tiny dreams that play hopscotch at the corners of my mouth, and every time I breathe they float...

...and every time I laugh they fly kites.

-Shane Koyczan

Happy Valentine's Day, chicas!

This February 14th, I want to celebrate you. Let's raise a glass [of pink champagne, of course!] to the girls who have never stopped daydreaming of true love and high adventure. The romantics, the idealists, the wishful thinkers - whether you have found your Prince Charming, are still awaiting the arrival of your Greg Peck, or insist that you remain stoically cynical, here's to our secret castles in the sky.

"Tatiana had imagined her Alexander since she was a child, before she believed that someone like him was even possible. When she was a little girl, she dreamed of a fine world in which a good man walked its winding roads, perhaps somewhere in his wandering soul searching for her."

-Paullina Simons

Love, Valentine's cards and secret admirers xxx

They may sing of the beautiful snow, who dwell in a sunnier clime...

...For me I would rather bestow
My songs on a theme more sublime!"

-S. Moore

Goodness gracious, gorgeous ones! Cambridge is all snowed in!

Do you remember when you were little, and snow meant days off school and hours spent snowball fighting and searching out carrots for snowmen's noses? It seems so much less magical when one has to tramp through fields shin-deep in snow to make a business meeting in London [brunch with the Chic Weddings In Italy ladies... but more on that later]! My little house this year, out in the Grantchester meadows, is a good half-hour walk into town in more clement climes. With a heavy snowfall, the little country roads are almost impossible to attempt without slipping and sliding all over the place! Not to mention the COLD! *Shudder!*

So, here it is...

The Sparkles & Crumbs Guide To Dressing Both Well and Warmly in The Worst of Winter Weather

#1. A Blue Fox Fur Coat

Needless to say, wearing real fur is a thorny issue, and to some, I'm aware that it is just plain immoral. But here is something that I think every Sparkles & Crumbs girl should know, regardless of their stance; a fur coat is the warmest thing you will ever wear. Seriously; I've tried woollen trench coats, quilted baseball jackets, men's padded racing jackets... and nothing, but nothing! - will keep you as cosy as my blue fox fur. Trust me! If you can't overcome the ethical dilemma, buy second-hand - When I'm Not Naked Vintage has plenty of beautiful furs for a steal [although at the time of writing, they seem to be all sold out... must be the cold snap!!].

#2. Boots with Grip!

I was so proud of a recent purchase - some shin-length, brown leather cowboy boots, at a snip in the sales! "What timing I have!" I thought cheerfully, as I watched the first snowflakes falling gently to the ground. "These are perfect for ploughing through the snow!" Alas, how wrong I was! As I soon found out, the perfectly smooth soles of my new boots had the grip factor of a just-sharpened ice skate. It has taken me three times as long to walk anyway, as I have to waddle along like a particularly slow old lady to avoid slipping, sliding and going flying!

Hence, although, you shall definitely need some nice, long boots to keep the snowdrifts at bay, make sure they're built for walking, baby! These numbers from Rocket Dog look like just the trick.

#3. Thick Socks!

To wear inside your boots! Well, surely you don't want icy toes!

#4. Earmuffs!

HOW delightful are these creations by Yes Jess?! Cycling around all day in the whistling winter winds makes one appreciate warm ears more than you ever thought possible - so these are not only a necessity, but quite a sweet and stylish one!

#5. Mittens

So much cuter than gloves!

Useful Extras:

A scarf:- Of course, with a fur coat wrapped up right around your neck, you won't need one of these! But who could resist this Rob Ryan silk masterpiece?

Vitamin E Oil:- Regular moisturiser can't handle this cold! This is the first winter the skin on my face hasn't cracked horribly, and it's all because of this little baby. Miracle stuff [especially since it's only £3!]!

Tights:- The thicker the better!

Plenty of hot chocolate!

As for me, sweets, I've been trying to forget the cold and transport myself to balmier climes with frequent trips to a friend's in-house sauna... How wonderful it is to be in a bikini and warm again!!

Love, snowball fights and minestrone soup xxx