30 Things to do before I'm 30 - American cities and Wine tours

One item on my '30 Things to do before I'm 30' list was to visit certain cities in America - I've always been curious about the extravagant, over-the-top feel of Vegas, dreamed of riding a tram car in San Francisco and loved the glamour of LA. Luckily, a friend was more than happy to keep me company on a trip this month to all these fantastic cities; we also managed to add in a few days in New York to finish off the holiday in style.

Another item on the list also got ticked off while I was away - a wine tour. I knew nothing about wine, other than the fact that I liked it; but have always been curious about how wine is fermented and how grapes can make so many different variations of one drink. While in San Francisco, we signed up for a tour of California's best wine valleys: Napa and Sanoma. We visited three beautiful wineries, sat in the sunshine sipping wine, learning all about the process and the history of the valleys. It was such a sight to see vineyards stretching as far as the eye could see and the experience even changed my opinion of dessert wine - I can now appreciate that a good moscato can really make a dessert pop.

So, two down, only 28 to go...

Textbook Styling

How stunning does Blake Lively look!?

In something a little bit bolder and brighter than her usual style, Ms Lively stole the show at the CinemaCon Awards Gala in Las Vegas this week.

This cap sleeved, tulle-ruffle Marchesa dress is both stylish and sexy. The short skirt length and almost see-through bodice show off enough skin to make this look red-hot. Yet, the luxurious silk fabric, beautiful deep red colour and lace-look embroidery make sure this outfit is nothing short of sophisticated glamour.

Blake let the dress do the talking opting for simple accessories, hair and make-up. A messy up do, feline eyes, a few white bracelets and white drop earrings were all the look required.

As I was just about to publish this post, I came across another equally gorgeous picture of Ms Lively at the awards - it seems this girl just couldn't narrow it down to only one outfit choice.

Working a white lace Dolce & Gabbana mini dress, white blazer and luscious Christian Dior shoe boots, Blake looked every inch a Hollywood star.

She has these looks down to a tee. What's great about both of these outfits is that Blake has managed to incorporate her own penchant for minis, statement dresses and simple hair and make-up with a red carpet worthy, A-lister look. This is textbook styling. She wows in classy creations, while maintaining the essence of her youth. Good work!

Blake was at the awards to collect her gong for Breakthrough Performer of the Year.