Fancy frocks, cocktails and a secret bar in the woods. It's all about the anti-festival.

If, like me, you're a bit bored of over-priced, loud and lairy festivals, then put away those wellies, leave the tent wherever it is in the attic and save your hard-earned pennies. I've found something far more magical and enchanting, and there's very little chance of someone throwing a putrid tray of how-can-you-possibly-charge-that noodles into the crowd.

Wyndstock, held on the weekend of 22nd June, is the ultimate anti-festival - an enchanting summer playground for a select group of people. Dress code: simply your finest attire. I'd go with 1920s.

Held in the majestic grounds of Houghton Hall, Norfolk, Wyndstock is a weekend of sensory feasting, playful glamour and delightful pleasure-seeking in a magical setting.

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Live in the Midlands? Then you'd probably prefer a shopping bag to fun in the sack!

Shocked? Then you need to read on. Because an Ultimate Shopper survey* taken by thousands of women all over the UK has revealed that one in three women of the Midlands prefer splashing their cash than indulging in sexy times with their special someone. Over half of women in London agree, with ladies in East Anglia being the least likely to put new shoes before their man. Lucky guys.

But that's not it. Oh no. When asked if they felt shopping was definitely better than sex, lasses in Northern Ireland were top of the polls with a whopping one in five saying a trip to the high street is way more satisfying than a night with their partner. Men of Ireland, you're seriously doing something wrong. Especially as a third of items bought on a shopping spree will languish in the back of the wardrobe, never to see the light of day again.

The survey also reveals how shopping is often front of mind - the average British female thinks about shopping six times a week compared with four times a week spent indulging in ‘sexy’ thoughts.

Andrea, 26, a trainee accountant from Wolverhampton, says she feels more satisfied in store than in the sack. And it's nothing to do with how her partner is in bed. "I love Charlie, my fiancé. We've been together for three years, so it's fair to say we've been through that whole 'honeymoon period' of not leaving the flat. But there's something exhilarating about shopping I just don't get from anything else. Especially in the sales!"

I asked Andrea if she could remember the best shopping trip she's ever had. "It would have to be the time I got a designer bag, while I was studying. I'd been saving for months, not going out and giving meals with friends a miss, because I knew once I had my hands on my new bag, it would all be worth it."

Andrea was dating Charlie at the time, but admits she did put him second. Often date nights would involve having to stay in and watch TV rather than go out as a couple. "It was tough at the time, especially as we were a new couple and Charlie is a night owl, so he loves being out partying. The thing is, going out is so expensive, especially when you're expected to buy a round or two. With such a large social group, a night out would really dent my purse. I'd be down about £100 at least!"

And how did she feel once she had her mitts on her prized possession? "I remember the day so clearly! It was my first proper expensive purchase, only ever buying bags from TK Maxx. I walked into the store, picked out the bag I had my eye on and went up to the till to pay. I felt on top of the world! It was a real treat, and something I'll always remember. Especially when friends saw it afterwards and were green with envy. But I'd worked hard for it, a lot of blood, sweat and tears had gone into saving for it."

So does Andrea think her love of shopping's had an impact on her relationship? "Well, I've got a ring on my finger haven't I? It's no different to me having a hobby, in fairness. Charlie has his football and has often put me on the back burner when a big match is on, so why shouldn't I do what I really enjoy? Sometimes it means Charlie has to wait, but then if he had a problem he wouldn't be marrying me!"

I asked Charlie what he thought of Andrea's admissions. Surprisingly, he took it well. "Andrea's a determined girl, so if she wants something, she'll get it. I'm a little surprised that she finds shopping more satisfying than being with me, though. I'll have to up my game!"

A few more stats:

• On average, those in the West Midlands fight the most with their partner while shopping, as over two in five trips to the shops end in a row.
• Couples in Northern Ireland shop together with the least drama, as fewer than a third of shopping trips end in an argument.
• Ladies in London are least likely to chose their partner as their shopping buddy, with just one in ten dragging along their significant other.
• Over half of women in Northern Ireland are most likely to shop solo. So long lads!

*The survey was specially commissioned by new TV entertainment channel TLC to mark the launch of Ultimate Shopper on 6th June. 2,000 women were surveyed.

Interested? Read on...

Review: Partridges' Afternoon Tea at the Cadogan Hotel, London

Afternoon tea. It conjures up all kinds of things in the mind. Neatly-cut sarnies filled with salmon. Intricate cakes, just waiting to be eaten. Teas from far-off lands. It's hard not to feel like you've gone back to a more elegant, classical time when someone asks you which flavour of tea you'll be drinking this morning. After all, The Cadogan Hotel has been serving its patrons for over one hundred years.

The five star hotel itself is a real landmark. Situated a five minute walk from Sloane Square and Knightsbridge tube stations, it faces the peaceful Cadogan Gardens and is a stone's throw from designer shops like Hermes and Chanel. Once home to Oscar Wilde, he was arrested in Room 118 for gross indecency. The room has since been converted into a suite, so if you want to retrace the poet's steps (minus the arrest or gross indecency) you can.

Interested? Read on...

Goodwood Races Three Friday Nights - Rudimental, Racing and Wrong Turns

I’m sure if you read my last article on Goodwood Races (and if you follow me on Twitter) you're aware I attended the Three Friday Nights racing and laser show/rave up event on the 31st May. I cannot quite describe to you just how excited I'd been in the build up to the day to see the combination of horse racing and Rudimental DJ set with 9,999 other like-minded people!

Initially, I thought the entire evening was going to be a disaster. One thing after another kept going wrong. My driver had already called me ‘sir’ and ‘Mr.’ on the phone, which was somewhat awkward, and it then took us over three hours to battle through the traffic to travel the 1 ½ hour journey from London to Chichester. Upon arrival my guest Emma and I were at a complete loss as to where to go, as due to arriving nearly two hours late for the event there wasn’t anyone to meet us at the gates.

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Drink sexism. Why is it so controversial to see women drinking beer?

It's sunny. Oh yes, it's sunny. So with the sun finally making an appearance and shining down on us with tepid warmth, us Brits take this as the perfect opportunity to ditch the jeans, throw on a summer dress and sunnies and head straight to the pub for an after-work tipple. Because the promise of a pub garden with friends and a cool glass of beer is just what we need. That's right. I said beer.

Welcome to 2013, where women of the world like to drink a cool pint of something without a synthetic fruit added for flavour. But is it become more socially acceptable to see women drinking pint without being called a ladette or tomboy? Often a choice of lads, builders and drunken groups of geezers on boys' nights out, there is still much debate on whether it is womanly to drink beer. Is it attractive or un-attractive when we opt for a pint over a large glass of red?

So I wanted to know what kind of reaction a woman with a bottle of Bud in her hand would get. And whether the ladies who drink it actually like the taste, or if it's just a case of drinking it to be part of the crowd (kind of like being the kid in school who smokes. Rebel). I asked a group of men and women what they thought.

Ben, 25, said : "If I see a women drinking a pint I think she's easy."

Mandy, 22, said: "I think we should be allowed to drink anything we like. Otherwise it's like saying a man can't drink a cocktail. As long as women aren't wandering around town with a can in hand in the middle of the afternoon, it's fine to enjoy a pint!"

Heather, 26, said: "I don't drink beer, but that's just because I don't like it! I much prefer a nice fruity cocktail. But I do have guy friends who drink cocktails with us while some of the girls have a beer, so I don't think gender matters."

Matt, 26, said: "In all honesty, I HATE to see a woman drinking from a pint glass, regardless of what's in it! Seeing a woman drinking beer itself I don't mind, I just think the pint glass and women do not mix. I don't drink beer because I don't like the taste of it. I'll drink a cider with lemonade mix, but only from a half pint glass! I'm not a snob, I promise!"

Sharon, 28, says: "I work in a bar and it seems to be common opinion that pints are for men and women should drink half pints. I've no idea who made those 'rules' though!"

Interesting results from those twenty-somethings. It seems most still cling onto the stereotype rather than just accept that perhaps some people love the taste of a cool pint on a warm day, or a bottle of the stuff with a curry, or heaven forbid, a beer while the match is on.

Whether you're a rebel or a fan, we've just been told about 1936 Bière, an all-new super premium lager brewed with the purest spring water sourced from deep within the Swiss Alps. It's lighter and more crisp than the traditional pick, which is why more women are grabbing a pint of this over traditional options. I know I'll definitely be giving it a go. (Rebel).

So what are your thoughts on beer? Do you love it or hate it? Is there a stigma attached to it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Interested? Read on...

Do British women sorely need French etiquette lessons?

The stereotypical French woman just has a certain way about her, doesn't she. Sure, the food can be hit and miss (macarons yes, snails no), but there's no denying they're seen as poised, highly fashionable, full of charm and grace. And a cheeky holiday with the love of your life in the French Riviera is far more appealing than a weekend in Torbay, the English version of Cannes. I know. Doesn't really compare.

So Frenchologie, the luxury lifestyle website dedicated to all things French, has launched a French etiquette programme to bring a touch of je ne sais quoi to British women. Its founders, Beatrice Drovandi and Cecilia Cauville, have prepared the guide as an introduction for people who want to navigate the complexities of French social culture, from the correct number of kisses in a greeting to the right way to share a meal with friends.

Which is news to me. When I'm invited for a meal with friends it's usually a loud welcome, hands flying in the air, heads held in hands while cheeks are kissed, bottles of wine being exchanged, and straight into the kitchen to start the food. Followed by wine, spillages (food and drink), laughter, gossip, and rounded off with a whisky and some kind of game, usually made up by one of the girls. I blame my mental friends and Sicilian upbringing for this. That's how I share a meal with friends. It seems I've lots to learn.

Cecilia Cauville, co-founder of Frenchologie, commented: “French women are renowned internationally for their simple and classic elegance. Our guide to etiquette will allow women to learn a little more about how to comport themselves in a way that exudes the style of les Parisiennes."

The guide is available via the Frenchologie website if you want to have a read, where tips include:

• Bring flowers to a dinner party, but make sure you bring an odd number (as long as it is not unlucky 13).
• Call ahead to apologise if you’re likely to be more than 10 minutes.
• Don’t start eating until the host says ‘bon appetit’
• Greet your host with a kiss on each cheek if you have met them before, but a handshake is appropriate if it is your first meeting
• Make sure you keep wrists above, and elbows off, the table at all times.
• Eat with your fork in your left hand and your knife in your right.
• Don’t add seasoning to your food as this implies the food is tasteless or poorly done.

It seems like I've got a lot to learn when it comes to French etiquette. What about you? Do you think British women can benefit from our polished French counterparts? Or is your culture's tradition more free spirit than formal? Let us know in the comments below, or send us a tweet @sixoutoftenmag.

Interested? Read on...

Review: JuJu Jelly shoes (making sandals teamed with socks acceptable again)

If you're a child of the 90s, you'll remember jelly shoes. I had a pair. They were clear plastic jelly, with glittery flecks. My sister's were either purple or blue - she's always been a fan of cooler colours. Anyway, I flipping loved them. LOVED them. They looked like ballerina pumps and gave us both massive blisters which meant my sister and I had to wear them with frilly ankle socks (socks and sandals rules don't apply when you're seven), of course, but they were proper princess shoes. Because all princess have plastic shoes. Look at Barbie for crying out loud. No faux-leather heels there.

So when I spotted them making a comeback, I was intrigued. At 27 I'm way past the princess stage - in fairness I grew out of that when I was about thirteen - so why suddenly were pop princesses like Rita Ora, models and trendy fashionistas rocking the jellies?

Interested? Read on...

Recipe: Chicken Larb, Lamb Massaman Curry and Mango Sticky Rice

I'm pretty sure if you're a long-time reader you'll know about my fascination with all things Thai. One of the things I really miss about the place (as well as the people, the weather, the beaches, the rain, the animals and the entire culture) is the food. If you're lucky enough to live near a decent Thai restaurant, then I envy you. Because unless I venture out into London, Thai food has to be made in my own kitchen. And a great chef I ain't.

So I asked the guys and girls at Mango Tree, a Thai restaurant in London, to put together a simple meal plan for an unusual Thai style dinner party. We're moving on from the traditional green curry. Honesty, it might sound odd (minced chicken salad with fish sauce wha...?) , but it's a brilliant combination of modern flavours with a not-too-spicy peanut curry for those who aren't chilli fans. All recipes serve two.

Interested? Read on...