A Little Trip Across The Continent...

I apologise for my lack of communication recently. I have made it my September resolution, if such a thing were to exist, to blog a lot more as I enter a new chapter of my life. But more on that later.

As summer evenings draw in earlier and earlier, and those hazy summer days become old time memories, you know summer is finally drawing to a close. However all is not lost. With September comes some of my favourite things; Fashion Week, the right to eat soup at all times of the day and the re-appearance of my favourite rabbit mittens. But before all that, and clinging on to our final days of summer, my family and I set off for Tunisia for a week of sun, cocktails and ultimate relaxation... fitting in a day or two of sight seeing, camel riding and poolside fun and games!

We stayed at the Riu Marco Polo, a gorgeous resort in Yasmine Hammamet. The attention to detail and service were absolutely top quality, even if the food was a little samey and the wine on tap slightly reminded me of balsamic vinegar.

Playing in the waves!

 The cocktails quickly became second nature to the girls and I, and my particular favourite was (of course) the strawberry daiquiri.

 The team at one of our favourite places... the pool bar!

And with that... I say a fond goodbye to summer, and to my Cheshire hometown, for I am finally making my return to my beloved London. I promise another year of dancing on the tables, drinking from the bottle, and a laugh or two along the way. Thanks for sticking with me this summer, its been a pleasure.

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Marbella

I apologise for being so unreliable of late, it has been a busy few months for the girls and I with deadlines, events and the big flat move, so Jack and mine's long weekend in Marbella couldn't come quick enough. Armed with tanning oil, a magnum of Belvedere (a duty free treat) and enough clothes for a month we headed for the airport for our adventures to begin.

We were staying at the Gran Melia Don Pepe, a gorgeous resort on the edge of Marbella's Golden Mile. And as soon as we got there, we wasted no time unpacking and headed straight to the pool to catch some sun. 

My bikini is from next last year, and its a fabulous aztec beaded halter neck. you can find similar ones here. http://www.next.co.uk/women/swimwear/collection/12

I have always loved Next bikini's for their design and structure and you can find one to flatter any shape.

That evening we headed into old town Marbella for an evening of drinks and good food, two of our favourite things. But not before a glass of vodka and orange from the lovely champagne flutes in our suite! Dress from H&M

After an amazing hotel breakfast we headed to the pool for a stroll along the beach and another day of catching rays... its a hard life!

Then that night, joined by Sam and Danny, we headed into Puerto Banus to see what the Marbella nightlife had to offer. And we were not disappointed! In the same way that there is always a fabulous event or crazy party to attend in Mayfair, the exact same can be said of Puerto Banus. We headed to Pangea, a rooftop club at the end of the harbour for an evening of alcohol, stunning panoramic views and soaking up the glamour that Pangea has to offer. I wore my Office Platforms and a gorgeous tapered white playsuit from Topshop, a flagship exclusive. 

We had booked a table for Pangea as many people had, which can be done here

http://www.pangea-club.com

They're not that expensive in Marbella terms and I'd fully recommend it!

Feeling only slightly worse for wear on Sunday we headed out for lunch. And when in Marbella where better than Nikki Beach, a famous restaurant and beach club in the heart of Marbella. It was a super hot day so the dappled palm tree shade was very welcome!

Jack couldn't get WiFi and this was a huge problem...

Lunch was a delicious prawn and watermelon salad, a perfectly light meal to cure last nights hangover and prepare for an afternoon of cocktails on the beach. I wore a gorgeous summer dress from Zara, available in cream and navy (I bought both as I just couldn't choose!!) which isn't available online but you can find similar here http://www.zara.com/uk/en/woman/dresses/double-strap-wrap-dress-c358003p1169033.html

The cut-out bikini I wore was from Bizarre boutique and I absolutely love them for occasion dresses and unusual bikini's. There website is here http://www.bizarreboutique.co.uk

And as Monday morning came around it was time to say goodbye to our wonderful Marbella trip and head home. Not before one final breakfast and stroll around the gardens. We had a fabulous time in the Don Pepe and if you're heading to Marbella its a wonderful choice!

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La Ville de L'amour

I'm experiencing London blues. This is a very rare occurrence and is usually a product of bad weather (check) and the girls and I being buried under a ton of work (double check). 

I promise this will not last. But while it does, I thought I would share with you my second favourite city... Paris. 

Recently, with a clear weekend in all of our schedules, something which never seems to happen, three of my closest friends and I zipped off to Paris for a cultural weekend of eating (of course), drinking (obviously) and taking in the beautiful sights of the city of love. 

A visit to the Louvre is an absolute must. Even if you know nothing about art, which I absolutely don't, the architecture is truly stunning and even if just for the building itself, its an absolute must.

We even paid a visit to the Mona Lisa (looking great for her age isn't she?!

The Locks of love. You can't explain the overwhelming emotion you feel until you visit this.

After some art, we continued on our cultural adventure and headed to Le Tour Eiffel. Sadly on the day we went it was pretty windy and so we couldn't go right to the top... can you believe it sways up to 3 feet each way on a particularly windy day?! Neither could I, but I wasn't going to challenge it. Still the view we got from the second tier was still something pretty special. 

Outfit: Skirt: Miss Selfridge, Shirt: Topshop, Blazer: Vintage

So much sightseeing had left our stomach's rumbling and so we decided to head for a late brunch. And when in Rome (or Paris) where better to sample true French cuisine than Laduree. For anyone who doesn't know Laduree, it is a traditional french patisserie and confectioners and makes the greatest macaroons in the world. They have a couple of restaurants in London which I love, and promise to blog about, so going to the original on the Champs-Elysees was a real treat... and boy were we spoilt. The traditional brunch we had was a delicious selection of scrambled egg, croissants, bread rolls, fruit salad, finger sandwiches, natural yoghurt and of course their signature macaroons. 

Looking pretty pleased with our selection! Dress, Asos. Jack wears Givenchy tee. 

 While it is not essential to devour the entire menu as we did, it is well worth a visit even just to admire their beautiful confectionery!

Feeling suitably French and very full, we headed back to prepare for our evening in Paris.

Firstly, a cruise on the Seine. If you're in the city, it's the perfect way to see all the sights in one. It does get a bit cold, although I imagine in Summer it would be fine.

Heading back to base after a cruise on the Seine 

Then it was time for a late dinner. I chose frogs legs, I love trying new food and actually really enjoyed them, while the others were absolutely repulsed.  

We then headed out for an evening of dancing and cocktails in Bastille and Montmartre. I don't know if this is a French thing, but if it is, we need to start putting marshmallow's in cocktails in London too. 

Possibly the greatest apple martini I have ever tasted.

I promise I'll be back to my usual London fanatic behaviour tomorrow. In the mean time, if you have any Parisian recommendations, let me know!

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