Travel plans for 2017

2017 is the year we finally move out - fingers crossed! - so travel will have to take a bit of a back seat. That's not to say I'm going to be sitting at home twiddling my thumbs but there won't be any huge holiday plans. We'll be visiting a few old favourites again and trying to keep it cheap.

Paris
I've never been a massive fan of Paris but keen to explore more as I really don't think I have seen the best of it it. I stumbled across some cheap Eurostar tickets thanks to Hannah so decided to treat my mum for Christmas as she's never been. We're heading over for the night in January for less than 24 hours in the French capital. We probably won't do much sightseeing preferring to eat cheese and drink wine. But I can't wait. It'll be so nice to introduce my mum to some things I've seen before. If there's someone who enjoys stuffing their face as much as I do, it's her!

Image taken from My Sentimental Heart

Ireland
Originally the boyfriend and I had big plans to spend our ten year anniversary - say what?! - in Marrakesh. But buying a house has put a serious strain on our finances so that idea soon went out the window. Instead we're heading off to Northern Ireland for a few to spend time with Connor's family and embark on a Game of Thrones tour around the country. This has been high on my list for ages! Despite the fact I'll probably freeze to death, I'm so looking forward to it. Northern Ireland is absolutely beautiful and I've never explored the countryside, only the city. We're going to be doing the Causeway Coastal Route with the Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, the Dark Hedges and Ballintoy Harbour on our list to visit.

Image taken from Little Winter

Brighton
This year I managed to squeeze in two girls trips to Plymouth and Bristol. They were so much fun that we've decided to need to do one next year. I've been to Brighton quite a few times but it's one of those places that never gets old. There's always somewhere new to eat, to drink and to wander. We've got a few days plans for when the weather starts to warm up in the spring.

Image found on Pinterest via All That Is Interesting

Poland
Our big holiday next year is a two week trip in Poland with our partners in crime - can't quite believe that will be our fifth annual year of going away with each other. We're heading back to the place that started it all. Warsaw. My friend's family have a flat in the city so it will be cheap and cheerful. Plus there's so much more to Warsaw to discover! After four days in the capital we will be heading about an hour away from the city to spend a few days with his grandparents in the country then catching the train north to Gdansk. Here we'll be basing ourselves for a week whilst exploring the beach of Sopot, Hitler's chilling Eastern Front headquarters Wolf's Lair and the port city of Gdynia. Despite it being a budget option, I'm really looking forward to it. I stumbled across Gdansk on Pinterest earlier this year and looks so beautiful, my friend also has some great things to say about Polish beaches too!

Image taken from Fat Frocks

Cardiff
In September I'll be heading into Wales for the weekend for a very good friend's wedding. I'm looking forward to an almightly catch up. I've been to Cardiff before so am really pleased to go back for some more exploring. I think the weekend is going to be one of the highlights of my year!

Image taken from Bow Dream Nation

German Christmas market
Finally I wanted to round off the year with a trip to a German Christmas market. We trekked to Bruges two years ago for a festive market but haven't been to one since. I'm sure I've mentioned before that Germany is probably one of my favourite European countries so I'd like to experience a proper Christmas market. I'm not 100% sure which city yet as I'm hoping to score some cheap flights but it will be somewhere in the country.

So now you know mine, tell me your 2017 travel plans!

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The top four places to visit for a weekend break in Great Britain

It's only this last year that I've really come to appreciate what is on my doorstep. For years I had dismissed Great Britain in favour of far away lands. I'm hoping to explore more too with Glasgow and Cardiff on the agenda for next year. While we don't have the weather we most certainly have the beauty. Here are my top four places I've visited in Great Britain - I think you should visit them too!

Oxford
I was whisked away to Oxford for a birthday treat last year and it fast became one of my favourite UK city. Even on a cold February day it was beautiful. I loved wandering around the colleges from Harry Potter, eating afternoon tea at a grand hotel, climbing to the top of a church tower and wandering around the independent shops. There's so much to take in and see, whether you fancy a weekend away with the girls or a romantic few days with a partner. We stayed at the Malmasion which I highly recommend!

Plymouth
Plymouth is my first venture into Devon and now I'm desperate to visit more. It's not the prettiest of cities but it offers the calming sea, good food and a whole lot of history. Plus a gin distillery! It's a fantastic base to explore more of that world thanks to being only an hour boat journey from Cornwall. It's a place I can definitely see myself seeing more of.

Bristol
If you love food, you'll love Bristol! Go on a wander down to the harbour, take a self-guided Banksy tour, mooch over to Clifton, enjoy the brunch scene and wander through the town centre. It has such a cool, fun vibe and is quite a young city thanks to the university. It's also a cracking night out if you fancy packing your dancing shoes!

The Highlands
The Highlands had been on my bucket list for a long time so when a friend moved there, I quickly organised a visit. Well quickly might be a lie - it took me two years! It is honestly one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. I really couldn't believe this was on my doorstep. To get the best out of Scotland, you really should hire a car and drive around all the little towns and villages. We saw castles, seals, lochs, waterfalls and lighthouses. I never knew I loved the outdoors so much!

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Restaurant review: Cooper & Wolfe, Clapton, north London

Clapton isn't a place I'd visited before and nor was it really on my radar but Hannah suggested we make the trek for her birthday to try a Scandi inspired cafe. Keen to relive my Copenhagen memories, I couldn't be happier to try it. Based a fair walk from Lower Clapton station, Cooper and Wolfe is located on Chatsworth road - a hustling main road connecting Hommerton and Lower Clapton.

The rustic cafe was full of yummy mummies and a warm, cosy atmosphere. It was welcoming and felt like the type of place where you could mill away for hours over cake and coffee. Which is exactly what we did! Having skipped breakfast I decided to opt for the traditional Swedish meatballs with creamy mash potato, topped with a creamy gravy sauce, pickled cucumber and fresh lingonberry jam. It was delicious. The tender meatballs were a generous size and the lump-free mash melted in my mouth. The perfect rainy day treat! No lunchtime outing is complete without a sweet treat though. After lots of deliberation, I decided to end the meal with a slice of the chocolate guinness cake topped with cream cheese icing. It was very rich but just the ticket.

Cooper and Wolfe was a delightful find. The staff were great, portions fantastic and the food delicious. We didn't feel rushed in the slightest making it a fab place to hang out for the afternoon for an almighty catch up. I paid around £12 for a drink, meatballs and slab of cake which I didn't think was too bad for an area that is fast becoming hipster central. Definitely somewhere to keep an eye out for if you ever find yourself in Clapton!

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My top 5 favourite places to eat in London

Dishoom
Having tried both their brunch and their main dinner menu, Dishoom is up there as one of my favourite places to eat in London. The varied menu is exciting and pushes the boundaries of what we expect to have from an Indian restaurant in the UK. The sharing menu encourages everyone to dig in and try a little bit of everything. The service is always great and the food never disappoints. There's a branch in quite a few areas of London with my favourite one being the Kings Cross restaurant. Personal favourite dishes include the black dal, bacon naan, okra fries and gunpowder potatoes. It's so easy to over order which is part of the fun!

Honest Burger
I've tried a hell of a lot of burger joints in London but I still keep coming back to Honest. Brixton has to be my favourite branch but I'll go anywhere. Still need to try their brunch though! The burgers are juicy and flavoursome paired with the most addictive rosemary fries. It's such good value for money and you never have a dud. Definitely the first place I recommend in the city if anyone needs to have a burger fix.

Shackfuyu
If I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life it would have to be those Korean fried chicken wings above. I just can't get enough of that spicy sauce. I would go time and time again just for those. It's not the cheapest of places to eat but they do a cracking brunch deal that is a great introduction to the menu. And it's unlimited Prosecco. Need I say more?

Duck & Waffle
For our anniversary we headed up to the top of the Heron tower to have an unforgettable brunch. Sadly it was raining but that didn't take away from the incredible views of the city from the 40th floor. Open 24/7, we decided to opt for brunch. I had the signature duck and waffle and it was a dream to eat! It's definitely not a cheap eats option but somewhere I think everyone should visit at least once.

The Barbary
A recent find, this Covent Garden gem is the sister restaurant of the Palamor. Inspired by the north African coast, it's an electric mix of small sharing plates. The signature dish of Pata Negra Neck (pork neck) came drizzled with honey and a sprinkling of sea salt. So tender and juicy - a real star of the meal. It's set around an open kitchen so the atmosphere is great - a great place for a lazy lunch.

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A Chanel lipstick collection

I'm a sucker for a Chanel lipstick. There's something about the gold and black sleek, luxe packaging that makes me go all googly-eyed. I prefer the creamy formula of the Rouge Allure range and am slowly building up my collection. The staying power is fantastic and the pigmentation is so intense. I usually save all my boots points before splashing out once I gain enough. An unexpected treat is the best kind of treat! Take a look at my mini collection.

104 Passion
This bright red is extremely versatile with a blue undertone. It looks great in the depths of winter when you're lacking vitamin C and in the summer when you're boasting a tan. It's very much a classic fire engine red, making it perfect for the upcoming festive season. Two coats and it will last pretty much the whole night. Put some lipcote on top too and it will still be standing strong after a three course meal!

97 Incandescente

Nine times out of ten, if I'm wearing a red lip then it will be this one. This orangey red just makes me feel so polished and put together - the perfect pick-me-up! It packs such a punch and the lipstick glides on effortfully. The silky formula helps to stop the lipstick from being to drying. Once again, it has great staying power and you only really need to reapply once or twice from day to evening.

102 Palpitante
This is my newest purchase from a couple of weeks ago that I have yet to wear. Can you tell I have a special affection for red lipsticks? This raspberry colour leans towards a pink hue but still has a slightly red tinge.

99 Pirate
This one is the deepest red of the four, this is such an intense colour. It can be prone to bleeding so a careful hand is needed. But it glides on so easily and its staying power is great. I love this with a really simple outfit to create a statement.

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Restaurant review: Bluebird, Chelsea, west London

Chelsea is a part of town I very rarely venture too. In fact, I can count on one hand how many times I have been there. But since I started working in west London, I'm determined to explore more of the area. Which is why I jumped at the chance to try out the new menu at Bluebird when they got in touch. My mum came to meet me after work and we had the most wonderful girlie evening full of gossiping, cocktails and good food.

Set in the heart of the Kings Road, the new a la carte menu in the first floor restaurant has been given a new lease of life by executive head chef Liam Smith-Laing. To start, we were recommend two cocktails as we scanned the menu. I pumped for The Botanist. Using one of my favourite gins as a base - The Botanist - the cocktail was refreshing but with a slight sour kick thanks to the campari. My mum opted for The Chelsea Flower served in a twee vintage milk jug. Once again a gin based cocktail, this also boasted fresh raspberries, apple juice and pomegranate liquor.

After lots of discussion we decided to share two starters. Huge crispy tiger prawns with an addictive aioli sauce and flavoursome queen scallops with spicy chorizo and apple crumble. We fought over those delicious prawns! The batter was light and crisp and the aioli was so creamy. After scoffing the starters we were excited to taste the mains!

I heard lots of good things about their seafood so for the mains I opted for the charred mackerel fillet, salty pancetta and borlotti beans in a tomato sauce. A really good sized portion, the fish was cooked to perfection. My mum decided to try the Norfolk lamb rump on a bed of merguez and bulgar. My mum loved the Middle Eastern inspired favours. Despite feeling pretty full, we still decided we have a little room to try their desserts!

I went for salted caramel profiteroles with a decedent warm chocolate sauce. Oh they were delicious. So light and fluffy with a great crunchy outer. I could have eaten double the amount! My mum's dessert wasn't very photogenic and I struggled to get a decent picture but, take it from me and her that it was incredible too. Topped with creamy ice cream the winter crumble was the ultimate comfort food. And the perfect end to such a great meal!

Bluebird was such a lovely evening out. Despite being fancy we never once felt out of place. We were blessed with knowledgable and friendly waiting staff, delicious food and a fantastic atmosphere. It's not cheap but if you're looking for somewhere to celebrate a special occasion then it should be top of your list.

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Falling victim to the London bubble

I spend so much of my time in one of the most multi-cultural, forwarding thinking cities in the world. A city so rich thanks to embracing other cultures from around the world. I surround myself with people with similar views on both politics and the essential purchase of a Mulberry handbag. I follow strong, independent women on Twitter that encourage me to be the best of myself. People who are desperate to make a change and have their voices heard.

But then I see comments on newspaper sites, hear people discussing things in the street, and catch posts on social media. Then realise that I've fallen victim to the London bubble. I have forgotten that there is a huge world outside the city and despite my thoughts, it is not the centre of the universe. There's a vast majority of people all over the world straining to get their voices heard too. But not always doing it in the best way. To put it nicely. People are angry and frustrated, desperate for change. But in their desperation, they're blaming the wrong people, taking the wrong action and being blindsided by toxic information. Change doesn't come from the status quo, of voting in the exact same type of people who believe in making the rich richer and poor poorer. It comes from men like Jeremy Corbyn and Bernie Sanders who offer a different type of politics. I understand their sometimes stubborn stances are not for everyone but there's lots of other people who offer different views. It's a just a matter of finding them. You'd be surprised at what people are fighting for.

The world is so uncertain at the moment. Sometimes I just can't comprehend what is happening at the minute and I feel at such a loss. It feels like something I would have been learning in my A Level history class. But all is not lost. I've watched Hillary Clinton's gracious speech numerous times and cried. In the face of defeat she was empowering and humble. You don't fight hate with hate. You defeat hate by standing up with love. And boy is there endless people in the world showing love to each other. I proud to say I know some of them personally.

The world has just lost it's way at the moment but it will find it's way back. It has too.

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Restaurant review: The new menu at The Diner, London

The Diner has a special place in my heart. Back in 2012 I think I went once a month and it was always the 'blogger' hang out. We gossiped over chilli cheese fries and put the world to rights. But I haven't been back in a couple of years as you know London is a big place and new places are opening all the time. There is a reason why places are old favourites though. The Diner got in touch to tell me about their new menu and offered me a chance to try it out for myself.

My boyfriend and I trotted to east London for a monster lunch in celebration of it being the weekend. After scouring the menu and sipping on cider we decided we couldn't not have the crispy bacon jalapeño tater tots and wet fries in bacon gravy and topped with lashings of melted cheese. The wet fries were a revelation. The rich bacon gravy partnered with the melted cheese was comfort food at its finest. For our mains we both couldn't resist the BBC dog. The frankfurter sausage in a  toasted bun was filled to the brim with spicy chilli, gooey cheese and crispy strips of bacon. It was so big that it had to be eaten with a knife and fork.

Despite having full bellies we decided to take one for the team and share a cookies and cream cheesecake. Chunky oreos embedded in a creamy cheesecake was the perfect end to such an indulgent lunch. After all, go big or go home!

The Diner as always is a good solid bet. The prices are reasonable, the portions satisfying, the food delicious and the decor on point. The waiting staff couldn't be more helpful and made it a joy to stuff our faces. We won't be leaving it two years before we return again!

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