OOTD: Blue midi dress

Outfit:
Blue cotton midi dress: H&M (similar)
Nude and red patent flats: Christian Loubouton (similar)
Poppy red lily bag: Mulberry
Navy and yellow watch: Timex* (similar)

I finally gave my new Loubs an outing after snapping them up in a sample sale a few months ago. I was going to save them for a special occasion but what's the point in having nice things if they just gather dust in the wardrobe? Not the most comfortable shoes but I will train my feet to get used to them!

I'm back on UK soil now after two weeks travelling around Eastern Europe and feeling the holiday blues. I had the most fantastic two weeks, seeing amazing sights, swanning around with great company and stuffing myself silly on good food. Eastern Europe really is such an underrated part of the world. It's my favourite part of the continent and each place is so different, charming and interesting. I'd recommend it in a heartbeat. Keep your eyes peeled for lots of travel posts coming your way!

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Why you should visit Catalunya

Last summer I paid a trip to Barcelona and spent a week soaking up the sights in the city. A few people told me I was spending too much time there and would run out of things to see and do. But a week wasn't long enough at all - I could have easily have spent a month in the Catalan city. Not only did I manage to see some incredible architecture, spend my evenings in some fun bars, I also got to sample of the best food I have ever tried. I'm still dreaming about that hole-in-the-wall tapas bar that we stumbled around at midnight. Inntravel knows all about the delights of Catalan cuisine. I'm already bookmarking some tips for my next visit.

So why did Cataluya, and in particular Barcelona, capture my imagination so much? The city was unlike anywhere else I'd ever visited before. It felt rebellious, intense and ever-changing. The Gaudi architecture was mind-blowing and weaved into the city from every angle. Seeing the Sagrada De Familla was one of the first times I'd ever been speechless seeing a landmark. I can't put into words just how incredible it was.

The multiple beaches encourage the best of both worlds. Bored of wandering around? Simply head to the sandy beaches to soak up the blazing sunshine. One tip is to head away from the first beach you come across and instead head further down the coast. You'll beat the crowds of tourists and it'll be a hell of a lot cleaner!

Finally, I loved the social life. The endless places to enjoy a jug of sangria, the multiple bars where you could put your dancing shoes on and the different restaurants to sample the local cuisine. Each neighbourhood gave off a different vibe but my favourites were the historic Gothic Quarter and El Ravel for the delicious food.

Inntravel kindly sent me a hamper full of Catalan food goodies and I have one to offer you too! You just need to enter via the Rafflecopter to be in with a chance to win. The winner will be announced in two weeks. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Review: Cafe Rouge summer brunch menu

Last weekend I was very kindly invited along to try out the new Cafe Rouge summer brunch menu in London Bridge. Although I'd seem Cafe Rouge numerous times during my UK travels, I hadn't actually ventured inside. I still don't really know the reason why! Having recently created their very own brunch menu, the restaurant change was very keen to show it off and with good reason too, it was delicious!

Starting with a cheeky mimosa to kick off the weekend with a bang, my friend Jay and I spent a good 20 minutes deciding what we wanted to try. As we admired the lovely little touch of a rose with our names on, we decided we ought to try a pastry each. When in a French chain it's kinda given right?! I plumped for the flaky, warm almond croissant and my friend opted for the indulgent, rich pain au chocolat. A great choice!

For my second course I decided to embrace my love of smashed avocado on sourdough toast with a twist of smoked salmon and creme fraiche. With a sprinkling of chopped chives, this wasn't combination I've had before but will be one I will be trying out at home! I loved the creamy avocado with the salty salmon. A generous portion was just the ticket for a Saturday morning. Jay went for one of her favourites, eggs Benedict. Once again a generous portion and judging by the lack of conversation from her, I think she enjoyed it a lot! The poached eggs looked cooked to perfection with such a lovely runny yolk.

Overall I was very impressed by the brunch offering. As someone who often goes out for brunch a lot in London, I've turned into somewhat a bit of a snob. I often seek out the independent places but really some chains get it so right and shouldn't be ignored. Cafe Rouge is one of those chains. The prices were great, portions were filling and the staff couldn't be faulted. Make sure you try their mocktail menu too. Thanks for such a great start to a Saturday guys!

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