Little Box of Life Treasures

30 countries in 30 years – Is it a pipe-dream with COVID-19?

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Fri, 22 May 2020 15:58:00 +0000

One of the reasons I started this blog back in 2017 was to document all the paces I’ve traveled. Even if no one ever read the blog – it would be a place for me to remember where I’ve visited. I had a secret goal of reaching 30 countries before the age of 30. By the age of 26 I’d visited 19 countries – and I felt like it was an obtainable goal. Nothing too crazy – 11 countries in 4 years, 2.75 countries per year, that was doable, right? But then COVID-19 entered our lives. An unknown, deadly coronavirus with no vaccine and no cure. Quarantine, Lockdown, social distancing and closed borders became our reality and the idea of 30 countries before the age of 30 seemed more impossible as each day went by.

At the time of writing this we are almost 9 weeks into lockdown (8 weeks & 4 days to be exact, but who’s counting?). The government imposed the lockdown on the evening of the 23rd March and my initial response was to cry, which is odd considering I’m one of the most introverted introverts you will ever come across. The reality was that my life really wasn’t going to change very much at all. I could work from home, workout from home, video call friends and family, and I did a lot of that in pre-COVID-19 times anyway. But it did mean one thing for sure – I wasn’t going to be going on a holiday anytime soon. The reality of the situation was that we couldn’t travel even before lockdown. I was due to fly to Denmark on the 12th of April but Denmark closed its borders to non-Danish citizens on the 13th of March. But lockdown made the no travel reality feel a bit more real. All my 2020 travel plans have pretty much disintegrated before my eyes. Denmark, our Washington D.C, Boston and Philadelphia trip in May and a family holiday to the South of France in August – all gone in the blink of an eye.

So, what does all of this mean for me and the travel and tourism industry? And, how long will it be before we can travel again? At the moment British nationals are not allowed on non-essential foreign travel. It’s unlikely that I will be able to go on a foreign holiday this year, with the UK planning to impose a 14-day quarantine period for UK nationals returning home from other counties. There are some suggestions of “air-bridges” to and from countries with low infection rates that would allow British nationals to be exempt from quarantine but this largely all depends on how the virus behaves over the next few months – and this is a big unknown. It will also depend on what other counties are doing, and how their restrictions ease over time.

Even if we do get to travel – will it really be enjoyable? There will likely be controlled access to tourist attractions, hotels and restaurants. We will have to wear face coverings and follow social distancing rules. I’m thinking that I may have to revise my travel goal slightly? And I think I’m okay with that. What about you? Are you still planning to travel in 2020?

So, what countries have I been to?

Bulgaria
Cape Verde
Cyprus
France
Germany
Guernsey
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Jersey
Kenya
Mexico
Qatar
Romania
Spain
Thailand
United States of America
Vietnam
The United Kingdom (obviously, as this is where I live)

Where would I like to travel after Coronavirus?

Denmark
Sweden
Norway
Portugal
Poland
South Africa
Morocco
Russia
Prague
Canada
Croatia
Greece

❤

A Long Weekend In Berlin ❤

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 21:10:00 +0000

This year we started December off with a little mini break to Berlin. Oddly, Berlin has never been top of my destination wish list but Scott was really keen to see the Christmas markets. I was keen to make the most of the three days we had in the city so I created a little itinerary for us which included all of Berlin's best bits. Here is what we got up to...

CHECKPOINT CHARLIE

Checkpoint Charlie is a replica of the former cold war checkpoint between East & West Berlin. There is also an open air museum close by where you can learn a bit about the history of the wall.

THE REICHSTAG BUILDING

A beautifully designed building that was reconstructed after the German reunification in 1990. The glass dome symbioses a transparency in government processes for the German people.

MEMORIAL TO THE MURDERED JEWS OF EUROPE

The maze of 2,711 concrete blocks is a harrowing and moving monument to the Jewish victims of the holocaust. You can walk through the blocks and visit the underground museum where 3 million names of Jewish victims are recorded.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS AT POTSDAMER PLATZ AND ROTEN RATHAUS

The Berlin Christmas markets are truly spectacular. I truly recommend getting yourself some Gluhwein and delicious currywurst before strolling around all the stalls. I really enjoyed stalls of blown glass Christmas tree ornaments. There is a German tradition of hiding a pickle shaped Christmas bauble (yep, you read that correctly. A pickle!). Once the tree is decorated, the first child to find the pickle gets an extra little gift from St Nicholas. So of course, I picked one up for when I have my own children.

Hope you guys enjoyed reading about some of Berlin's famous landmarks.

❤

Our Honeymoon ❤

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 20:13:00 +0000

When we planned our honeymoon back in 2017, we chose Sri Lanka as our destination. However, fate intervened when a week before we were due to set off, suicide bombers attacked a number of hotels and churches across Sri Lanka killing hundreds of innocent people. This threw our plans into chaos due to the UK government advising essential travel only.

Full of anxiety and upset we desperately called our travel agents who completely reassured us and put our minds at ease. Less than 48 hours after that initial phone call we were in the Trailfinders office designing a brand-new honeymoon. ❤

Thanks to Trailfinders we were able to Fly on Saturday 27^th April as planned with our main destination being Vietnam.

Doha, Qatar – Saturday 27^th April - Tuesday 30^th April

We planned a short stop over in Qatar as my brother and his wife live there and it gave us the perfect opportunity to visit them. We arrived at around midnight on the Saturday, so after a short drive across the city we went straight to bed. We spent the morning in their apartment sleeping off our jet lag before heading out to Almayass for some delicious Arabic food! I also tried Limonana, a classic mint lemonade which is a favourite in the Middle East (and a new favourite of mine!)

After our lunch I treated myself to a mani-pedi at BD Nails to ensure I was flip-flop ready! We also took a walk along Iusail marina, marveling some of the city’s iconic architecture before driving to the Museum of Islamic Art for some great Dhow Harbor photos! For dinner that evening we went to Belgian Bar at the InterContinental Doha. The warm Doha air meant that we could enjoy our dinner outside on the terrace whilst admiring the city skyline.

For our last day in Doha, we spent our morning at the pool outside my brother’s apartment before heading to Galleries Lafayette for a look around the luxury mall and eating lunch at Joe’s café. We also visited the Amphitheatre in the Cultural Village, a beautiful modern landmark. We spent our evening at the iconic Souq Waqif with all its bustle and atmosphere before heading to the airport to catch our flight to Hanoi.

Hanoi, Vietnam– Tuesday 30^th April - Friday 3^rdMay

We arrived into Hanoi at around 3pm. Thankfully the drive to the hotel (Hilton Hanoi Opera) was only a 40min taxi journey as we were both fairly exhausted. Dinner that night was at a Vietnamese restaurant called Nha Hang Ngon – where I tried the famous Pho noodle soup. This was a nice restaurant for our first night the only issue was the long wait to be served.

We spent my birthday (1^st May) doing a tour of Hanoi with a local guide. This gave us a whistle stop tour of Hanoi’s highlights including the Temple of Literature, the one pillar pagoda, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison Memorial. We ended our tour with a walk around the atmospheric old quarter before stopping off at a theater to see a traditional water puppet show.

Our last day in Hanoi was spent doing a cycle tour along the banks of the red river. This gave us a chance to see some of the surrounding countryside including ancient pagodas, quaint villages and lively markets. I did unfortunately fall off at one point (cycling clearly isn’t my forte) but overall it was a good way to see a different side Vietnam!

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam– Friday 3^rd May - Monday 6^thMay

In Ho Chi Minh we stayed at the InterContinental hotel which was located right in the city center and had excellent cityscape views! We kicked off our time in the city in style with an evening street food tour on a vintage vespa. This was my favourite tour and it really made me fall in love with Vietnamese cuisine. Our first stop was a rooftop bar followed by several paveway eateries, all just as fantastic as each other and offering authentic street food. I loved the fresh spring rolls and banh xeo (happy pancakes!). We ended the tour in a hidden café listening to live acoustic music and drinking iced coffee (or eating ice cream in Scott’s case).

We were up bright and early the next day for a tour of the Mekong Delta. Here we boarded a private boat with a small group of fellow tourists to visit the bustling port of My Tho. Along the way we stopped by numerous farms and gardens to taste local produce, before going to a coconut candy factory to see how the locals make it. We also took a small drive in a Xe Loi (Vietnamese Tuk-Tuk) to visit a bee farm before boarding a row boat back to our main boat. We were able to take advantage of the Hard Rock Café situated next door to our hotel that evening for dinner. Collecting a Ho Chi Minh City Hurricane glass for good measure!

Day three involved a drive through the countryside to the incredible Cu Chi Tunnels, constructed by the Viet Cong. I was amazed and saddened by history of the tunnels and the way the Viet Cong survived in the tunnel network – this is a must see if you ever visit Vietnam.

We returned back to city for lunch stopping by Hoa Tuc for a bite to eat before getting a tour around the city’s main sights including the reunification palace, the colonial style post office and the colourful Ben Than Market. We stayed close by our hotel of dinner that night choosing to eat at the Propaganda Bistro which was just a few blocks from our hotel.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam– Monday 6^th May - Friday 10^thMay

We stayed in La Veranda Resort in Phu Quoc. A 5 * resort which has a beautiful 1920s French colonial style mansion as its centerpiece. Here we were transported to a different world for a few days as Phu Quoc is largely untouched and has been out of influence for most of its modern history.

Our room overlooked stunning gardens and we ate breakfast each morning with a view of a white sand beach. Here we were able to relax and unwind, enjoying a slower and simpler pace. Most days we lazed about by the pool, enjoying cocktails and seeing what restaurants were close by. Two of our favourites actually weren’t Vietnamese restaurants! If your ever in the area I’d highly suggest visiting Winston’s Burgers & Beer and Sher-e-Punjab Indian Cuisine.

Bangkok, Thailand – Friday 10th May – Sunday 12th May

We were lucky enough to be upgraded to a suite when we arrived at the Anantara Riverside hotel in Bangkok (defiantly played the honeymoon card!). It was a great hotel with a fabulous location on the Chaophraya river which is the major river that runs through the city. We spent the only full day we had in Bangkok doing a city tour to get a taste of the city and what it had to offer.

We caught a river boat from our hotel to the atmospheric old quarter where we could marvel at the glittering Grand Palace before taking a tuk-tuk to Wat Pho to see its famous reclining Buddha. We finished the tour with a visit to the impressive Golden Mount where we could take in some views of the city!

Where we ate in Bangkok:

Basil Thai

La Scarpetta

The Pizza Company

❤

Our Wedding!

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 18:52:00 +0000

After a lengthy 2-year engagement (or at least I thought it was lengthy!) we finally tied the knot last Friday!! The day was truly perfect and everything came together beautifully, just as I imagined it. I was very relaxed right up until it was time to walk down the aisle – then all the emotions took over! Despite this, I wish I could relive the moment over and over. I am so grateful to everyone (suppliers and family alike) who helped me make the day so magical. Photography credit to our amazing photographer Martin Ward. 📸

Wedding Details:

Piper- Jimmy Banks
Ceremony Location – The Long Gallery @ Balbirnie House
Chairs – Balbirnie’s Limewash Chiavari Chairs decorated with pink sashes supplied by Style A Chair
Drinks reception drink - Bellini
Photographer- Martin Ward
Cake – Fantastic wedding cake supplied by Cherry on Top
Evening Entertainment – “ NOTHERN STAR “
Bridal Make-up- and Bridal Hair- Pouts and Pinups
Favours – Personalised Shortbread
Flowers- mixed cream roses and cream blooms, blush pink avalanche roses, florets of blue hydrangea, white bouvardia & gypsophilia filler
Florist- Green Room florists
Sweetie Buffet- Supplied by Bride and Groom
Post Box- Balbirnie’s vintage post box

When In Rome...

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 15:06:00 +0000

Last year myself and my fiancé Scott headed off on a 4-day trip to Rome. We had never been to Italy before and it had long been on my bucket list of countries to visit! We were also there over my birthday which made the trip extra special!

I wanted to share some photos and helpful travel hints as well as our hotel, restaurants we visited and what we got up to. So, let’s start with day 1…

Day 1: Arriving in Rome

We caught a direct, 3-hour flight from Edinburgh to Ciampino airport in Rome and arrived into the city at 10.30am. We had decided before we left the UK that we would take a cab to our hotel as we knew that there was a fixed fee of 30 euros imposed on cab companies for airport runs into the centre of Rome. Just a word of warning here, some cab drivers are trying to negotiate higher fares (a bit cartel style) with tourists – but if you know your hotel is in the centre of Rome – an area known as the Aurelian walls please stick to your guns! We did have one taxi driver trying to charge us €50 before a second driver agreed to take us for the fixed fee of €30. Also, you are not expected to tip in Rome so unless your taxi driver has done something exceptional – keep your cash.

We were staying at the Tribune Hotel, a beautiful hotel in the historical centre of Rome. Let me start off by saying that I am in no way sponsored by the Tribune Hotel (God I wish!!). It’s just a hotel that I bloody loved! The hotel was so modern and beautifully styled with mustard gold velvet seats and deep purple walls, high ceilings and a grand staircase that sported some very elegant tubular ceiling lights. One of the best features of this hotel was a complimentary smart phone that comes with every room. This wasn’t so appealing to us as coming from another EU country (although not for long ☹) as we could use our own phones for 3G free of charge. However, this would be very useful for anyone coming from outside the EU as it comes preprogramed with maps and restaurant recommendations etc.

We used the phone given to us to find a restaurant for lunch. We went to a place called Harry’s which was very nice although it was a little on the pricey side – perhaps just the area as it was just around the corner from some very nice hotels.

After lunch we headed off to the Spanish steps and the Trevi fountain two very popular tourist sites. Luckily for us we had very nice weather and we could sit, people watch and enjoy the views around us.

For dinner that night we headed to Pizzaria da baffeto – a pizzeria close to Piazza Navona. This pizzeria is very popular with tourists and locals alike (even a few celebrities such as actor Jeff Goldblum). The pizzas are very cheap and very good (two things that aren’t often associated together) but trust me they are good – thin, crispy and traditional, just the way they should be! The only thing I would say is that it has a very simple, convivial style where you could be sharing a table with strangers. So, if that’s not your thing you might feel uncomfortable.

Day 2 - My Birthday!

Whist we didn’t go away specifically for my birthday it was very nice to be on holiday and enjoy turning 25 in a beautiful city. I chose to go to the Colosseum for my birthday - and it did not disappoint. I was blown away by the history and grandeur of the Colosseum and really enjoyed learning some fascinating facts. For example, did you know that the Colosseum was once filled with water to stage a mock see battle for spectators? Nope, me either!

For lunch we stumbled across a café called Antico Forno Al Serpenti. It was perfect for a quick snack as there was a little seating area and it felt very local rather than being swamped by tourists. It was also very reasonably priced - which is a nice little bonus.

For dinner we went to Cul De Sac - a wine bar and restaurant close to Piazza Navona. This was one of my favourite restaurants of the trip. I had a pesto pasta and the best wine I’ve ever drank in my entire life – but I can’t remember what the wine was called! I’m sure all their wine is delicious…

Day 3 – Vatican City

On day three we took a cab over to the Vatican City. Unfortunately, this was on a Wednesday in high season and apparently this is one of the worst times you can visit as it is so busy! The Papal audience occurs on Wednesdays, giving tourists and pilgrims a chance to see the Pope. We didn’t know this – and experienced crowds like we have never experienced crowds before. However, it was a good trip and is a must see if visiting Rome. Just avoid a Wednesday (or Sunday – another chance to see the Pope) if you can – unless you specifically want to see the Pope that is.

For lunch we visited Alice Pizza – a little street pizza café in Rome where pizza is served by the kilo and cut into rectangular slices. It was DELICIOUS!

Dinner was spent at Osteria Barberini – not too far from our hotel. This restaurant specializes in truffles and OMG is it incredible. I had black ruffle bruschetta as a starter and the ravioli with sage butter as a main – it was heavenly. If you decide to go here, you will have to book as its very popular with locals and tourists alike.

Day 4 - Last Minute Shopping / Time to Fly Home

Day 4 left us with just a little time to pick up a few souvenirs and goodies before flying back home including this cute little decoration for our Christmas tree so we could treasure our trip for years to come.

Thanks for reading!

M x

❤

13 Reasons Why – Netflix’s Newest Mystery Series with a Twist

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 15:48:00 +0000

I have a lot of admiration for 13 Reasons why, Netflix’s recent adaptation of Jay Asher’s bestselling novel. I finished watching the series yesterday and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since. Any story that can capture an audience whilst bringing hard issues such as bullying and suicide to light deserves a lot of praise in my book! For those of you haven’t read the book or watched the series, the basic plot follows Hannah Baker, a 17 year old high school student who makes the tragic decision to end her own life. Hannah leaves behind 13 tapes outlining 13 reasons why she decided suicide was her only option. The series was a tough watch and I experienced a roller coaster of emotions whilst watching it. However, I believe the series impacted me in a positive way.

I think one of the main reasons why I was utterly gripped by this series was because the characters are so relatable. Hannah Baker is a very normal teenager - as are the other characters featured in the 13 episodes. I think, regardless of who you are or your background – you will relate to at least one of the characters at some point.

The series also deals with a lot of difficult themes, which we are perhaps not always used to seeing on screen. As well as suicide and bulling we also see themes of rape, drug abuse, peer pressure and homosexuality. These themes grip the audience and make Hannah’s story feel very real.

After watching I was reminded how important it is to show kindness to others. It seems so simple but I think it’s something we can often forget. We can get so caught up in our own lives and issues that we can forget to look out for others. I think Netflix have done a very good job of highlighting metal health issues among adolescents through the series. Do you agree? I’d love to hear your opinion in the comments.

The Loveliest Surprise

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 21:36:00 +0000

I am currently writing this post with the biggest smile on my face because, as of yesterday, I am engaged! It still hasn’t completely sunk in yet, but I have been on a high all weekend and I could not be happier. It started off just like any other rainy/miserable Saturday. It was half snowing, half raining, yet Scott insisted on trekking up East Lomond (a hill in Fife, Scotland). I did think this was incredibly bizarre considering the murky weather but, he kept going on about wanting to be healthy and get fit so I went along with it, none the wiser.

Disaster did strike half way up the road leading to the visitor car park. Snow on the road meant my little 1.2 Corsa wasn’t having it and refused to drive, getting stuck on a windy dirt track road. I started to panic (anyone who knows me, knows driving is not my forte!) and had to get Scott to reverse back down the hill for me. I was still none the wiser when Scott suggested we walk round a local loch instead. So off I drove, still slightly confused at this sudden desire to go out walking despite our earlier hiccup!

By the time we got to the loch the rain had subsided so it was just the cold we had to contend with as we made our way round the foggy loch. On the way back to the car Scott asked if I could take his photo. This did confuse the hell out of me because there was nothing to really take a photo of as it was so dark and misty. Puzzled, I pulled my phone out and clicked the camera icon but as I looked up I noticed he had his back to me. ‘What?! You want me to take a photo of your back?’ I exclaimed. I was utterly confused. It was at this point he turned around and produced the most beautiful ring.

I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been so shocked. I’m sure I looked ridiculous as I’m pretty sure my jaw was on the floor. He even got down on one knee. And so, I’ve been in a complete state of bliss ever since…who knew he could be so romantic?

Apologies in advance for the wedding/house posts that will no doubt dominate the blog over the next little while as I start to plan. Hopefully you will enjoy reading these. Of course I will still post about beauty, travel, lifestyle etc.

Top Tips for Newbie Business Travelers

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sat, 04 Feb 2017 21:15:00 +0000

This year I embarked on my first experience of business travel – a six week secondment just outside London for some training. As this was my first experience of business travel – I really didn’t have a clue what to expect! But now, two weeks in I am ready to share what I have learnt so far…

Take some home comforts with you – a blanket, hot water bottle or your favorite mug.

If you are away for any length of time it may bring you comfort to have your favorite throw or blanket with you for cuddling up and watching TV. It’s the little things that can often bring you comfort and minimize the risk of feeling homesick. I realized after my first week that I wish I had packed some extra crap home comforts.

Hotel restaurants are brilliant

Providing that there is enough to keep you satisfied on the menu, hotel restaurants can be the perfect alibi for a weary business traveler. You can often get heather meals than you would from a fast food joint and there are often other business travelers eating alone to minimize the feeling awkwardness. Many hotels also offer room service if this still fills you with dread (providing you can afford this as part of your meal policy).

Think about your essentials

Are you a gym buddy who can’t cope with the idea of not working out? Or, does the idea of having to get a new WIFI code each evening scare you to death? Think about the things that really matter to you. For example, a Holiday Inn may have a good central location with lots to do but lack a gym or pool. Again, after week one I realized that I should have thought about staying in a hotel with a gym. Luckily I am staying in a different hotel next week!

Location, location, location

If you are away for a week or more think about your location. As an example, if you know you will get fed up of the hotel restaurant, make sure you have other options for food close by. Alternatively, if you think you will be bored in the evening choose a hotel in the city centre where you can access shops, cinema or even a gym (pure gym doesn’t require a membership so you can join up for a short period of time).

Keep a note of key phone numbers and names

Being alone on business travel can be nerve wracking when you are in a brand new city or town. Keep a note of key numbers such as your travel insurance, home office, taxi / rental car etc. Having these scribbled close by can keep you at ease.

Claiming expenses can be time consuming so do it earlier rather than later

Make sure you can clear an hour out of you diary to sort through expenses as this can take a while. I have actually got into the habit of doing this at the weekend so I have my week to concentrate on actual work rather than bloody expenses. Also, check to see if there is an app you can use for uploading your receipts as this will save time scanning P.S. Keep receipts for everything – and I mean everything!

Hopefully these tips will be of use for anyone new to the business travel game!

❤

Body Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 19:07:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago I went to a Body Shop party and splurged out on a few goodies. If you have never heard of a Body Shop party you are missing out big time! It's the perfect excuse to invite all your friends around, enjoy some nibbles and shop until your little heart is content.

What I Bought:

Pinita Colada Gift Essentials

Pinita Colada Shower Gel

Vitamin E Skin-In Moisture Sleeping Mask

Vitamin E Eyes Cube

Rainforest Radiance Shampoo For Coloured Hair

Rainforest Radiance Conditioner For Coloured Hair

Rainforest Radiance Detangling Spray For Coloured Hair

Skinny Thin Felt Eyeliner

Super Volume Mascara

Pinita Colada Gift Essentials:

As soon as I seen this gift set I just knew I needed it for my Summer holidays! The products smell amazing (major plus in my books) and have bright tropical packaging that just screams Summer. The gift set comes with a mini sized shower gel which will be prefect for traveling, as well as a body butter, body scrub and bath lily. As I am really pale I often get a spray tan before jetting off on holiday, so when I seen that this gift set contained a scrub and body butter I thought, perfect! Just what I need for maintaining my tan on holiday!

Because I loved the gift set so much I also bought a full sized shower gel too to carry on the Summer vibes log after the holiday ends...

Pinita Shower Gel:

Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Sleeping Mask:

Next on the list was this moisture sleeping mask. I love using this product as a treat for a pamper session once or twice a week. It has a light, gel like formula which is very hydrating and moisturizing when left on the skin over night. I definitely think this product will work well in all seasons - especially winter (even though I hope winter is a very long way off!)

Vitamin E Eyes Cube:

I also bought the Eyes Cube from the Vitamin E range. This product has a very nice cooling sensation which is great for tired eyes. Much like most anti-fatigue products, it won't actually make you look 100% more awake but at least you will feel a bit more refreshed and rejuvenated after applying it.

Rainforest Radiance For Coloured Hair:

It was the detangle spray in this collection that really caught my eye as I have naturally tuggy hair that demands a lot of care and attention. The products have no silicones, parabens or colourants and my hair has really thanked me since buying these products.

Skinny Thin Felt Eyeliner/Super Volume Mascara:

Along with the Pinita Colada Gift set, these two little products are my favorite! I wasn't 100% keen on the mascara to begin with as I found it a little bit messy as it has quite a wet consistency. However, the mascara has grown on me and now that I used to applying it - I love it! The Skinny Thin Felt Liner is also a really great product as it has a super thin tip which makes application really easy (even for a novice like me!).

❤

New York Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 17:51:00 +0000

I have been back from New York for a week now, and it has taken almost all this time to get over my jet lag! I wanted to create a little blog post to share my photos and happy memories....enjoy x

These are some of my favorite photos from the trip! I loved every second of five day stay and can't wait to go back. Until next time NYC...

Melt In The Mouth Chocolate Brownies

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 17:58:00 +0000

You Will Need:

4 Large Eggs
250g of Unsalted Butter
65g of Plain Flour
80g of coca powder
360g of Caster Sugar
200g of dark (good quality) chocolate
1 tsp of Baking Powder

I love baking, I find something about it rather therapeutic and brownies are just so easy to make! The recipe is a piece of cake (pardon the pun!), completely fail-safe and great when you have some guests coming round.

So, first things first, preheat your oven to 180°C then line a large baking tray with grease proof paper. Next, you will want to melt your butter and chocolate together in a large bowl above some simmering water.

In a second bowl, mix together your coca powder, flour, baking powder and sugar, then add this to your melted chocolate mixture.

Once everything is mixed together, pour the brownie mix onto the baking try and place into the oven for 25 minutes and voila, your done!

Weekend Downtime

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 14:32:00 +0000

Life can be pretty hectic sometimes, so scheduling in a little downtime is extremely important! For me, the weekend is the only opportunity I have to do this as I work 8 am-5 pm Monday to Friday and also try to fit gym classes in on my weekday nights too (I know I'm crazy, right?). Regardless of when you do it, just finding an hour or two to Netflix and chill at home is important.

Here are my top ways to relax...

Long Lies

I love lying in on my weekends as I usually start work 8am through the week. I just love the feeling of not setting any alarms and waking up when I’m ready.

Long Baths

I’m currently obsessed with Lush bath bombs. My absolute favorite is The Experimenter bath bomb! I just love the way it smells and how soft my skin feels after a bath.

A Good Book

Nothing beats cuddling up with a good book! I have been reading a lot lately and I just finished reading ‘The Truth about the Harry Quebert Affair’ by Joel Dicker. I read this book over two weekends and just couldn’t put it down!

Netflix

There are so many brilliant films on Netflix and the weekend is the perfect time for a good old browse. Some of my recent favorites include Making a Murderer and Jessica Jones.

You Tube

My lazy Sunday afternoons are nearly always spent catching up with my favorite you tubes including the Michelaks, Beauty Crush and Zoella. For me, it’s the perfect way to relax before another hectic week at work.

❤

My Icelandic Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 17:37:00 +0000

Iceland has always been on my list of countries I wanted to visit. It is a country that superseded all my expectations and somewhere I can't wait re-visit time and time again. We stayed in a beautifully designed hotel with a really modern yet homely feel, called hotel Skuggi. It was the prefect budget-friendly hotel for our 4 night stay.

The hotel was located in downtown Reykjavik, very close to the main shopping district, tourist attractions, restaurants and bars.

On one of days out we visited Blue Lagoon, a thermal pool powered by a near by geothermal plant. Although the lagoon is outside, the water stays a toasty 37 - 40°C all year round (it was actually snowing whilst we were swimming!) I think the Blue Lagoon was actually my favorite part of the holiday!

We also drove round the Golden Circle, a route that loops from Reykjavik to the center of Iceland. It was here that we saw the iconic geysir Strokkur, the Gulfoss, or Golden Waterfall and the beautiful scenery of Thingvellir National Park where you can clearly see (and walk between!) the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

On the third day we went to the South side of the island (pictures below), and saw another two beautiful waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and skogafoss and the black beach (the beach has black basalt sand - a beautiful side affect of the volcanic landscape) .

Iceland is one of the most magical places I have ever visited. The hotel was beautiful, the city had a nice 'small town' feel and the food was incredible! There is not a single thing I would change about the trip and I now have major post holiday blues!

♥

Top 5 Places To Eat in Reykjavik (If You’re Not An Adventurous Eater)

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 17:17:00 +0000

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Last week I spent 4 days in Iceland! I had the most incredible trip and did not want to come home. Iceland is a magical place and the scenery is so beautiful! The food is also incredible, but traveling when you, or someone you know is a fussy eater can be a bit of a worry, so I really wanted to do this blog to help any fussy eaters or families with children going to Iceland soon. I stayed in downtown Reykjavik (close to the harbor and city center) and since we were bed and breakfast, we ended up eating out in the city a lot. Therefore, all the places I’m recommending are in the heart of the city and very walkable if staying in the downtown area. If you are going to Iceland, Reykjavik is a great base for your travels. It has quite a relaxed vibe and the some of the best shops to bring back little Icelandic nick knacks. Anyway, before I get carried away, let’s get to the food! All the restaurants and cafes mentioned in the post are places that I truly loved I would 100% return to. Be prepared to get hungry…

Cafe Babalú

(Skólavörðustígur 22, Reykjavik)

This is a little quirky cafe just opposite the Hallgrímskirkja church. It has very welcoming staff and an Oreo cheesecake that is literally to die for! It also offers hot food such as paninis, soup, savory crepes and lovely vegetarian options too (all fussy eater approved!). The hot chocolate is also very good…

P.S The decor is also extremely cool and comes complete with a star wars themed bathroom and a water hog head balancing a pretty teacup (the water hog is a soft toy!)

The Laundromat Café

(Austurstræti 9, Reykjavik)

Another quirky spot in downtown Reykjavik close to the parliament building. This café doubles as a laundromat (hence the name) and has an impressive downstairs area compete with both washing machines and Lego for kids to play with! The upstairs café had plenty of options for fussy eaters and foodies alike with burgers, toasted sandwiches, soups and more (P.S there is also a kids menu for little ones). There were also two jugs of flavored water set out for people to help themselves, the tap water is safe to drink in Iceland, a great money saver! This spot is perfect for any snack or meal of the day and is perfect for both kids and adults.

Harry’s

(Rauðarárstigur 33, Reykjavic)

This restaurant has something for everyone with pasta, meat and seafood dishes. They offer a creamy bacon and chicken pasta is you want some comfort food on a cold evening. The cheesy garlic bread and the great range of deserts also make this restaurant a must!

The Hamburger Factory (Hamborgarafabrikkan)

(Höfðatún 2, Reykjavic)

Although this is a hamburger restaurant it still offers a slice of Icelandic culture as it is a restaurant loved by Icelanders and tourists alike. Much like TGI Friday’s this restaurant likes to celebrate birthday’s so be prepared to hear some Icelandic voices over the tannoy announcing an unsuspecting individuals birthday followed by clapping and music (If it’s your birthday you get to pick a song played out across the restaurant). A word of warning if you like you like your meat well done - beef burgers are prepared medium rare – so ask in advance if this isn’t to your taste. Much like the Laundromat Café there is a kids menu and there is plenty of choice with a variety of buns and fillings.

Gamla Vinhusid Steakhouse (or the Old Vine house in English)

(Laugavegi 73, Reykjavic)

This steakhouse is just off the high street and is the Perfect place for steaks, burgers and pizza’s! There is even whale and horse steaks if you are traveling with someone who is prepared to try some different Icelandic cuisine. However, the beef steaks, pizzas and burger are fussy eater friendly and are very good indeed!

My Kenyan Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 20:41:00 +0000

Mombassa, Kenya was one of my favorite holidays . It was an absolutely stunning place with its bleached white sands and views of the Indian ocean. Our hotel was gorgeous and It was lovely to visit somewhere so unique and special .

On one of our first ventures into Mombassa itself we visited the "lighthouse" an area of the pier known for its amazing street food and coconut water (drinking the coconut water straight out of a coconut was one of my favourite things about being in Kenya – it tasted AMAZING).

During our stay we also visited Tsava National Park - a must if you ever visit Mombassa! The experience of seeing wild animals in their natural habitat is something I will never forget.

Paphos - The Perfect Escape

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 20:38:00 +0000

My trip to Cyprus came at a time when I just needed a break! I had just been made redundant and I was looking for some much needed escapism. Although I was positively stressed, and had no idea how quickly I would find another job I was determined not to change my holiday plans. Paphos proved to be beautiful place with the right balance of relaxing beaches, old town markets and modern malls. It was the perfect place for me to "detox" and unwind, reflecting on the whirl wind year that seen me graduate, start my career and then have it all taken away.

After a week in the Sun I came back with a new positive outlook, ready to start the job hunt and a new chapter of my life. I now have a new job and a greater appreciation for my career. It is so easy to just to get caught up in every day stresses, so it is nice to remove yourself every now and then.