Day 7 – As Sweet As Shopping

Hello Everyone,

As promised, the boyfriend agreed to following me around some beauty shops today! The shops here are fantastic, all types of stores selling a huge variety of things, all lined up in the lovely old buildings.

Amongst them, some familiar beauty stores caught my eye. I had a good nose, and was extremely tempted to buy lots of bits but unfortunately, with the current exchange, makeup is by no means cheaper here.

The local chemists however, stock an amazing array of skincare that in most cases came up as nearly half the price. Some of my favourite brands filled the shelves.

I didn’t go completely without. I bought some must have bioderma bottles at a great price, a makeup brush and a polish. I will review these properly when I return home.

Just when I thought there was nothing as sweet as shopping, we made our daily pass by a patisserie window that boasts the most inviting treats. Today, we went in! I can’t even explain how excited I was and how extremely scrumptious these were.

Today was our last in La Rochelle. We dined French with, croissant, coffee, mussels and wine. Tomorrow we head North towards home with one stop left; St Marlo.

Happy Blogging All, xxx

Day 6 – Lazy Lundi

Hello Everyone,

It appears that Sunday isn’t the only day of rest for France. Most shops are closed am and even the harbour had drips and drabs of tourists this morning.

In spirit of this lazy Lundi, we decided to head to the beach. Roof down, suncream on, new beach towels at the ready we set off for some sun, sea and sand!

In keeping with the quiet Monday mood, the beach was perfectly scattered with just a few other bathers. I enjoyed a good paddle, collected some shells like a kid and took lots of photos with my lovely camera.

After a tiring day, we had a delicious French meal of terrine, duck and creme brulee with a glass of red. Perfect!

Last day in La Rochelle tomorrow so hopefully some shopping shall be done!

Happy Blogging All, xxx

Day 5 – Sweet Sunday

Sunday, the day of rest. It always fascinates me how bustling French towns turn into empty streets one day each week. It changes a place completely. We spent today relaxing, eating, walking and taking in the calm atmosphere.

I went for a mint dress this eve with neutral accessories. My new clutch and bracelet matched up well and it is a particularly comfy dress which was perfect for sitting on the port wall eating treats and drinking iced tea.

I fell in love with this pink and white macaroon dessert today. Ive been conjuring up cupcake ideas inspires by the lovely colour all evening. We stepped away from the French cuisine and opted for sushi for dinner. It was so fresh and delicious! We ended up sitting on a wall eating dougnut sticks (chi chi) and watching the beautifully lit harbour.

Off to bed, ready for the world to wake up for Monday.

Happy Blogging All, xxx

Day 4 – Two Wheel Travel

Hello Everyone,

Today was lovely. The weather was perfect, the sites were beautiful and the food was fantastic.

We spent most of the day on a little island off the west coast called Ile De Re. For those unaware (as I was) of this little treasure, this is a most impressive little place. The small stretch of land is quite unsual in that the whole
island is covered in roads specifically built for bikes. Cyclists wind around the vast grape fields and oyster beds, along a web of paths connecting the seaside hamlets. The flow of two wheel travel was brilliant and it was so much fun to experience this well planned and beautiful spot by hiring ourselves bikes and joining the stream.

Why the UK haven’t cottoned on to the French boulangerie success I don’t know. The baking in these places is insane, far too pretty to eat and ever so reasonably priced. We have found our favourite morning coffee stop now, full of sweet treats. The most deliciois lemon meringue tart I’ve ever tasted and giant pink meringues is like heaven to me. I shall dream of pastries.

Happy Blogging All, xxx

Day 3 – Under The Sea

Hello Everyone,

Today, as the forecast said it would be a bit cloudy, we decided to stay in La Rochelle.

I chose a parisien stripe skirt, vest top and tan sandals. I also wore my fave black and silver spinning rings, stacked up to match.

We spent the morning at the Aquarium. Everything was so colourful and made me feel like a kid again.

We spent the rest of the day mooching around the cobbled streets, stopping for drinks and people watching.

Food was good today! Looking at it now it is alot! With all that walking though it was needed. The Tapas (not so French) was absolutely delicious!

We ended the day by walking through the market stalls and enjoyed a littlw dance group before heading back to bed.

Happy Blogging All, xxx

Day 2 – Are we there yet?

Hello Everyone,

Today was our main travel day. A five hour drive through to La Rochelle has worn Tink out but we did get here in time to enjoy some of the lovely sun and scenery!

With a strong coffee, a coissant and clear roads ahead, our morning drive was pleasent enough.

Our hotel is really nice, sittig right in the center of La Rochelle just a few steps from the port.

Is it sad that the first thing I always check out is what freebie wash products are out? Probably, but I’m impressed with my little selection. I have now added to it my essentials: Liz Earle Cleanser, Origins Ginzing face cream and Soap & Glory sugar body butter.

The weather is fine but not scorching so I popped on my denim dress and some accessories.

La Rochelle really is a stunner. I love the sea and Tink and I enjoy picking boats we like best in wishful thinking. The top image really caught my eye. I love the colours of the houses with the lighthouse and wheel together. When I get back to the UK I will post some higher quality pics of the whole trip.

I thought I would add some pictures of random bits and bobs each day that I liked.

There are some really fun shops here, lots selling retro furniture which I love! Even thw green chair in my hotel room is pretty cool.

I always stand for ages starring at stalls. This bead stand had me for quite a while. All colour co-ordinated and shiny!

You can’t go a day in France without some kind of sweet treat. Today a chocolate and banana crepe. Yum!

Looking forward to more exploration and fun tomorrow.

Happy blogging all, xxx

Day 1 – On The Way!

Hello Everyone,

We set off on our little holiday to France this morning, yay! I am going to post a little page of pics each day on here for those who fancy seeing what I’m up to.
Apologies for quality as I am having to use my phone to take the pics, collage them and post from.

I will include as much fashion and beauty as possible but the trip is mainly about sun, sea, food and pretty views!

We are currently relaxing in hotel number one in Rouen just south of Calais after a little poke around the cute city center and a scrumtious salad followed buy sweets from the biggest sweet shop I have ever come across!

Until tomorrow,
Happy Blogging All, xxx

My Week In Photos 18

Hello Everyone,

I’ve had such a lovely week, enjoying my Summer holidays. I had a long list of important things to get done, but of course I spent most of it with good friends and good food. It’s so nice having the time to do the things you want to do and baking has been one of those things for me this week. Let’s take a look!

Friends – I love nothing more than sitting around with good friend having a good drink and a chin wag. Cocktails have played a big part of this for me this week but this bottle of coke summed up my week perfectly.

Eggy Bread – For my first breakfast of the hols it had to be something a little naughty and comforting. Eggy bread tends to be a treat I make when I’m feeling sorry for myself. In this case it was the opposite. I was celebrating the ability to kick back and lounge.

Kisses – These little gems are the yummiest meringue pieces. See my recipe here and more pics.

Party Princess – I baked some personalised princess cakes for a little girl’s birthday this week. When I’m baking cakes for adults I always feel pressure to make them perfect, but with kids ones I get to play and go over the top with sprinkles and colour.

Wilma – Everyone meet Wilma the tortoise! I love this little pic of my friend’s pet so had to pop it in here. She is a naughty little lady (the tortoise, not the friend…well maybe both).

Snacks – It’s lethal being on holiday with all that time on your hands to eat. I found these yummy part healthy snack this week. Popchips and Marmite rice cakes. Yum!

Sleep – I think Ness has enjoyed me being around more than usual but it does seem to tire her out even more than normal. Bless!

Lemon Meringue Cupcakes – I fancied using some of my lemon meringue kisses up, so of course I made some cakes. These lemon syrup soaked caked filled with curd, are topped with crème fraiche frosting, meringue kisses and lemon peel.

Pamper – Of course I have left in some time for pampering. I am loving this new hair mask. It left my hair feeling so soft and it came in at a cheap £5.

I’m actually off on my first little holiday this week so any posts will be from France. I’m hoping to find the time to do some kind of journal style posting. In the mean time, come and catch up with me on twitter and take a look at my pinterest and Instagram pages too.

Happy Blogging All, xxx

Lemon Meringue Kisses

Hello Everyone,

As you know, I am a keen cupcake baker, but sometimes I fancy a change. I recently purchased a lovely baking book by Peggy Porschen called Boutique Baking. She has recipes for the most beautiful bakes, including these deliciously delicate meringue kisses. The original recipe call for vanilla as a flavouring, but I changed it to lemon to make them a little more refreshing for the Summer.

My meringue kisses are by no means perfect in shape or size, but they taste so yummy and I’m sure I’ll be baking them again soon which gives me plenty of opportunity to perfect them.

Inspired by vintage sweets shops I popped these sweet treats into a glass sweet jar and think they look very cute!

Let me know what you think.

Happy Blogging All, xxx

My Week In Photos 17

Hello Everyone,

First I’d like to say a big yay! It’s the Summer holidays now so I get to do exciting things, lots of which are included in a slightly more fun packed week of pics than normal. I am definitely a little more snap happy in the holidays and have so many plans for the next few weeks. Let’s go!

Blue Skies – It’s just so lovely to have had blue skies for a while. Summer is rarely Summer here in the UK so when the sky is blue and the sun is shining my happiness rating is high!

I was cute once – Throw back Thursday brought a photo of me at my Aunts wedding when I was younger, back when I was actually quite cute.

The Amazing Cake – Huge thanks to a lovely parent at school that made this amazing cake for me to say thanks. Using the class photo she hade this fabulous treat. Big Smiles all round.

Summer Supper – When the sun is out I love a light dinner. One of our faves is collecting lots of bits together from the fridge and popping them on a plate, Scrummy!

Sunset Sensation – My last post showcased my favourite sunny nail polishes. Here are the colours on my sample wheel. Check out the post from the sidebar 🙂

Sunny Me – With oranges in mind from my nail polish post, I delved into my Summer wardrobe for some matching attire. I love bright and cheerful outfits.

Grams & Ness – I spent most of the weekend with my family. WE enjoyed a bbq, a bit of fence painting and chatting. Grams even tried to make friends with Ness pupp.

Picking Blackcurrants – My little garden is coming together, and it was picking day for the blackcurrants. I haven’t decided what to do with them yet, so any ideas would be great!

Pinned It! – I thought I would include a favourite Pinterest pin from my week. This one made me chuckle as it is so true!

Pop up to the top of my sidebar to follow my blog, to come say hi on twitter, or to have a browse at my Pinterest or Instagram pics.

Happy Blogging All, xxx