A DANISH MINI BREAK

Back to life. Back to reality.

Why do weekends always feel so freaking short?! And why do I never do enough in them??

To Copenhagen and back...it took less time that it takes to get to Edinburgh normally. And about the same price too.

Anyway enough of what I haven't done. Let me tell you about what I did do.

Copenhagen. Voted the best city to be a woman in Europe, according to Stylist!

And it truly was amazing.

Such a beautiful, clean, safe, happy city. Everywhere we went, people were kind to us, friendly and willing to take the time to help. A novelty after the crowded, silent rush of London's people.

We spent the weekend wandering round the city's streets, stuffing our faces with delicious pastries and food in general (check out Skank & Cofoco if you're heading out there), sitting around chatting about rubbish and just generally having the most special time.

There's nothing quite like hanging up your responsibilities for a moment and just immersing yourself in a new place.

And it's made all the better when you're with people you love.

Copenhagen, our weekend was too short but oh so sweet. Safe to say I'll be back, although this time with an updated guidebook....

Check out more snaps after the jump, especially the most incredible porridge restaurant called Grod. Seriously, if you're considering a trip to the city, make sure you go there. You won't be disappointed I promise! (Unless you don't like porridge...in which case don't bother, as there's nothing else on the menu!)

SCANDI CHIC

A weekend away...just what the doctor ordered.

End of January, rainy, dreary, grey and who's super sensible and booked flights before Christmas?! In the sale!! 

Uh-huh, oh yea, that's me (insert smug looking emoji face).

Copenhagen baby, here I come!

Friday lunch to Sunday night - a whistle stop tour, a girls mini break, a few days to eat, drink and try and soak up some of that Scandi style that pictures so beautifully capture.

For now I'm attempting to cram my life into an x by y by w dimensioned holdall (carry-on bag only)...and it's not going so well...so far I have three outfits, a toothbrush, one pair of (hopefully) non-laddered tights and five pairs of pants...

I'll let you know how I get on on the fashion front.

I won't be posting on here but I'll be on my Instagram , obviously.

See you on Monday!

Oh and I realise that Camille is French but her style is just so Scandinavian - and her and Pernille together are just perfection.

Pic via Pinterest

FREEDOM

This photo was taken a few weeks ago now, on my favourite beach in my favourite place in the whole entire world.

I have been so unbelievably lucky this summer to have travelled to some of the most fantastic places right across the globe, from America to Menorca to France and back. And I wouldn't have changed that for the world.

But what about good old England?

CITY OF ANGELS

So I realise that it is now September, month of changes, back to school and impending winter months.

But I've finally got round to the last instalment in my American road-trip diary: Los Angeles, the City of Angels.

SANTA BARBARA

So from beach to beach we travelled. But Santa Barbara definitely trumped Carmel.

I can't explain it but there was just a feel about the city that was just so idyllic, so overflowing with creative amazing-ness.

It wasn't too big and intimidating like San Francisco was slightly but it just the perfect size for a few days of exploring. We stayed in an awesome hotel with a rooftop pool that was within biking distance of the beach, an absolute dream on the hot evenings when all you wanted and needed was a quick swim in the sea.

BEACHSIDE

A beaut few days were spent in Carmel on the coast of America.

It was truly beautiful and we had a lush few days maxing relaxing and nursing our hiking blisters in the freezing cold sea.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

 Next we ventured into the woods, into Yosemite National Park to be exact, to stay in a little log cabin for a few days in the wilderness.

Safe to say I think this was the highlight of the trip.

Humungous, looming trees that were millions of years old; wildlife in all shapes and sizes from an entire bear family to a teeny, tiny squirrel; and not to mention the most breathtaking views I've ever seen.

A GOLDEN RETREAT

As promised the first of the five different places we visited in America: San Francisco.

Flying into the city was breathtaking as we had totally blue skies and the brightest light. The weirdest thing about the weather in the city (which made getting dressed a nightmare!) was that you woke up to a totally foggy, actually quite cold morning and by lunchtime the sky was clear blue and there was no need for the jumper and jacket that you then spent the rest of the day carrying around!

So many amazing sights to see. Safe to say we hardly slept owing both to the jet lag and Dad's plans to see as much as possible in the few days we had.

And see we did. From the classic open bus tour around the city, to an incredible cruise to Alcatraz prison, San Francisco is fascinating. Alcatraz was so amazing. Totally eerie, chilling place when you think about who was kept there. We went round in total silence as there still seemed to be some essence of what had happened there, especially when you stood in the cells, seeing what the prisoners saw and imagining what their life must have been like.

A highlight was sneaking in a trip to a ball game which was epic. I can now officially say that I understand the rules of baseball, up to a point. And stopped by the Golden Gate Bridge to snap a few piccys.

I think that there is a whole lot more to the city than I managed to see. Because we only had a limited time we kind of stuck to the classic touristy things. But from driving around the city there were so many little areas and cafes and museums that we didn't get to see.

I'm not sure if it's a city that I'd want to spend a huge amount of time in (the constant wind would drive me insane!) but there's definitely more to be explored. 

Still, as my first experience of an American city, it certainly was an eye opener.

Oh and there's no pictures that could do them justice...but the breakfasts...just, wow, just completely

U N B E L I E V A B L E.

Breakfast wise, if you get the chance, head to Lori's Diner or Sears Fine Food (where you should have the french toast - words can't describe).

Pics shot on Sony x55, iPhone6 & Fujifilm Instax Mini8

WEST COAST BABY

So America, weren't you an absolute treat!

I've just got back from two and a bit weeks travelling down the West Coast of America with my family. Living out of our suitcases, packed into a people carrier, having the time of our lives.

We started in San Francisco then headed out to Yosemite before cruising down the coastal road from Carmel to Santa Barbara and finally ending up in Los Angeles.

It was the most incredible trip, just breathtaking at every turn.

I wasn't sure what to expect from America really. I'd heard all the stereotypes and read a lot about it but when I got there, it surprised me. I completely fell in love!

From the huge sky rise blocks in San Francisco, the blissful stillness of Yosemite and the dolphins on Carmel Beach to biking down the beach in Santa Barbara and finally making it to the City of Angels, there's too much to tell so instead I'll show you.

Stay tuned for a collection of snaps from each of the places I visited. Or if you suffer from holiday envy, come back next week. I promise I will have finished gloating by then.

Ph. shot with Sony x55

BON VOYAGE

Although I love England when the sun shines, there's nothing better than the feeling of excited anticipation that surfaces before foreign travels.

My family are all growing up and doing their own thing but we still love nothing more than all escaping together, somewhere we've never been before, to discover all things new and amazing.

And next week we are off to the West Coast of America and I couldn't be more excited. I've stocked up on polaroid film, have (finally) got my digital camera fixed and am busy trying to decide what to pack and where to go and what to eat and see and visit.

But in actual fact, I'd rather know nothing. 

There's nothing like getting lost in a new place. That's how you end up truly exploring a country.

So what do you say?!

Let's get lost together.

Bikini: COS

Notebooks: Smythson

Trainers: Adidas Gazelle

Camera: Fujifilm Instax Mini 8

Sunnies: Toyshades

Scrub: FrankBody Coffee Scrub

Clutch & Card Holder: You'reSoVain

"How to be Parisian, Wherever You Are"

Pic shot with Sony a100

KEFALONIA

So I've just got back from the most blissful week on the beautiful island of Kefalonia in Greece. I went with two of my best friends and we spent the week lying around on beaches and by pools, stuffing our faces with far too much food and drink and just generally recovering from the last month at uni.

It was exactly what I needed but I was incredibly lucky.

Whilst we were out there, the horrors of Tunisia didn't fail to reach us. To think that people who had saved up all year to go on holiday, who had gone to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, who were just innocently sunbathing, weren't safe is to horrific for words.

I was lucky as my photos show. 

My holiday went by undisturbed and I came home with a rapidly fading tan & a suitcase of dirty clothes.

For those who are coming home with a whole lot more or a whole lot less, my thoughts are with you all.

Pics me with iPhone6

SMELL THE ROSES

Don't you just hate it when technology lets you down?!? Like when you've written a whole schpeel about how amazing your holiday was and how bad your hangover is and then it just goes and deletes itself?!

Seriously struggling right now but what I wanted to say was something along the lines of how beautiful the French roses are that snake their way up and around all the French homes.

And how I've spent the last week simply stuffing my face with croissants, devouring book after book and drinking plenty of delicious red wine.

France, merci pour la semaine.

(And no I didn't know how to say that in French...luckily Google translate was just one click away)

Pic taken on an iPhone6

CITY BREAK

A city break.

One of the best holidays you can go on in my opinion. Because sometimes you want to do more than just lie on a beach.

This is a little collage I did for the latest edition of Nouse about what I would wear should I find myself exploring a fashionable city around the globe.

All white of course topped off with my fav new trainers and a bright bag for storing all those purchases that you are bound to make.

Sunnies: Asos    Skirt: Zara    Crop top: Topshop    Trainers: Adidas    Bag: Asos

FRENCH MOUNTAINS

It was all too much...safe to say I got rather over excited in this sweetie shop!

An ah-mazing dinner for my dad's bday at Le Grenier. So freakin delish.

A few sneaky snap shots of my amazing week in the French mountains. 

It was the best week. Sun, snow, family and lots of delish food (actually far too much food! Trainers where are you?!)

I was in a little place called Alpe D'Huez where my little sis has been doing a season (yes that's her looking ridiculously brown in the piccy!) Whole family in a two bedroom apartment...interesting...but so much fun.

Back home now and having to get my head down and work for uni and also to try and earn some money. A wardrobe clear out is on the cards. EBay here I come!

Wearing Trousers: Topshop    Scarf: Zara    Shirt: & Other Stories    Gillet: Topshop    

Leather Jacket: Zara (more on that to come! How perfect is it?!)

Pics me & mum (sorry about the quality. Safe to say only an iPhone can be carried up the mountain)

UP A MOUNTAIN

I'm off up the mountain come tomorrow morning and couldn't be more excited!

We're going en famille to the French Alps to visit my sister who's doing a chalet girl course out there. Haven't seen her in ages so I can't wait.

Meant to be a fair bit of snow but hopefully some sun too! Love a good skiing goggle tan. 

I'll schedule a few posts to keep you all entertained but for now I'm off to pack! Joy of joys. 

I leave you with my skiing must haves.

Jacket: Killy (old)    Polo-neck: Primark    Goggles: Scott    Dry Shampoo: Batiste (essential for avoiding the dreaded hat/helmet hair)    Beanie: UrbanOutfitters    Sunnies: RayBan    Silk Scarf: Liberty (post on this beauty coming soon)    Notebook: Moleskin    Hand Cream: & Other Stories    Suncream: Piz Buin

Pic me

PARIS IN A DAY

This is actually outside Buckingham Palace where the cyclists started their journey (hence the pot of Vaseline!)

Laduree-Needless to say I could not afford  to buy one, just look!

Because everyone's a tourist by the Eiffel Tower right?!

So here it is. My Paris-in-a-day photo diary.

You might all be wondering why I was in Paris and for such a short time. Well some amazing friends of mine cycled from London to Paris in 24 hours and they made it! 

Honestly the most incredible event to be part of (I drove the support car) and in the process they managed to raise over £5000 for Teenage Cancer Trust. Just amazing.

On the Sunday we had an epic day of sightseeing and here are my snaps from it. 

Started at the Eiffel Tower, walked all the way along through the Louvre gardens to Notre Dame. Ate lunch sitting by the river then climbed up the Sacre Coeur where we got the best view of the city. 

Paris you had me at hello. I will definitely be coming back for more.

Wearing:

1. Top: Cheap Monday    Scarf: Liberty    Sunnies (throughout): RayBan

2. Shirt: Topshop    Jeans: Zara    Trainers: Nike

3. Jacket: IsabelMarant pour H&M    Shirt: Vintage    Jeans: Topshop (old)

Pic Me, my lovely friend & a kind passer by