Holiday Destination: Paris

Paris has always been somewhere I'd love to visit and celebrating my 21st was the ideal excuse to head there for a few nights away. I hadn't looked into the city too much, meaning that our itinerary was quite spontaneous but I had spoken to a few people about their highlights and looked through recommendations, in order to make it the perfect city break. Here's what we got up to during our 3 night French excursion...

WHAT TO DO

Landmarks are always high on my to-do list when visiting a new city and Paris was no exception. Our bus transfer from the airport dropped us at the doorstep of the Eiffel Tower - a great first impression. Later in the week, we also climbed the Tower (when in Paris, right?!) to admire the greatness of the architecture, as well as the incredible views across the city.

We visited all of the landmarks over two days which was a great way to hit everything in one go but in over 30 degree heat, I would definitely choose the metro next time, rather than walking. The first day consisted of the Notre Dame and Ile Saint-Louis, allowing us to explore more of the traditional Paris, mingling with the locals in delicatessens and down the quiet streets.
The following day accounted for Moulin Rouge, Arc de Triomphe, The Louvre and Champs-Elysees. We went FULL tourist.

One of my itinerary highlights was the second night of the trip, when we visited Parc de Princes to watch a PSG game. We both love watching football and seeing this was Neymar's first game, we couldn't miss it. The tickets were easy to book and print online and cost us around £35 each for pretty good seats. It was such a fun night and definitely something I would do again, if visiting an iconic European football club.

Eating and culture

I have a real soft spot for French food and always enjoy finding a local patisserie for lunch (and post-dinner pastries!). The cakes in Paris are like no other and just looking at the pastel perfect window displays will tempt you to visit.

We ate at two amazing restaurants while in Paris which I thought I would share with you. On our first night, we headed to a simple restaurant, 'Bistro Chez France', where we indulged in steak, fish, lots of vin and the most sublime apple tart tatin. The restaurant was a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, hidden in the back streets, but seemed very popular with locals and the service was fantastic and personal.

'Le Grand Colbert' finalised our trip in the most spectacular style. The brasserie style restaurant impressed as soon as we entered - the art-deco lighting, mosaic flooring and attention to detail was not to be missed. We had no idea that this restaurant was a setting for the film 'Something's Gotta Give', but luckily, it wasn't tacky with any memorabilia or Jack Nicholson enthusiasts. If you head here, definitely try the classic french onion soup and make sure you save room for pudding - their pavlova is to die for!

Gift Guide: Mother's Day

Image from Pixabay

Mother's Day is just around the corner! With so many shops offering great Mother's Day deals and new products, there's no reason to leave your gift buying to the last minute. From cards to handbags, perfume to mugs, there's no excuse for showing your Mum how much she means to you with a small gift. 

Here's my Mother's Day gift guide suitable for any budget:

The Bag

If you're looking to spend more on your Mum this year, this Radley Multiway Bag from House of Fraser is the perfect buy. A beautiful blue handbag will see your Mum perfectly dressed for Spring and with an additional 20% off at the moment, what's not to love? 

Radley Bag - £135.20

The Personalised Gift

A personalised gift will always add that extra special touch. This keyring from The Laser Boutique is perfect for Mum's with younger children, with names embossed onto delicate hearts. It also comes in a presentation box, essential for those who hate the hassle!

Keyring - £9.99

The Cute Buy

When buying presents, I always end up buying for myself or buying a gift because I love it. This umbrella from ASOS is so pretty and definitely one I would be borrowing off my Mum! The classic duck head handle and beautiful shade of pink stand out and add a colour pop to any outfit.

Duckhead Pastel Pink Umbrella - £22

The Essential

It wouldn't be a gift guide without a stereotypical gift and this time, this mug has won me over. It's very minimal and delicate and in typical Not On The High Street style, has it's message written in a pretty, ditsy font. Perfect if your Mum loves her tea or coffee.

Mug from Owl & Otter - £13.50

The Luxury Item

This gorgeous fragrance is the perfect Mother's Day buy. A gentle, sweet scent enclosed in a bold, powerful bottle with a message that would put a smile on your Mum's face. Net-A-Porter have a large range of fragrances by the renowned perfumer Azzi Glasser but this is the perfect pick.

Bella Freud Parfum - £95

The Obvious

What would Mother's Day be without a candle? Yes it's an obvious choice but this beauty from The White Company couldn't be ignored. It's fresh, light and sweet aroma oozes Spring scents and is the perfect candle to pick up as the weather gets warmer.

Spring Candle - £20

The Unusual

Prosecco and strawberries are the perfect Mother's Day treat and these offer something a bit different, they're made of chocolate! What could be better? Choc On Choc are my favourite chocolate company and their take on everyday items and foods make for a brilliant, unique gift.

Chocolate Prosecco and Strawberries - £18

The Funny Gift

Enid Blyton's books will always be the best reminder from your childhood and this Mother's Day book is a funny alternative for any Mum. Waterstones currently have it on offer so grab it quick if your Mum loves a fun read.

Five Forget Mother's Day - £5.99

The 'I still don't know what to buy' Gift

It's always difficult choosing a gift and if you're still unsure on the perfect buy, let your Mum choose herself. Tesco currently have 20% off selected gift cards including ASK Italian, Pizza Express, Gap and Monsoon. Treat your Mum to a meal out or their choice of summer pieces.

Various Gift Cards - 20% off

Christmas gift guide

Image from Pexels

FOR HER

1. Perfume

£45.75⎜The Fragrance Counter

2. Skincare

£55⎜No7 at Boots

3. Jewellery

£1,200⎜Jenny Packham

4. Make-it-yourself album

from £25⎜Photobox

FOR HIM

1.Watch

£275⎜Vivienne Westwood

2.Wallet

£55⎜Ted Baker

3. Aftershave

£42⎜Boots

4. Chelsea Boots

£170⎜Kurt Geiger London

FOR THEM

1. Personalisation

£34.95⎜NotOnTheHighStreet.co.uk

2. Candle set

£34.99⎜Yankee Candle

3. Photo frame

£20⎜John Lewis

4. Hamper

£100⎜M&S

LITTLE ONES

1. Soft toy

from £9⎜The White Company

2. Book

from £2⎜Groupon UK

3. Music Box

£15.99⎜Born Gifted

4. Pyjamas

£16⎜JoJo Maman Bébé

My Christmas wish list

It's beginning to feel a bit like Christmas and nothing says Christmas more than a few presents under the tree! Although the festive season is all about spending time with friends+family and eating and drinking too much, it's a wonderful feeling to exchange presents and cards with those who mean the most to us.

I started my Christmas shopping pretty early this year and already have a few people sorted (although I'm sure I'll buy way too much in New York for everyone as well).. But I can't help but find things I'd love to buy for myself!

Here's my Christmas wish-list:

1. Loafers - Kurt Geiger

2. Sweater - Topshop

3. Ring - Pandora

4. Bag - Net a Porter

5. Chelsea Boots - Kurt Geiger

18th Birthday Celebrations

Unfortunately, holiday preparations seem to have taken over the last week so I'm a bit behind on blogging, but the good news is... LESS THAN 2 WEEKS TO GO!!!

I had an extremely busy week anyway, holiday prep or not, celebrating this one's 18th!

Charlotte's BIG birthday has been so fun, starting with a family party that we had last weekend. Cake, balloons, loads of food and a bit too much alcohol made for a brilliant night and definitely made a good start to Char's birthday.
She received so many cards, messages and gifts and they were all so lovely, I love watching someone else's reaction to the gift you've spent so long deliberating over.

Her big day on Friday meant not only a nice day off uni for me, but a lovely, girly lunch out with a few cheeky cocktails. We shopped for the rest of the afternoon and then headed back home for a chilled evening, which me and Ollie spent late night shopping in Broadway. 

A perfect winters' night out!

Char went to Birmingham for her birthday night out on Friday and didn't make it back to the hotel until 4.30am (what are birthday's for, eh?!) so Saturday was a bit of a write off!!

For the final birthday celebrations, we all headed to Cheltenham for bowling and pool which was a lot of fun - although I managed to be the ONLY ONE not to get a strike! The evening was spent, again, eating. A lovely day to end the perfect 18th birthday!

Birthday celebrations!

I just wanted to take a moment from my usual blog posts to say a MASSIVE happy 21st birthday to Ollie.

I know you'll hate this post but I just hope you've had the best week and have enjoyed celebrating your birthday!!

I haven't had much time this week to post about what I've been up to, it's been so so busy, but here's a few pictures that I've taken to show what we've been up to: