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!

Perfect pastels

Pastels are everywhere at the moment and I just can't get enough of them. From baby blue dresses to pink accessories, soft homeware furnishings to lemon t-shirts, pastels are definitely the prettiest way to colour yourself up while being bang on trend. Here's some of my favourites.

Woven bag⎜Kate Spade

Stan Smiths⎜Adidas

Wallet⎜Chanel

Pinafore⎜Topshop

Phone Case⎜Skinnydip

Pom-pom Blanket⎜Shabby Store

Perfume⎜Abercrombie and Fitch

Dress⎜Self Portrait

Silk Scarf⎜Ted Baker 

Mug⎜Disney

Holiday Destination: Mexico

As I'm writing this post, the sun is just beginning to peek through the grey clouds. I'm back in the UK and the weather is awful! Take me back to non-stop sunshine, cool cocktails, a suite made for a queen and the white sand of the Caribbean coast.

We'd booked Riviera Maya, Mexico, back in 2016 and after months of paying it off, holiday shopping and anticipation, we left Birmingham airport on a dreary Monday morning at the end of June and headed on what can only be described as a holiday of a lifetime. 

The Hotel

Booking a Mexican holiday is something that, at the time, proved a little more difficult than we thought. There's so many options and you're spending a lot of money... what if it's not what you thought it would be?!

The Hideaway at Royalton Riviera was the best choice we could have made. What a hotel. It's difficult to put our experience into words but from the moment we walked into the resort, everything was even more incredible than what we could have ever imagined. Not only does every inch of the resort have the most amazing panoramic views of the clear blue ocean and white sandy beaches that lie alongside the hotel, but the service, atmosphere and attention to detail was unlike anywhere else I have ever stayed.

We never went hungry and the 11 restaurants on offer were of a quality I have never experienced at any hotel before. Our favourites had to be the French cuisine restaurant (we're talking 10/10 chateaubriand and crepe suzette), the Italian and Hunter's steakhouse. The pools and beach were gorgeous, whether you wanted to join in with drinking games, play table tennis or just sit and read your book... and the sunbeds were something else - resulting in maybe one too many midday naps.

Our suite was the cherry on top of an already 3-tiered, smooth frosting, fondant flower decorated cake! Full-to-the-brim fridges every evening for those midnight snacks, two jacuzzi's for ultimate relaxation and a beautiful view from our panoramic balcony was much appreciated during the warmest of sunsets. We were very lucky to be able to experience this resort in the way that we did and would recommend this hotel to anyone looking at staying in Riviera Maya!

Day Trips

I'm starting to think maybe I should have split this into two posts... I'll try not to blabber on!

One of the reasons Ollie and I decided to book Mexico wasn't just for the all-inclusive food and getting some Caribbean sun - it's somewhere that we've always wanted to explore and learn more about. We booked a Chichen Itza tour through Gray Line before we went away and honestly, it was one of the highlights of our trip. Although the transfer was just over two hours, the drive went really quickly and was completely worth it for the incredible views and surrealness you felt while stood underneath the famous Mayan antiquities. You can really take in your surroundings and appreciate why this ancient city is one of the seven wonders of the modern world. On your day out to Chichen Itza, you can also take time to explore famous cenotes, which is a must - because Mexico is one of the only countries in the world where you can see them.

Visiting Isla Mujeres is probably the most fun I have ever had and would tell anyone visiting anywhere remotely near Cancun to take a day trip there. The island is particularly famous for one thing, Corona, and even has its own Corona drive thru but if you really want to feel like you're in a Corona commercial, head to Playa Norte. It's without a doubt the most beautiful beach I've ever visited and has one of the cheapest bars we came across - even better! For the rest of your day, we're talking feeding turtles, haggling shop owners, taking in the views from the southern part of the island and trying street food - all whilst exploring on a golf cart.

Playa Del Carmen was probably our closest town and we headed there towards the end of our trip to focus on one thing... shopping. 5th avenue runs parallel to the beach and is jam packed full of shops, stalls, bars and restaurants. From American high-street shops to traditional market style stalls, incredible street food (you have to try the churros!) to nightclubs, it's all there in one place. Once we had explored the buzzing street, we headed down to the beach to unwind and get some shade. From Playa Del Carmen you can also get the ferry over to Cozumel, a beautiful, large island, famous for scuba-diving, which we'd have done if we'd have stayed in Mexico longer but that's just another reason to return.

After two weeks of soaking up the sunshine, exploring Mexican wonders and sipping a little too much tequila, we headed home with some of the best holiday memories (and a few magnets!). I would recommend Riviera Maya to anyone, it really is a holiday of a lifetime. I can't wait to head back already but for now, it's time to start planning the next one...

What university taught me

3 years of hard work, late nights, breakdowns, midnight snacking, midday drinking and deadlines. Remind you of anything? Yep, I've finally completed uni!

University has been the biggest challenge of my life so far, but the most fun and exciting three years I could have ever imagined. Studying journalism was the first challenge that I was faced with and like every university student, I questioned whether it was the right thing for me. Which, of course it was. I've learnt so much about the industry and found my love for writing, tried new things like working in PR and created my blog, which I now use as my escape and enjoy writing so much.

"I should be proud of what I achieve."

University taught me to give everything a go. On a course that is so practical, there is no other option other than to just get out there and do it. Interviewing people in the street, phoning people regarding a story, presenting on the TV and being an editor of a newsroom are just some of the tasks I've been faced with, but that's where I've learnt most. My confidence has improved so much and I now struggle less with meeting new people, am more confident in interviews and making initial conversation.

It also taught me that it's ok to be average. I used to hate the idea of failing, especially when it comes to exams and assignments but being at university made me realise that as long as I put 110% into everything, I should be proud of what I achieve. Journalism is a difficult course to achieve 1st's on every assignment and that's okay. Some of the work has been extremely difficult and left me having breakdown after breakdown but at the end of the day, I know that I've worked my butt off on every single assignment, which is something I should be proud of.

Saving money is easier than you think. These last three years, I've managed to save so much money which I am very proud of. Yes, I live at home. No, I don't care. I have been just as independent at home as I would have been living at university; I manage my time, cook my own food, wash all my clothes and save a ton of money while I'm at it. I managed to save enough money to buy a new car while I was studying, as well as saved enough to help me put a deposit on a house sooner than I would have before. Oh, and I've been on some amazing holidays, to festivals, had lots of nights out and bought a lot more takeout food than I'd be happy to admit to.

"I wouldn't have had it any other way."

University has made me realise what I really want. Journalism has been an amazing course and I'm so glad I chose to study it, especially at the University of Gloucestershire. However, by living at home, I managed to get two months work experience at a local first school, where I realised that teaching is what I want to do. Through the help of my lecturers, family and friends, I decided to apply for a number of postgraduate PGCE courses, and from this September, I will be taking the next step in a career that I know I'll be so happy with.

Uni has been amazing. I've made friends for life, thrown myself in to the course, enjoyed weeks of journalism work experience and finally realised what it is I want to do. Yes, I decided to live at home during my three years and no, I'm not necessarily focusing my career on the subject I have studied but for me, I wouldn't have had it any other way.

My birthday in pictures

How social media is changing the face of journalism

Social media is constantly changing and adapting to new technology, emerging audiences and developing trends. To keep up with these changes, the news room also has to adapt. Print audiences are declining and digitalised content is a concept that more people are looking for when it comes to how they source news. Social media is changing the face of journalism and this post will look at the positive changes that have materialised through the introduction of social media platforms.

For news organisations, social media has ensured information gets to the audience when they want it. Statistics have shown that an online audience is less patient and through advances such as trends on social media and the availability for cameras and filming in any place at any time, information can be published when it arises, allowing an online audience to receive the information at the moment it occurs through push notifications and social media app alerts. When a recent Buckingham Palace announcement was made, it spiralled instant debate and questioning among online audiences and as soon as the news broke from the Palace of Prince Philip's retirement, online news organisations published the correct information, putting all speculation to rest.

Social media also creates an environment for discussion and interaction between audiences, journalists and organisations. Through features such as Twitter polls, instant messaging and intertwining apps, the audience believe they get 'their say'. Results for polls, messages and comments are often read out on television, for example BBC Sport reading out comments relating to the recent Premier League title win. In addition, people are now not only discussing current affairs and news with each other, but speaking directly to journalism professionals, presenters and social media influencers on social media platforms. Although this could be seen as a negative, encouraging people to be involved with news is something that can only benefit them, their knowledge and allow them to create their own opinions.

Journalism is moving with the advances of media platforms and people are using the internet to benefit their organisation or publication. The growth in digital magazines and online media companies means that traditional newspaper publications, such as The Times and The Telegraph, are reacting to the statistics on online growth and publishing content not only online, but directly onto social media platforms. Alexis Madrigal, Deputy Editor of thealtantic.com identified the need for digitalised content, "if something doesn't succeed on Facebook, it does not succeed at all." This highlights the need for social media in a journalism based organisation and with 1.94 billion active Facebook users, more organisations are using this statistic to their benefit. In addition, content is now reaching a wider audience. Through social media shares and trends, stories and breaking news that would have previously reached just the readership of a publication can now reach millions of social media users that may not have considered reading or reacting to a story before.

"Live video is not just changing the way we consume news, but how we do news." @evonnebenedict #LiveImpact #sxsw #journalism #socialmedia

— Christine Lee (@cstinelee) March 11, 2017

My birthday wish list

Image from Pexels

It's nearly my 21st birthday and although I haven't actually made a birthday list or asked anyway for anything this year, what's a birthday without a blog post birthday wish list?!

So, this list has become more of a 'what I like at the moment' post and searching around, a few of these bits have caught my eye! I think I'll end up buying a few of these before I go on holiday or even just to add to my summer wardrobe.