A Weekend with my Best Friend in Paris | TRAVEL

A weekend in Paris with your best friend sounds like the ultimate dream holiday and let me tell you something -- IT WAS!

It all began with my beautiful best friend Laura flying all the way from New Zealand to surprise me and my wonderful husband planning the whole thing! 

The day she arrived was a typical cloudy London day and as it turned out I happened to be off work sick with a cold/flu. No hint at all of what was about to happen. 

When she walked into my room I didn't know what to do! I was (and am) so overwhelmed that I have a friend who would travel halfway around the world to visit me and whisk me away to Paris for a long weekend away in the sun!

As the weekend came closer, London got windier and rainier and evidently colder considering it is the beginning of 'summer'. Paris was looking better and better.

When we arrived into Paris and were immediately welcomed with beautiful blue skies and a 30 degree day! And that my friends, was the beginning of a great weekend!

Paris Must Dos:

The Louvre

Originally The Louvre was build as a fortress for Philip II in the 12th century and served as a palace for Napoleon. It is now one of the biggest museums in the world. It is well known for housing Leonardo da Vinci's  'Mona Lisa' and the 'Venus de Milo'. Take 4 hours out of your day to walk around the exhibitions, taking in the art and history that surrounds you. I would recommend that you get an audio guide as the signs on each exhibition are not only in French but the descriptions are very minimal. You cannot visit Paris without going to the Louvre! 

Eiffel Tower

I mean -- this is a MUST! You cannot visit Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower! Tickets to get to the top are 14 euros and can be bought online but are sold in limited quantities. To avoid waiting in the looooooooong que I would suggest buying your tickets in advance. The view is worth the wait! 

Moulin Rouge

Made famous by the movie, Moulin Rouge is one of the most iconic cabaret shows in Paris. Situated the Montmartre area in the heart of the red light district, the street has an edgy vibe and is lined with strip clubs and peep shows. If your budget allows, I would absolutely recommend going to a show although there are plenty of cheaper cabaret shows in the area as well. We didn't get the chance this time but when I was in Paris 4 years ago I was lucky enough to go to a show and believe me it did not disappoint! 

Sacré-Coeur

The Sacré-Coeur is a Roman-Catholic church situated on a hill in the heart of Paris. It is also the highest point in the city. Well known for its beautiful exterior and incredible panoramas this church is a must see and it is free (BONUS!)! The inside is absolutely breathtaking but unfortunately no photos are allowed. Take a seat on the grass to soak up the astounding view of the city and church in the background but make sure you have you walking shoes on because that hill is no joke! 

Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is one of most famous streets in the world. It is known for its luxury shopping, cafes, restaurants and theaters. For all those shopaholics (like me!) this is a must! Beginning at the Place de la Concorde and ending at the Arc de Triomphe, the street is beautifully lined with trees and the busy hustle and bustle of cars makes for a vibrant and lively stroll. 

Arc de Triomphe

After walking down the hectic Champs-Élysées, you will arrive at the Arc de Triomphe. The Arc de Triomphe is a monument to honour those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I lies beneath its vault. An underground tunnel allows you to walk under the roundabout so you can get to the centre. You are also able to climb to the top for 8 euros. The Arc de Triomphe is such an iconic and beautifully symbolic structure that I would recommend seeing.

Notre-Dame

Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous medieval Catholic Churches in the world and one of the best examples of the French Gothic architecture. It is also well known from the Disney classic move 'The Hunchback of Notre-Dame'.  We visited the church on our last day in Paris and sadly ran out of time to go inside. Admission is free however once again the line is very long.

Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles has to be my favourite place in all of Paris! The Palace is situated in a small town called Versailles about 1 hour out of the centre of Paris. The best way to get there is by train. The nearest station is: Versailles-Chateau-RG but it is also walking distance from Gare de Versailles Chantiers station. The Palace itself originally housed King Louis XIV in the 17th century. The inside is absolutely breathtaking but also very busy. The walls are lines with gold, crystal chandeliers, and paintings dating back to the 1600s. The gardens cover over 800 hectares of land, and was designed by André Le Nôtre. Each area is dedicated to a different god. Spend the day there soaking up the historic rooms of the palace, walking amongst the beautifully sculpted gardens, watching the musical fountain shows and taking in the atmosphere. Cafes are hidden throughout the gardens too when you are in need of a refreshment. 

The Food and Wine

If the sites of Paris aren't enough to sway you to visit, then the food and wine might just do the trick! Paris is one of the best cities in Europe for food so naturally I was going to be excited! I don't know about you but when I think of French food I think of croissants, baguettes, cheese, snails (although they were not on my list, feel free to add them to yours), frogs legs and lots of wine. Cafes and restaurants line the streets meaning you will never be short of places to go. Set your taste buds on an diverse range of French cuisine and make sure to try something new!

Before we knew it, it was Sunday afternoon and we were packed up and ready to fly back to London. 

I am extremely grateful that I was able to experience Paris with my best friend and being able to show her all of my favourite places in London was so special to me as well.

Heres to many more trips and memories!

Tips

• Get to the Louvre 1st thing in the morning as the lines get longer and longer as the day goes on. There is also a secret entrance which is a lot less busy. It is located in the building to the left of the pyramid when you arrive from Place du Carrousel. The entrance is called: Passage Richelieu.
• I would recommend that you get an audio guide at the Louvre as the signs on each exhibition are not only in French but the descriptions are very minimal.
• Pre-book the Eiffel Tower tickets (which we didn't do) in advance as once again the lines can get VERY long! We waited for just over an hour to get in. 
• The line to get into the Palace of Versailles is very long no matter whether you have tickets pre-booked or not. Make sure you have a bottle of water to get you through the wait time - especially in summer!
• The Metro is the easiest way to get around Paris and see all the sites. Buying a day pass is the cheapest option.

Thanks for reading!

God bless 

Amber x

Liz Earle Skincare Haul | BEAUTY

Liz Earle is a brand that I have only recently been introduced to since moving to the UK. My skin can be very sensitive which means I am very careful with what I put on my face. I have never been one for massive breakouts which I feel is because I am conscious about what I use on my skin. I try to be as organic and animal friendly as I possibly can but it can be hard to find a brand that is not harsh on the skin and has these values. Liz Earle is a proud organic and cruelty free brand which is something I will always support whether or not the products work for me.

As I am living in London and on a pretty tight budget it can be hard for me to purchase new products but I also realise there is no price tag when it comes to looking after your skin. I have recently purchased a small haul of Liz Earle products to try and as the seasons are changing this is when my skin is most vulnerable.

Cleanse and Polish – Hot Cloth Cleanser

I don’t use a cleanser often as I find that the water on my face makes a huge difference. If I do, I will use the Liz Earle Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. I discovered this product a few months ago and fell in love with it! The combination of the cleanser removes the days make up and the hot cloth leaves my skin feeling and looking clean, radiant and soft. After reading all the great reviews and trying the product myself I would 100% recommend this!

Super Skin Moisturiser with Natural Neroli

My skin tends to be very dry but even more especially in the winter and the changing of seasons. Due to this, my skincare routine must always include a rich moisturiser. I use this at the beginning of my day and as it has a very rich formula, I leave this to sink in for a few minutes before applying my foundation. I have found that this moisturiser is perfect for my skin and leaves my face feeling smooth and hydrated for the majority of the day.

Super Skin Eye Cream

Your eyes and the skin around your eyes are extremely delicate and should be treated with care. I have been on the market for a good eye cream for some time now and I came across this. As I am a contact lens wearer I have been looking for a product that is gentle enough to use on a daily basis. I use this morning and night for optimum effect. The Paracress extract lifts and firms the eye area and since using this I have noticed that my dark circles have lessened and the puffiness has been reduced. I am obsessed!

Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion

The eyebright soothing eye lotion is a great way to wake up tired eyes if you have a few extra minutes in your morning routine. I apply a small about to 2 cotton pads and place them on my eyes when I wake up. Depending on how much time I have in the morning I will leave the cotton pads over my eyes for a few minutes. I instantly feel refreshed and more awake than I usually would be at 6am (if that is even possible!)! It is gentle enough for contact lens wearers as well.

Super Skin Concentrate for Night

This night time oil is a beautiful way to end your day! It is a bit more on the pricey side but it goes a long way. I apply a small amount onto my face just before I go to bed and my skin feels nourished from the moment I wake up. The gorgeous smell of lavender and chamomile essential oils helps me to enjoy a restful and relaxing sleep.

Thank you for reading.

God Bless,

Amber x

Choose to be Kind | LIFESTYLE

Choosing to be happy when you are having a bad day can be one of the hardest things to do, but trust me it’s worth it. When change happens in our lives it can be difficult and at times discouraging especially when you are surrounded by the wrong people like a lot of us are. Moving to one of the largest cities in the world, I don’t know what I expected life to be like. Taking your first tube ride at rush hour will tell you! Everyone seems to be in a rush and coming from a very relaxed lifestyle this is a huge change. In this very fast paced world, it is important to stop and smile, to apologise if you bump into someone, and to lend a helping hand to those in need.

There is too much hate in this world. Let’s start making it a better place for those around us. Let’s stop being so judgmental of those who are different. Let’s accept other cultures and beliefs with open arms. Let’s love one another for who we are created to be. No one is the same and we are all on a different walk of life. Surround yourself with people who love and accept you for who you are.

Always be kind, because you never know what someone is fighting on the inside. Be the person who is known for your kindness and grace.

• “Be kind to one another” – Ephesians 4:32 and Ellen DeGeneres

• Kill em with Kindness – Selena Gomez

• Treat others the way you would like to be treated. - Unknown

• “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12

• “Do not judge, and you will not be judged.” Matthew 7:1

• Good manners and kindness are always in fashion. - Unknown

• A warm smile is the universal language of kindness. – William Arthur Ward

• “But the fruit of the spirit is love, peace, kindness, gentleness, joy, patience, goodness, faithfulness, self-control.” – Galatians 5:22-23

• “Anxiety weighs the heart down, but a kind word cheers it up.” Proverbs 12:25

• “Let love and kindness never leave you.” Proverbs 3:3

• “I came so that they may have life and have it abundantly.” – John 10:10

Thank you for reading and please share if you enjoyed.

Amber x

A Long Weekend in London | TRAVEL

It was a warm spring day in London. The first day I had not been wearing a coat since last year. I couldn’t believe how warm it was! Today was definitely a day not to be wasted sitting inside. We began the day with a long tube ride to the historic East End of London, getting off at Liverpool Street and walking towards our first stop, lunch. We arrived in Shoreditch and I instantly fell in love with the street art, old buildings, vintage shopping, food stalls and the independent little shops selling adorable random gifts. I couldn’t get enough of this area! 

I had been speaking to friends earlier in the week who had recommended a place called Cereal Killer Cafe on Brick Lane which I thought sounded AMAZING. 

It was a small cafe with the walls lined with all different types of cereal to choose from. The choice of milks ranged from soy to bubblegum flavoured and the toppings ranged from marshmallows to Oreo. 

This is a cereal lover’s dream! We sat downstairs to eat our incredible creations. The seating area was set up as a 90s kids bedroom with old cartoons playing on video and posters from old magazines that covered the room. The seats were beds with Simpsons duvet covers. The Cereal Killer Cafe was definitely a winner and super funky!! If you are ever in this area make sure to check it out!

We continued walking down Brick Lane taking in the atmosphere, food and vintage shopping. Shoreditch is a place for the creative mind to wander. It is known for its art and hipster culture and my favourite part about this area is the graffiti and street art. The street is lines with colour and vibrancy and there seems to be a story being told on every wall we passed.

Right in the middle of Shoreditch is the iconic Spitafields Market. There the locals sell a mixture of handmade jewellery, clothing, skincare and food from all over the world. Shoreditch has a blend of the old and the new making it an incredible place to visit and experience.

We then jumped back on the tube and headed to Covent Garden. One thing you should know about me is that I love architecture and I continue to fall in love with the beautiful old historic buildings that surround me in London. So when I had heard of a place called Neal’s Yard which is tucked away in a corner of the Seven Dials in Covent Garden, I couldn’t resist checking it out. It is a brightly coloured little courtyard with shops and cafes. It is perfect for photos and a must see in Covent Garden.

I had one last stop planned so once again we hopped back on the tube and this time we got off in North West London at Regents Park. 

One thing that I miss about living in a smaller town is the open space and green grass so what a better way to end a warm spring day than for a walk through one of London’s Royal Parks. Regents Park is beautifully designed and full of perfectly placed flowers, fountains and trees. It is also home to many species of wildlife and the London Zoo. It is a lovely place for a walk or run on a sunny afternoon.

Before we knew it we were at the end of the park and found ourselves at the bottom of Primrose Hill. 

We walked to the top along with many others hoping to make the most of the sun. Even with many people around us we were blown away with the view from the top. We could see every part of the city from here including The Shard, St Pauls Cathedral, The Gherkin, The BT Tower, the London Eye, the Thames, and the Fenchurch Building. 

We decided to sit down and take in the sights some more. There were couples cuddling, people sunbathing, and dogs playing all around us. It was a perfect end to an amazing day.

THE NEXT DAY:

We loved Shoreditch so much that we came back the next evening to the most exciting place I have ever been... A CAT CAFE! Yes, they exist outside of Japan and there is one in London! I heard about Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium a few months ago and knew this was something I had to do. I was not surprised when I had to book 2 months in advance and pay £6 per person just to get a reservation. After the long wait the day was finally here! We made our way back to the exciting culture of Brick Lane and this time continued down Bethnal Green Road until we spotted the cafe. 

We went in and I couldn’t wait to be seated. We walked past a few sleeping cats on the way to our table which was downstairs. 

The walls were filled with cat pictures and play areas for them to climb on and sleep. There was even a book shelf full of magazines and books about cats. 

We stayed for a few hours playing with the cats and chatting to the lovely waitresses about their job (which I am slightly envious of). Just before we left they brought out an adorable kitten named Victor which they had rescued from Brick Lane.  I love that they are helping out animals in need which is something I value and think is extremely important. I will absolutely be back and would highly recommend this experience to other animal lovers like myself.

The best weekends are the ones where you don’t need to spend a lot of money, but you still enjoy yourself anyway.

I am very blessed to have had an amazing Easter Weekend.

Let me know what you did this Easter or if you have been anywhere exciting that you think I should check out!

Once again, thank you for reading.

Amber x