Lesson 2: Breathe baby breathe | February

So you are finally getting over your January blues and already seeking those Summer months. February was always one of my favourite months, now it is one of the hardest. With awards season in full swing and in the midst of fashion week, February is not only about planning those career goals but also making peace with your mindset.

This past February was a little unexpected. 

I know Antartica was on top of my bucket list but I didn't expect to live and breathe it so soon.

Whilst the snow caused chaos and disruption in England, it also became a welcome distraction.

February is the month to take time out and breathe. The time to find your headspace. 

Whilst my February was filled with work work and more work, I also gave myself time to reflect and kept my head in the clouds. Reality never has to be as it appears. 

Surround yourself with people who understand this mantra. 

... because remember my darlings, you don't always have to keep your shit together. 

   Lesson 2: Breathe baby breathe

  

ESCAPE X BARCELONA

Barcelona was never a city at the top of my wanderlust but instead a famously iconic one I had to tick off my list. I just couldn't understand the fascination ... until I arrived. If I had only known before how wonderful it was I know my visit there would have happened a long time ago as it firmly sits near the top of my list.

Barcelona is simply magical. Around every street your mind is blown by the incredible architecture, landscape and vivid bursts of colour. Like Paris, you arrive with a vision and your expectations are exceeded dramatically. Being surrounded by such beauty makes you feel nothing less than amazing. This city is one that combines tourism, adventure, culture and a Summer vacation all into one. 

Your return is inevitable. 

Location

This European city is renown as one of the worlds finest. In mainland Spain it remains one of the easiest European destinations to get to, and also one of the cheapest. The thing about Barcelona is that you can experience it in anyway you want. Perhaps you want to be in the heart of the city sampling boutique hotels in the Gothic quarter, or maybe chilling by the beach or better yet situated in Barcelona's financial district dividing your time between history and high tech. The possibilities are endless.

Where to stay?

HESPERIA TOWEL HOTEL

5*,  Hospitalet de Llobregat BOOK, +34 93 4135000

'it’s a real city landmark, complete with a fabulous glass-roof cupola'

W HOTEL

4.4*, Place de la Rosa dels Vents, +34 93 295 28 00 BOOK

'boasting panoramic views over the Mediterranean and city of Barcelona' 

H10 MONTCADA BOUTIQUE

3*, Gothic Neighbourhood BOOK

' a neoclassical building on Via Laietana which has been completely renovated with decor inspired by the voyages of yesteryear'

OHLA BARCELONA

via Laietana, info@ohlaboutiquehotels.com, BOOK

'the avant-garde interior design of the current building contrasts with a neoclassic façade classified as historical heritage'

Where to explore?

PARC GUELL, entice yourself with the exquisite works of Antoni Guadi. Learn his history and experience his passion for creation as you step into a dream world where mosaics take over and pathways lead only to the most divine discoveries.

PORT AVENTURA, if you are feeling a little daring Barcelona is a main route to one of Europe's most famous theme parks and this is one thrill you really will love.

LA SAGRADA FAMILIA, this Basilica is the landmark that identifies Barcelona on the map, with it's Gothic design representing the foundations of what makes this city so phenomenal and furthermore iconic. If there is one thing I would recommend it's taking a trip to admire this beautiful architecture. It is unlikely you will see something quite as breathtaking in it's design.

BARCELONA CATHEDERAL, experience Barcelona in all it's glory, mingle with the local people and shop in some of the most chic boutiques whilst testing some of its favourite cuisine. 

MAGIC FOUNTAIN OF MONTJUÏC, picture perfect this is the location of all those dreamy Instagram snaps that created your desire to visit Barcelona in the first instance. Day or night magic really is the most perfect way to describe it.

OLYMPIC STADIUM, still in pristine condition explore the location of the 1992 Olympics and some of the worlds greatest sporting events.

CAMP NOU, whether you are a football lover or not ... when in Barcelona the experience is more than worthwhile.

Clubs and Restaurants 

I: Mixed cuisine, lounge and club @CDLCBARCELONA http://www.cdlcbarcelona.com

FB: Eclipse club, W Hotel @ECLIPSEBARCELONA http://www.eclipse-barcelona.com

FB: Salt beach club, W Hotel @WBARCELONA http://www.saltbeachclub.com

FB: @BARMARSELLABARCELONA

FB: Catalan cuisine @PETITECOMITEBARCELONA https://petitcomite.cat

FB: @BESTIALBEACHCLUBCN http://grupotragaluz.com/restaurante/bestial/

Barcelona is a city of the unexpected. Never had I imagined the endless opportunities and discovery this beautiful city had to offer. A beach holiday in itself is always enough, now pair that with the greatest city break you have ever seen and you've escaped into destination dreams.

 

ESCAPE X Ooohlalaa its fashion

I'm back darlings.

Things are getting a little hectic in the city meaning a vacay is just around the corner.

It's time to release your inner wanderlust as we explore some of the best destinations the globe has to offer this Summer. 

So whether you are frolicking in Santorini, partying in Ibiza or dancing the streets of Barcelona, heres your go to guide to summer dreams. 

We just don't believe in understated, the Summer is what we live for.

Join me over the next week as we explore some of my favourite vacay spots, letting you in on what to do, where to stay and how to keep things a little adventurous.

The best thing of all? These are the hottest vacation spots this season, forget Instagram envy- darling it's your turn to ESCAPE. 

  

Falling

 

  

Today's marks the Autumnal equinox of 2016.

As the Burberry trench coats make a return, the leaves fall on the ground and our favourite shades reappear the turn of the season marks the the turn of a brand new transition once again. 

Join me as we I explore the wonderful city of Barcelona, my last fling with Summer and the first taste of fall.

If you go down to the woods

 

It's not very often I get a chance of a 'break', i'm always on the go.
This weekend was a little different. After spending yesterday eating ice cream by the riverside, soaking up that fleeting British Summer, today I went that one step further.

My sister turned17 today and it's not very often we get to spend time together, so we decided to go for a little woodland frolicking. We visited Alnwick Castle, a place of history, iconically British and unforgettably a location where Harry Potter was filmed.

There was something so peaceful and most of all relaxing about visiting this gorgeous landscape. Instead of getting caught up in the hustle of the city I actually spent my Sunday doing exactly as I pleased, of course that included spending lunchtime sipping cocktails.

I like to constantly work.

I keep myself motivated at all costs, but sometimes it becomes a little unhealthy.

It's always okay to take that breath of fresh air you need. 

Never feel guilty, as long as you choose to spend it wisely.

 

21 Things i've learnt since turning 21

Twenty One came and went, here is a few things I learnt ... 

1. Everything changes

2. The grass isn't always greener on the other side

3. You encounter issues you would never dream of

4. Hard works pays off

5. Treasure those round you

6. Make sure 'those' are a select few

7. Be thankful for everything that happens

8. Style is eternal, so do it well

9. Opportunties come and go, so take them whilst you can

10. The pressure is on

11. Knowledge is power

12. Use that power to your advantage

13. Giving has never been so rewarding

14. Its okay to treat yourself

15. Set yourself a list of goals

16. Review them on a frequent basis

17. Achieve them

18. Surround yourself by ambition

19. Some things lack importance, forget them

20. Theres always people out there who are suffering worse than you

21. Bare that in mind

 

Amsterdam; autumnal Europe

A little insight into my recent city trip ...

                                                      

I've missed Europe since I moved back from Germany a few years ago ... visiting in my favourite season was just a dream.