Taste of the Tropical

The thing about Mexico is that it truly lives up to it's name, it really is the land of living a little ... or ALOT. From dancing in the streets, to the finest food, to waking up to a mimosa or two- if you are a looking for a different kind of sassy, city frolicking here is your treasure.

Maybe you are like me and love anything from the sea to the city. Maybe the idea of laying on a beach all day is your idea of boredom? This destination contains: the lease of life you never knew you needed- and an incredible culture you cannot wait to discover. 

Playa Del Carmen, like Puerto Vallarta, exceeded all my expectations. From the Frida Kahlo museum, to beachside cocktails, trinket shops and festivities on every corner, you will never be blind sighted to what this gorgeous city has to offer. The colours, the charisma and the character have all the substance to speak for themselves but they don't have to. This is Mexico at it's finest.

The iconic landscapes and divine horizon is complimented by the welcoming arms of its population, they really want you to be part of their city. We were mesmerised by the array of landmark retailers such a Victorias Secret & Sephora, to the handcrafted souvenirs shops ran from family homes. This is far from your classic postcard beach setting and curiosity is on everyones card.

If there is one lesson to be learnt we know that Mexico is the destination of dreams, bringing the city, a touch of history and culture alongside a different type of luxury altogether. You will never find yourself more grateful to be emerged in such an incredible setting and the best thing of all? Tequila, is at the start of every sentence.

 

Give a girl a break

wearing Pretty Little Thing

Happy Bank Holiday darlings! 

I find myself adjusting back to the colder climate and struggling ... the Autumn knits are already appearing and I am far from wishing Summer away. I've recently returned from my favourite of destinations, Mexico. I spent nine days laying poolside, sipping Margarita's and dancing the nights away without a worry in mind. The struggle of the ten hour flight is always fleeting after you land in paradise. To say this vacay was well and truly needed is an understatement. The heat, the beach and the carefree lifestyle remains my happy place. I love the city but this girl needed a break.

The seasonal blues are already simmering so I am doing everything possible to retain the killer Summer wardrobes, the sassiest trends and my not so real sun kissed glow. 

This is a not so gentle reminder that it's time to take time out and make it count. Sometime's you just can't do it all- Queen Bees or not.

 

Wander in the Dominican Republic | beauty and cause

The past few weeks has seen so much devastation brought upon our world. The natural disasters that have entailed hurricanes Harvey and Irma, Jose and Maria alongside the tragedy of earthquake in Mexico has left families without loved ones and without a home. I visited the Dominican Republic, a Caribbean island, a little over a month ago and was faced with such timeless beauty and landscape never sparing a thought that these islands, and many others would soon face tragedy. 

For these people to suffer such heartbreak is unimaginable. I could have continued my blog posts on my trip to the Dominican but this would not have been right. Instead I would like to share with you some of my personal, unedited photos of the Puerto Plata, a place I will remain eternally grateful to have visited.

Please say a prayer,

please spare a thought for so many in need of help at this moment in time.

You can donate to help those in desperate need of help here. No donation is too big or small.

Here are just some of the ways.

United Way - https://www.ccunitedway.org

The American Red Cross- https://go.crowdrise.com/americanredcross

Save the Children- http://savethechildren.org

Global Giving- http://savethechildren.org

UNICEF Mexico- https://www.unicef.org/mexico

UNICEF USA- https://www.unicefusa.org

IMPORTANT: Before you donate check out Vogue's tips and advice from the Federal Trade commission to avoid scammers. 

here 

 

ESCAPE X MEXICO

Mexico.

A land of amazing culture, history, tradition ... and a tequila or two.

If you desire a vacay that combines luxury, adventure and a party its time to jetset. Unlike many other destinations this entire country is filled with tourist hotspots that are home to some of the most incredible landscapes. You never have to stay in one place, it's a place that thrives on hustle. From sipping the best margaritas in the world (a life changer), to spending your night dancing the streets with local people Mexico makes a case for escape. Theres a reason so many people elope here. 

I'd always heard so many people mention Mexico and with so much fascination it was time I saw for myself.  You find yourself longing for venture beyond your own belief. 

With not a care in the world the possibilities are endless on this bucket list essential.  

Location

One of the hardest decisions you will have to make when going to Mexico is your location of choice. I took a twelve hour flight to the Pacific Coast and the travel was worth the while. With that being said the famous Caribbean Coast, home to Cancun,  a city I know you have heard of, is equally as tempting. Life couldn't be more different but with a carefree attitude and the aim to have a little fun you will be at ease from the second you step off the plane. Cabo and Tulum are favourite, 'it' places every Summer season. With so much choice how do you make one of the best decisions of a lifetime? 

You try both ... 

Where to stay?

Pacific Coast

RIU VALLARTA BOOK

4*+, Nuevo Vallarta

'golden sand beach of Playa de Flamingos, in a laid-back part of Nuevo Vallarta.'

GRAND SIRENIS MATALI HILLS RESORT AND SPA BOOK

5*, Puerto Vallarta 

'This hillside hotel delivers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.'

Caribbean Coast

EL DORADO MAROMA  BOOK

5*, Riviera Maya

'perfect blend of laid-back and luxury'

MOON PALACE BOOK

5*, Cancun 

'The hotel is tucked among 123 acres of gardens, and right on a white-sand beach.'

Where to explore? 

1/7 NEW WONDERS Take this one in a lifetime opportunity to explore the ancient Chichén Itzá and immerse yourself in one of the many pieces of history that Mexico has to offer. - Caribbean Coast

STREET PARTY Wherever you go every night is a party. When I say its time to dance with the locals you will soon realise that this is a natural instinct as you wander through some of the sassiest, music you ever did hear.

TEQUILA TOUR For a country that is renown for it's Tequila it's only right the you escape to the unknown and do it properly, do you dare?

HIDDEN MEXICO Take an organised Jeep tour into the hidden jungles of Puerto Vallarta. Besides encompassing everything that Mexico has to offer this subtropical jungle not only has the most beautiful nature and creatures, as expected, but is the location of many Mexican villages- many of which you are invited to come and explore for yourself. - Puerto Vallarta

WATER SPORTS With an endless ocean ahead of you water sports whilst in Mexico is a must. You have no excuse. It's time to paraglide your way over dream hotspots and scuba down to the depths of the many divine shades of ocean.

SUNSET DINNER Whilst this may sound obvious this an experience like no other. The weather is unpredictable and you must take each day as it comes as it can change in an instance, especially during the Summer months ... but this is where it gets fun. If you get a chance to experience one of the insane tropical storms that often pass you'll soon begin to realise nothing changes, you'll love this place when it's torrential weather as much as you do when it heats up.

You have to see it to believe it.

When booking a trip to Mexico an all inclusive package is recommended. With such packages you are housed in a luxury resort, by a beautiful beach and still have every opportunity to explore everything you desire ... and there is nothing stopping you spending a few days away from the hotel. Unlike many city breaks Mexico is a world away but trying to plan this strategically will take some serious organisation and therefore a package vacation is a must. However you must realise this does not in anyway draw your attention from the partying and the desire to wander, if anything it encourages it. Whilst most hotels will give you the chance to explore world cuisine take a night to go and immerse yourself in the city and experience Mexico in it's truest form. 

A Mexico vacay is one that captures everything and quite simply put is one of my favourite places in the entire world. When people speak in admiration, it's the truth. 

This maybe a costly experience but this is an escape you'll never want to arrive back from. 

 

The things that make you happy

 

 

  

  

Challenge: Choose FIVE things that make you happy.

Choose FIVE words that you associate with them.

CHOOSE ONE word that describes why they 

bring you happiness.

WRITE

inspire, influence, encourage, motivate, power

Expression

STYLE 

trend, colour, experiment, freedom, blog

Statement

READ

dream, love, adventure, learn, create

Thrill

EXPLORE

culture, history, dine, people, music

Reality

ESCAPE

dare, beach, love, wander, change

Retreat

Here you are left with you five keys to your happiness. 

If you don't include them in your everyday life you will ultimately

be overwhelmed, drained and lost. Including those five keys aren't always obvious

but take a moment to think where they derive from? However don't overthink it.

You need to learn to live in your everyday life not just your dream world. 

There you will find peace with yourself.
What makes you happy?

wearing 

Playsuit: Topshop  

Life on the Pacific Coast, Mexico

 

wearing

Dress: H&M

Shoes: River Island

Sunglasses: River Island

Life on the Pacific Coast is a little different.

A little more fulfilling and a little more pleasing.

Imagine a Sunday night spent dancing the streets with your neighbours, watching circus acts or wondering around endless markets filled with local handmade goods and specialities. Whilst I have been on many vacations, primarily in Europe, life on the other side of the globe is a contrast.

Maybe it's the forgetting your everyday life and spending your time as you please, or perhaps its exploring the history and culture of a population who are the most welcoming I have ever seen. Mexico mesmerises you.

With every step you take there is someone ready to take your hand and dance with you, someone who is intrigued by your story and someone who is carefree and already enjoying the moment. It's easy to forget that your 11 hour flight is a world away from those who have forever remained in their hometown. 

Puerto Vallarta lies on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. 

This wonderful city brings together town, ocean and the jungle. Whilst the golden beaches of the Banderas Bay may appeal to some, trekking through the jungle and up into the mountains remain just as appealing, I wish I had all the time in the world. If your a city lover like me it's hard to break away but in a town that has kept tightly hold of its iconic culture you'll still walk around the corner to find your favourites such as Starbucks. This place has transgressed into a new era whilst continuing to bring every treasured aspect of the old on its journey.

It's what you would call paradise.

From the cobbled streets, insanely bright colours, dancing and the desire to entertain, to most of all the people. This really is one of the most magical places I had ever visited. Whilst of course many jetsetters are driven to Cancun and Tulum, I am pleased and feel lucky enough that I have had the opportunity to experience Mexico in all it's glory, the real Mexico (as described by local people).